2017 wedding trends , 2017 weddings , Association of Bridal Consultants , Cori Sponagle , Events by Cori , Modern Luxury Brides , Orange County , the knot , Uncategorized , videography , Wedding Design and Coordination , Wedding Florists , Wedding Ideas , Wedding Planner Orange County
Association of Bridal Consultants Luncheon – Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens
It’s such a treat to design an event for my industry colleagues and friends at the Association of Bridal Consultants Orange County! Last week, we gathered for lunch at Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens. It was a gorgeous setting, and offered a relaxing backdrop for us to slow down, sip Summer Bellinis, and really enjoy each others company. This beautiful luncheon could not have been possible without the talented creative team who made sure every detail was memorable! Opal & Christopher at Rogers Gardens are a dream to work with! Chef Mead impressed us all with Citrus Glazed Salmon Salad and Chopped Grilled Vegetable Salad with Chicken. And don’t be fooled by those succulents…they’re dessert! Jennifer at Plumeria Cake Studio surprised us all with succulent inspired cupcakes that were equally delicious and creative. Kelly Waterman Photography was on hand to capture the day so beautifully.
Photography: Kelly Waterman Photo
Event Design: Events by Cori
Venue: Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens
Florals: Rogers Gardens Floral Studio
Videography: Le Reve Films
Stationery: Elizabeth King Design
Cupcakes: Plumeria Cake Studio
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Bridal Affair Showcase at Hotel Irvine! Meet the Top Wedding Trends for 2017
With only 3 months left in 2016, event planners and excited brides-to-be are looking ahead to next year’s newest and most exciting trends! We gathered OC’s top wedding professionals all in one place, Hotel Irvine, for a boutique-style bridal event showcasing the most promising designs for 2017!
Hotel Irvine featured their gorgeous “backyard,” a 10k square foot lawn in the heart of OC! Floral designers brought their A-game, competing in a contest judged by the Hotel Irvine team. The Blooming Branch, with their gorgeous orchid and silver-clad tablescape, was awarded the winning nod with a weekend stay at Hotel Irvine!
Casablanca Bridal Flagship Salon unveiled stunning bridal gowns for 2017, and Victor Paul Salon (thank you Joshua, Rochelle and Selina), Pure Beauty by Danielle ensured our lovely models were runway ready. White Flite surprised the crowd with a dove release after the fashion show! Grooms sampled scotch while Brides sipped champagne and browsed a wide variety of vendors. Lavish Candy treated us to a decadent Donut Bar…perhaps one of our favorite 2017 trends! Flawless Faces treated the ladies to lashes & braids at their table. I need to give a special shout-out to Martin & Kris with Waveform Events! They arrived early, worked outside in the hot temperatures and never complained! Trust me: these are exactly the type of professionals you want around on your big day!
Christopher Todd Studios, Happy Photos and Sipper Photography were on-hand to capture all the fun! I’m so pleased with the way it all turned out! Thank you to Stephanie & the fabulous team at Hotel Irvine! 2017 trends are set to impress event planners, couples and guests alike!
Vendor Team:
Venue: Hotel Irvine
Coordinator: Events by Cori
Media Sponsors: Ceremony Magazine, OC Bride Magazine, The Knot, The Wedding Guide
Beauty: Flawless Faces, Pure Beauty by Danielle, Victor Paul Salon, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Waxing the City
Bridal Fashion: Casablanca Bridal Flagship Salon
Cakes: Plumeria Cake Studio
Doves: White Flite
Entertainment: Classic Cuts, Sound Wave Entertainment, Atmosphere Events, Waveform Events
Floral Design: In Focus Events, Lucas Jeanne Events, The Blooming Branch, The Pink Daffodil, The Tangled Vine
Gift Registry: Bloomingdales Fashion Island
Invitations: Li-K Designs, Polkadot Weekend
Officiants: Reverend Brent
Photography: Christoper TODD Studios, David & Tania Photography, Davello Photography, Happy Photos, Sipper Photography
Rentals: Elegant Wind Waves, Signature Party Rentals, Via La Roche Event Rentals
Specialty: Lavish Candy
Tuxedos: Friar Tux
Videography: Godfather Films
Weddings & Event Production: Events by Robin, Events by Cori
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A Bridal Affair – Mission Viejo Country Club, February 28, 2016
Our first Bridal Open House of the year is always reason for excitement. I love meeting excited new Brides-to-be, many of whom got engaged over the holiday season. And of course, it’s exciting to unveil the hottest new trends for the upcoming event season guaranteed to make your event stand out as a unforgettable bespoke celebration. On Sunday 2/28, we gathered a hand-selected group of the top wedding professionals in Orange County and a record-setting number of engaged couples excited about their big day for an afternoon of pampering and planning at Mission Viejo Country Club. I’d like to extend a special “thank you” to Janet from Wheeland Photography for capturing the day on film! 
A huge Thank You to our contributing vendors for your role in making this event a success!
Venue
Media Sponsors
Beauty/Make-up
Bridal Salon
Casablanca Bridal Flagship Salon
Cakes & Desserts
Entertainment/DJ
Carcano DJ Audio Visual & Lighting
Gift Registry
Health
Florist/Floral Design
Invitations
Officiants/Clergy
Photography
Photobooth
Rentals
Specialty
Travel/Honeymoon
Tuxedos
Wedding & Event Production
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It’s all in the details. M&K wedding at Pacific Edge Hotel, Laguna Beach CA
An intimate gathering of friends & family surrounded by crashing waves and warm ocean breezes…this is the stuff wedding dreams are made of. But it’s the small intimate touches, not the nuts-and-bolts of a well planned wedding, that make for the most touching of affairs. The celebration of Mina & Kelvin was steeped in personality and simple, yet chic elegance. Their choices were a wonderful reflection of the relaxed coastal feel of the gorgeous venue at the Pacific Edge Hotel, and a comfortable setting in which to relish having the most important people in their lives together under one roof. Ohana Photographers captured the magic of the day.
Mina & Kelvin: Wishing you many more days as happy as this one, many more occasions for celebration, and a lifetime of love and laughter.
This beautiful celebration could not have been possible without the hard work of this creative team…thank you!
Coordinator: Events by Cori
Venue: Pacific Edge Hotel
Photography: Ohana Photographers
Music: Danny Maika
Hair&Makeup: Echou Makeup
Florist: In Flower
Cake: Plumeria Cake Studio
Letter artist: Letter Sparrow
Rentals: Studio Vintage Rentals
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Wishing you a marriage more beautiful than the wedding! Happy Anniversary Jessica & Sean!
Hard to believe it has been a year since this dashing couple said “I do!” Their special day was recently featured on the Borrowed & Blue blog, and we were reminded of all the heartfelt details we adored. Held at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point CA, the couple wanted a beach-inspired celebration that reflected their fun-loving personalities. The thought and effort that they put into crafting a memorable celebration for their closest friends and family was evident from the incredibly meaningful gifts chosen for their parents and bridal party, to the fun choice of gourmet doughnuts instead of traditional cake. I still remember those doughnuts very fondly! Ashley Williams Photography did such a stunning job capturing everything from the big moments to the tiny details.
Jessica explained it all best. Please enjoy some insights from the stunning bride…
“When beginning this crazy ride, we weren’t too specific with what we wanted, but had some broad strokes of a vision. We wanted to be close to the ocean, to keep things intimate, to have the boys in suits, the gals in black, but most of all we wanted to have a really fun party.
After hunting up and down the coast of Southern California, we discovered the Ocean Institute in Dana Point. The modern, sharp architecture up against the stunning Harbor meant we got to keep décor simple and really let the venue do the talking. As San Diego natives and Los Angeles locals, the beach is a definite constant. That being said, we did decide to stray away from a barefoot on the sand wedding, and instead used the ocean as inspiration for the day.
We kept our colors simple — blues, dark greenery, black and cream, and pulled from the elements of the beach and the venue to bring it all together. Beach stones, driftwood, candlelight, and a suspended whale skeleton above the head table brought it full circle. Instead of table numbers, our guests sat a tables named after various beaches from our lives. I walked down the aisle to Van Morrison with a bouquet wrapped in lace. The lace was a keepsake from a bouquet I caught at Sean’s cousin’s wedding, our first year of dating.
We also wanted to include ways to remember my older sister, Meagan, who passed away. A bridesmaid bouquet and stain-glass candleholder was placed on the first chair of the bride’s side. We wanted to make sure she had a good seat to the show. I also had a bracelet of hers broken up into (4) pins — 1 on my bouquet, and the other 3 given to amazing women in my life to wear in her honor.
We asked my Uncle Gary to officiate the ceremony (an idea we shamelessly stole from a cousin of mine), where we shared vows that we had written together. He told the story of how we met, read quotes from throughout history, and saved a quote dear to our hearts for last: “I want a marriage more beautiful than my wedding.” As an event producer, this was my mantra throughout the wedding planning process. As beautiful and fun as planning such a special day is, I wanted to make sure I didn’t lose sight of the purpose. I didn’t want planning our wedding to feel like work, and I didn’t want to get so caught up in making everything perfect that I was missing the big picture. So, when I spelled my new last name wrong on our Save the Dates, I sent them anyways. I shed some minor tears, but we decided to travel this whole journey to have a marriage, not just a wedding. If he could forgive me for the spelling typo, I figured I could and should get over it, too.
At the end of the day, our wedding was filled with romance and laughter, but most of all it felt sacred to who we are. We watched the sunset over the water, toasted our beautiful family and friends, and danced the night away. Our guests were happy and full — we couldn’t have imagined a better day.” -Jessica
Meet the Team:
Event Planning & Design: Events by Cori
Photography: Ashley Williams Photography
Venue: Ocean Institute
Cinematographers: Honest Films
DJ: California DJ’s
Catering: The Sundried Tomato
Florist: My Flower Affair
Hair & Makeup: Vow Studio 101
Invitations & Caligraphy: Birch & Main Letterpress
Photo Booths: Optic Booth
Rentals: Signature Party Rentals
Hotel Accommodations: Laguna Cliffs Marriott
Association of Bridal Consultants , Events by Cori , Los Angeles Weddings , Orange County , Wedding Planning Services , Wedding Services , Wedding Tips , Wedding Venues Orange County
Association of Bridal Consultants, Orange County – Educational Meeting
I must confess to you, there are many days when the life of an event planner is rather charming. The monthly meetings of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC-OC) definitely qualify as one of those “tough days in the office” (said with a wink). I have served on the board for several years, providing an opportunity to meet and work with some of the finest venues in the area. Monthly meetings, held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month, range from educational meetings for wedding consultants to wonderful celebrations of the latest trends at the best locations in Orange County.
This month’s meeting was held at a new venue for Sundried Tomato Bistro in San Juan Capistrano called Plaza de Magdalena. The property is both spacious and elegant, as well as conveniently located. I adore the food at Sundried Tomato and have worked with Patti Pracht, the sales manager for weddings and outside catering, for years! In fact, we have an upcoming event at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point and they will be providing the catering for the rehearsal dinner.
The team of sponsoring vendors and collaborators changes from month to month, but without fail, is a showcase of the top wedding industry professionals in the area! This month’s coordinator, Keri Underhill did an amazing job. Floral Occasions created a stunning scene with the arrangements and hanging succulent details.
My friend Jennifer at Plumeria Cake Studio provided the most adorable party favors: a perfectly packaged slice of cake! I was dreaming of Champagne Orange Cake with Vanilla Whipped Mousse filling that night.
This month’s speakers included a panel of couples/newlyweds that spoke about their experiences finding vendors for the their big day. It was very helpful to hear how they went about finding vendors. Some couples used the vendors their coordinator had recommended, while others used websites like The Knot, Wedding Wire and read Yelp reviews.
Education and networking are the main objectives of ABC. I make it a point to meet 2 new people at each meeting! The benefits of my membership have been numerous and rewarding: ongoing education, networking opportunities among industry peers, plus the fabulous soirees aren’t bad either.
- Venue: Plaza de Magdalena
- Planner: Platinum Weddings by Kerrie
- Caterer and Bar: Sundried Tomato American Bistros & Catering
- Photograper: Brett Hickman Photo
- Videographer: Perryfield Films
- Florist: Floral Occasions
- Stationery: Jen Simpson Design
- Linens: Luxe Linen
- Vintage Furniture/Glassware: Sundrop Vintage
- Chargers: Something Borrowed Party Rentals
- Entertainment: Hey Mister DJ
- Lighting : 3J Events
- Favors: Plumeria Cake Studio
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Coordinating a Styled Photo Shoot: Casa Romantica Cultural Center & Gardens, San Clemente, CA
A few months ago, we had the distinct pleasure of coordinating a styled photo shoot at the request of Casa Romantica Cultural Center & Gardens for their new brochure. Perched on a bluff overlooking the historic San Clemente Pier, the magnificent Casa Romantica is a living demonstration of California history, culture and ecology – a showplace for the region. A wedding or styled photo shoot here is a event planners dream come true! Perhaps even more exciting, I had complete creative freedom for the design and details! Seriously, someone pinch me 🙂
Theme
The most successful styled photo shoots are bound by a clear vision and style inspiration. I wanted the styling to reflect the timeless and authentic feel of this exquisite bluff-top estate….romantic, elegant and classic.
Recruit the top Industry Professionals
Styled photo shoots are an exciting chance to inspire creativity and work with my favorite preferred vendors. These vendors are experts in their respective fields. Their collaboration and input was instrumental in the overall success of this project! I also wanted real couples as models for our photo shoot…I think you can feel that authenticity.
Photography/Videography
Bensten Photography was a natural choice. I love working with this husband and wife team. Not only are they fun and upbeat, they really understood my vision for this shoot and captured all the tiny details we spent months planning.
Steve Moses with Vantage Point Productions is one of my favorites..gorgeous work and so easy to work with!
Fashion
My first stop was at Casablanca Bridal Salon & Friar Tux to secure our show-stopping fashions. The handsome grooms donned Michael Kors 3piece suits with modern skinny ties. The bridal fashions showcased some of the hottest silhouettes in wedding dresses: trumpet and mermaid. Delicate lace and beading accented with gorgeous accessories provided by Styled by TC, the details were both simple and chic. Lauren from Design Visage provided professional makeup & hair styling.
Floral Design
Meeting with Bonnie Peterson, owner of The Tangled Vine, is always a treat! Together, we designed our inspiration boards to include tones of soft peach, blush pinks and whites with lots of foliage for texture. We gained artistic inspiration from a pair of gold rosette chairs that I purchased at the 2nd Treasure store in San Juan Capistrano. I couldn’t wait to use these chairs for an elegant sweetheart table!
Rentals
Signature Party Rentals is the exclusive rental company used at Casa Romantica. They are also my favorite…easy choice!
While planning a styled photo shoot is a huge undertaking, one factor that makes it easier than a wedding is that you don’t need to rent tables and chair for hundreds!
For this project, we designed 4 vignettes. This was key in helping us with our rental orders, but also provided a basic ‘shot list’ for our photographers.
Vignette #1: 8ft farm table set for 8 guests in the Courtyard
Vignette #2: Sweetheart Table – Of course we have to utilize that view!
Vignette #3: Cake Table
I love working with Jennifer at Plumeria Cake Studio. She provides a sketch of the cake she’s planning, but the real thing always ends up looking even better!
Vignette 4: Ceremony on Ocean Terrace
Sunset and a warm ocean breeze makes for an unforgettable vow ceremony. Dean Holbein from Ceremonies of Significance served as Officiant. Dean and his lovely wife have been married for an impressive 40 years!
Catering
Christina from CarbonaraTrattoria brought her chef de cuisine and did an amazing job on the food and signature cocktails! Peach Martini, Moscow Mules, artisan cheeses, beautiful canapés, along side Salmon and Vegetarian Pasta Penne. We all shared a lovely meal after the shoot! Side perk!
Paper Goods
Invitation Design Studio did an amazing job on the invitations, menus and sand dollar table numbers:
Limosine
Randy Tooker from Lake Forest Limo provided his 1939 Rolls Royce Packard, offering the bride and groom the most stylish of departures on their big day.
An outstanding team, a clear vision, and LOADS of planning was all worthwhile! I am thrilled with the finished product and can’t wait to see Casa Romantica’s 2016 brochure featuring this shoot and all of the vendors who participated!
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Dana Point Yacht Club Bridal Affair Recap!
What a beautiful day for A Bridal Affair at the Dana Point Yacht Club. We had such a wonderful day with both brides and exhibitors and very special thanks to everyone who participated!
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Casablanca Bridal Show Recap!
What a beautiful event it was at the Casablanca Flagship Store in Newport Beach with our beautiful models and tons of excited brides! Thank you so much to all the help we received from Plumeria Cake Studio in providing the tasty treats for our guests, Joan Fuller Photography for capturing these beautiful shots and of course to Casablanca Bridal for continuing to dazzle us with your beautiful gowns!
Beach Weddings , Bridal Affair , Bridal Open House , Bridal Show Orange County , Cori Sponagle , Custom Wedding Invitations , Day of Wedding Coordinator , Day of Wedding Planning Coordinator , Events by Cori , Orange County , Orange County Wedding Show , Unique Wedding Ideas , Wedding Design and Coordination , Wedding Florists , Wedding Ideas , Wedding Planner Orange County , Wedding Planners in Orange County , Wedding Plannign Services Orange County , Wedding Planning Services , Wedding Planning Services Orange County , Wedding Venues Orange County
Save the Date: El Niguel Bridal Affair Sunday, September 27th!
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