A New Spin on an Old Tradition on Valley & Co.

We posted an absolutely incredible + fun age-old wedding tradition over on Valley & Co. - you really must check it out! It's something anyone can incorporate and is so memorable!

*Photo from Llanes Weddings

Cheers! Aleah + Nick

Sneak Peek: Martha's Vineyard Wedding on Valley & Co.

Hop on over to our new {and, might we add, fabulous} blog! Valley & Co. features daily inspiration!

*Photo from Chung Li

Sweet + Simple: Kale

*Photo from My Home Ideas

Expert Advice: think about your guest list in depth

We know creating your guest list can be daunting and you might be dreading it.
Over the years we always caution our clients to think very carefully about their guest lists. This is one of the few things we can't really help clients with, except for these key pieces of advice:

1. Please do not assume that your entire family from the East Coast won't fly out to your Southern California wedding and invite them anyway. We have clients who made this assumption and they ended up going over their intended number of guests by 30 people - that's a large overage! Instead, think about sending them an announcement after the fact, especially if they are distant.
2. Consider what it actually costs to host each guest. Would you be willing to take your old high school teammate you haven't talked to in 10 years to a $500 dinner? Didn't think so! Consider who is most important to you both and nix those from the list who don't fit the bill.

Happy Planning
Aleah + Nick

*Save the date from Wedding Paper Divas

Have you been by for a peek?

We are so thrilled that Valley & Co. has a brand-spanking new look and we think you're going to love it!
Stop on over and let us know what you think!
Cheers, Aleah + Nick

A Must-Have Giveaway via Get Hitched Give Hope

We've said it before and we'll say it again: brides - please, please trade in that dreaded plastic hanger for a lovely one to show off your worn-once-in-a-lifetime beautiful wedding gown! It's such a small detail that is easy to overlook, but makes a world of difference in those important dress shots!

Check out this brilliant Lila Frances lovely hanger giveaway from the amazing team behind Get Hitched Get Hope. Hop on over to the GHGH site to enter to win! Hurry, the contest ends on the 25th!

Cheers, Aleah + Nick

Inspiration: Costa Rican Fun

We saw this styled photo shoot over on Style Me Pretty and had to share! Love this!

How fun are the chair adornments? Just perfect for a Costa Rican wedding! Happy Planning,

Aleah + Nick

Super Fun Find!

Check out these totally fun mugs found on Etsy! Too cute as party favors at a casual outdoor bash!

Have you been by Valley & Co. to say hello?

There's some total goodness going on over at our other blog, Valley & Co.! Some totally stunning real weddings, advice from Nick, and sunny inspiration!
Here's a peek:

*Photos from Sarah Rhoads

Monday Coffee: Keeping it Light

With summer weddings just around the corner, we're finalizing menus with our clients and  encouraging them to keeping it light. Offer your guests lighter summer fare {while still offering an abundance of food} like summer salads with lighter dressings, fresh fish, and stations that allow for guests to nosh through the celebration, rather than sitting down to a full plated {and heavy} meal. Crudites, charcuterie platters, seafood, and other stations not only allow guests to pick and choose what they want to eat, but it also allows for a really fun roaming celebration.

 Keep in mind, if you choose to do a heavy hors d' oeuvres-style reception, spell that out in your invitations so that your guests come knowing what to expect. Cheers! Aleah + Nick
*Photo from Alex Studios

I know, I know. We've been neglecting TGL's blog just a wee bit. We'll it's because we've been working hard over at Valley & Co. to bring you the best inspiration out there!
Haven't been over there yet? We'd love for you to come by and check us out! A sampling of what's cooking:

Cheers! *Photo from Focus Photography

Calling all Brides: You are Cordially Invited!

Be sure to répondez s'il vous plaît for this fun dress up event, hosted by B. Mookie Jewelry and Allyson Simone Custom Gowns at the Bridal Bar in La Jolla.

We hope you have a fun + safe Memorial Day weekend. We'll take this weekend to remember those who have fought and served our country.

If you haven't already, check out the fun stuff over at Valley & Co.! A Cannes wedding, Memorial Day celebrations 3 ways, and a sweet lollipop-inspired bridal shower! Cheers! Aleah + Nick

Quick Tip of the Day

This is a tip for everyone: DIY brides, planners, florists, and catering staff. When you're setting up candles at your wedding {or party} pull the wicks up in advance! There's nothing worse than having to dig into a tall hurricane or mason jar to pull the wicks up to light 1,000 candles! We've come across this a few times over the years and it slows down the setup process.

Cheers and Happy Planning! Aleah + Nick

Photo from Colonial Candle

Monday Coffee: How to be a Gracious Host

We've talked quite a bit about how to be a gracious guest and host, and these topics are incredibly popular. We have the job of advising our clients on what to do to make their wedding a true experience and, perhaps more importantly, what not to do.

Some clients insist on having a 2+ hour cocktail hour post-ceremony, during which their guests will be drinking, noshing on hors d' oeuvres, and visiting. Our friendly, expert advice: please do not extend cocktail hour much past it's given name - an hour.

During most cocktail time our clients use it as an escape either to relax or take more photos. Over the years we have seen too many guests drinking too much during this period, getting bored waiting for the bride and groom, and leaving shortly after dinner as the wedding is "taking too long." You certainly don't want the memory of your wedding to be that!
The biggest issue can be a lack of activities, but moreover, your guests want to visit with you. Why not keep cocktail hour a short and sweet time in between the ceremony and the reception, let guests eat and drink a bit, but make a point to show your guest an amazing time, visit, dance, and spend time with them doing more fun activities, all while avoiding a strange lag-time?
Cheers! Aleah + Nick
*Photo from Alex Studios

I adore this image snapped by Llanes Weddings at our mega shoot a few months back. This particular shoot was seen on Rock 'n Roll Bride in London and was so much fun to put together!

Click here to see the full feature and read about our inspiration. Cheers! Aleah

And the glassybaby winner is....(via Random.org) Nicole!

We are so thrilled with the entries and hope you stay tuned for more blog goodness, giveaways, and lots of fun stuff! Thank you so much for entering and also for the awesome comments! We're ecstatic that you love our work! Cheers, Aleah + Nick

Nicole-please email us your full name, mailing address, and whether you'd like Studio 54 or Hide + Sleek glassybaby. Congratulations!

Photo Love: Alex Studios

I love this shot of Renee's I Do shoe jewels! Aleah