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

We are beyond excited to announce the launch of Valley & Co.!

Valley & Co. is our new blog featuring unique, stylish, and exquisite wedding and lifestyle inspiration. Here's a sampling of what you'll find over there! www.valleyandco.blogspot.com Head on over and let us know what you think! Of course, keep the Good Life on your list of daily reads; we'll continue to post our Monday Coffee, Nick's picks, and other fun details!   Photo by Llanes Weddings

Tip of the Day

With so much beautiful wedding inspiration on the web and in magazines, we know it's easy to get swept up in DIY projects. But we have some words of advice: please, do not take on too much in terms of DIY-ing on your wedding day. There is a big difference between sweet + simple DIY projects and taking on your entire wedding from a DIY standpoint.

Think about what you will be sticking your family and friends with and whether that's an "honor" or a burden. Asking them to show up five hours early on your wedding day to set up tables, hang your 50 tea-stained garlands, create 20 centerpieces, and make sure everything is in order just isn't fair (yes, we have heard this request). Sure, your family, bridesmaids, and friends love to help out and support you and likely won't decline the bride-to-be, but just don't ask too much and know when you are taking advantage.


Save your own sanity: we've heard about too many brides rushing around on their big day trying to make sure the homemade centerpieces, dessert display, and candy buffet are placed just right instead of relaxing.  Utilize whatever team you have assembled: your planning team, your design team, florists, and lighting team are professionals and you hired them for a reason. If you have a vision of a sweet dessert set up, relay this to your baker. Have an idea for take-home gifts and want to make them yourselves? That's great but just make sure you finish the project and give them to your banquet manager ahead of the wedding to pass out after dinner. Try to avoid adding on duties for your wedding party; they should be spending time with you and relaxing the morning of your wedding, not running around supervising.


The key to staying sane and not having a heart attack is to control how many projects you're taking on and, if you insist on doing them all, please, please make sure that your projects are completed well before your wedding. There are countless ways to personalize your big day without creating too much to do.  The last thing we want is for you to get so far in that you're to stressed to enjoy your day and the celebration.
Cheers, Aleah + Nick

Quick Tip of the Day

We're taking a break from our Monday Coffee session this week (stay tuned; we're working on something very exciting!). Instead, we bring you this quick tip of the day:

Brides, please make sure your wedding dress is hanging from a pretty hanger on your big day! It will be seen in photos over and over again, so if your frock didn't come with a lovely one, ditch the plastic hanger and spring for a padded one. It's a small detail, but each and every detail counts!
Cheers, Aleah
*Image from Furious Photographers

Shining a New Light on Baby's Breath

I know, I know. Baby's Breath has long been looked at as nothing special; simply filler. Well it's making a name for itself and for the right wedding it can be positively lovely. Here are examples of baby's breath used 4 ways:

It's striking on its own as a ceremony piece, lovely tucked into a more modern bouquet, whimsical in milk glass vases as centerpieces, and just plain pretty when made into a wreath. Enjoy! Aleah

Images from: 1. Real Simple 2. Wreath Palace 3. Pacific Weddings 4. Flower Advisor

Oh, Paris. How I Love Thee!

Olalin has the most amazing gowns inspired by Paris. Love.

Saturday fun with cake

Erica + Rodney are such a sweet couple and they wanted to personalize each detail of their wedding, like the script on the cake! Talk about lovely and sentimental. Photo by Kate McElwee