The Price is Right

This entry is a response to many of our potential clients and vendors who ask the proverbial question...

{"Can you give me a price list for flowers for my wedding?"}

or

{"What should I budget for wedding flowers?"}

These are the most frequently asked questions and I'm not at all surprised because information is not as easy to find as you might think.

Why aren't many wedding floral designers and florist able to provide a price sheet on their website?

Why is it so hard to determine how to budget for wedding flowers?

The answer is not so simple as we discovery. As consumers, we are accustomed to seeing flowers at our local grocery stores like Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, or Safeways(Vons). We often see "bucket shops" with pre-made flowers with clear pricing. We can buy flowers at BULK warehouses like Costco. However, in those instances, flowers are sold as COMMODITIES or PRODUCTs not as a custom designed ARRANGEMENT.


A floral arrangement is a hand crafted, custom product and it varies in price.
What are the components in pricing wedding flowers?
- Creativity
- Quantity and Quality
- Seasonality of flowers
- Color of the flowers
- Holidays - the demand of certain flowers during peak holidays increase - price could escalate
- Fixed Costs of a Business
- Labor and Design Costs
- Delivery and Setup
- Materials
- Props, Rentals, Containers, Supplies
- Customer Service
- Exclusivity of a Designer
- Travel Costs
- Location
I'm sure I've missed a few but in general you get the message...right?

What is the salesperson at a floral shop thinking when you ask how much wedding flowers costs?

1) When is the wedding? i.e. Weekday? Holidays weekend?
2) What color is the wedding?
3) How many floral pieces do they need? i.e. Ceremony? Reception? Bouquets? Boutonnieres? Food Stations?
4) What containers? What props? What rental items do they need?
5) What is their style? i.e. Modern? Simple relaxed? Country rustic? Formal, Black Tie?
6) Is this a complex setup? How many floral installers will it take? What is the distance between ceremony site and reception site?
7) What flowers do they like? Is there additional cost to import? Can we source locally?
8) When is the breakdown of this event?
9) How much lead time will we have to create this wedding?


Do you see why it's a very difficult question to ask any floral designer or florist about pricing? It is almost as general as asking how much is a car? (Do you want a sports car? A sedan? What are the options? A/C, navigation, leather seats? Do you want a luxury brand? Is it a 2 door, 4 door?
What year? What make?)


BOTTOM LINE: There are many options for wedding flowers. What is important is to do some INDEPENDENT research. We are so lucky that we have great online floral delivery services at our finger tips.

Websites like bbrooks.com, ftd.com,1800flowers.com, teleflora.com can give you GENERIC pricing on a range of pre-made, pre-designed flowers. If you have designer tastes, you know that you will have to pay above such prices.

There are many quality vendors who do show pricing on floral arrangements through their websites. One of the best in LA is Eric Buterbaugh who has a fabulous collection of flowers.

Remember, when you do your research, these sites show prices for single arrangements and all floral have added delivery costs so DO NOT be surprised that for wedding flowers, you too should also expect DELIVERY, SETUP, BREAKDOWN, DESIGN costs. This is industry standards and completely justified.


- DO YOUR HOMEWORK - research is important.

- Be Specific with your questions. AVOID sending lengthy emails. If you ask a generic question, you will probably get a very general answer back .

- Pick up the phone. Make a floral consultation. Make a connection.

- Review the vendor's website and see if they address your questions.

- Go to wedding related websites for general PRICING answers but do not expect that it will fit with your wedding needs.

-Ask if your vendors have a minimum.

Above image of Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway from Bride Wars
Second image courtesy of Eric Buterbaugh Floral Design
Middle image courtesy of Vera Wang Flowers by FTD.com
Bottom image courtesy of bbrooks.com

TSE: Connecting with people

TSE is about connecting with people. Here's Young and I hamming it up at the gorgeous Wildflower linen booth. Once again, Wildflower Linens' booth was spectacular. Wildflower also won the Table Design for its beautiful use of teals and gold colors.

With John Gomez Jr of Asiel Designs(standing), seated from left to right, Gloria Wong Tritasivit of Sash & Sugar, Jubilee Lau, Jean Marks. There's me with my black shawl sweater and TEAL blouse(a new trend color).
Spotted: A group photo of us with Yard House's famous tower of ONION rings. Check out that BBQ salad piled high with crispy onions.

There's Dave Ethridge of AVR and I cuddling. He was my arm candy at this dinner!

There's Jubilee with Tara at her book signing. Gloria, Jubilee and I all purchased her wonderful Southern Weddings book. It's a favorite of mine and I often browse the contents for inspiration. Not shown was Kate of Soiree(oops - I cut her off by accident! Shame on me!)

TSE: Velon Designs

Definitely a key highlight of TSE was walking the Exhibition hall. Always looking for new trends, I loved what Robert Fountain created for event designers. (Here's the man himself with yours truly at his booth at TSE)


His company, Velon Designs, has created a printable vinyl material that can substitute for fabric. Velon Designs prints single and multi-color imagery directly onto velon allowing designers to create high-end designs economically. Wherever you can use fabric, you can NOW use Printed Velon™. Not only can you line a 10,000 square foot tent, but you can cover just about anything... bars, captain stations, guy wires, water barrels and even garbage cans. And for floral designers, I can wrap glass with printed velon!!!

Why Printed Velon™ instead of fabric?
Well, most high-end fabrics are usually very expensive to start with. A high-end pattern could cost as much as $10 to $15 a yard, or more. Then to flameproof you would have to spend another $5 to $7 a yard, increasing the per yard cost to almost $20.00. Yes, you can buy flameproof fabric, but you're limited to chiffons and very basic colors. With Printed Velon™ you can have the high-end designer fabric look for 1/5 the cost of real fabric.

About Velon Designs, Inc.
Founded in September 2007 by premier San Francisco event designer Robert Fountain of Robert Fountain Designs, Velon Designs, Inc. is the first company to offer Printed Velon™ to the U.S. event design market on a large-scale. With its limitless capabilities, Printed Velon™ will help designers achieve their vision in an affordable way that will ultimately result in a more pleasing outcome to any event.

As a neighbor of Robert Fountain's(his studio is just a few blocks away from our SF studio), I feel privileged and honored to know him because he is transforming the way designers design. He is currently one of the most influential event designers and known for his over the top galas.

TSE : The Knot

One of the highlight of the entire TSE(the Special Events) convention was this wonderful and intimate breakfast hosted by Carley Roney, Co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Knot(pictured third from the right). In attendance were Tara Guerard of Soiree Charleston, South Carolina, Joyce Scardina Bekker of Events of Distinction, Leighsa Montrose of Branch Out, Kevin Chin, and several other key wedding insiders. It was a lovely breakfast and fun was had by all. We shared about how the economic crisis was affecting newly engaged couples and the importance of connecting to people.

Carley is an expert on trends and she spoke about the Millenium generation at the Wedding Luncheon later that day. I will post a follow up to this email with a few images from the Gallery of design trends as well as one of my favorite presentation by Tara Guerard.
Carley and Tara are deeply engaged in conversation here.


Spotted Joyce and I with Crista Vagnozzi, Senior Marketing Manager of The Knot Inc.

Celebrating 300

It's unofficial which couple will be our official 300th client so I'm posting both their images.

Couple number 1 is Aric and Jenie who will be getting married at the beautiful Julia Morgan Ballroom in San Francisco.


Couple number is from the east coast. Susan and Erich will be saying their vows against a breathtaking backdrop at the lovely Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford.


Congrats to both couples...and a thank you to all our wonder brides and grooms who have made 300 such a milestone.

The Wedding University....Countdown

Sunday, 2.8.2009

14 days until
The Wedding University
Four Seasons Palo Alto Hotel
11am to 5pm

Read the latest happenings on The Wedding University Blog.
Tickets are $25 per person, $40 per couple
Don't miss out.
Link to Four Season Registration

Meet me in San Diego

It's finally here and I can't wait. I'm off to San Diego for the Special Event Show 2009. It's my first time there so I'm a bit nervous not knowing what to expect. At least, I know some of my vendor friends will be joining me including Gloria W of Sash and Sugar, Jean Marks, MB, Leigsha of Branch out.

I am not only just attending the show but also speaking on Tuesday morning at 9:00am on a subject that I am passionate about - Marketing. The great Jubilee Lau will introduce me. WIPA has gracious decided to sponsor me for this event and I cannot thank them enough.

For certain one of the high light for TSE will be Exhibits and Trade Show where I will be looking out for all the new decor trends. Stay tuned for more stories from

The Special Event Show 2009.

Heavenly Westin St. Francis

You never know what the day will unfold.

People must think that it is glamorous working on special events and weddings. You don't see me writing about the days were I am scrubbing buckets, cleaning wax out of those narrow votives, or massaging flowers open. The majority of the day to day operation is rarely seen.

What you do see is the final products of many hours of planning and endless emails and phone calls. On that rare occasion where I get to do something for creativity sake, I jump at it. Because these creative moment make all the endless hours of bleaching the tools, removing the stickers off of 100 vases, or spraying painting that 50th container fade in my memory. I relish these creative times like my day on Tuesday of this week.



Several months back, my good friend, Beverly Yip of Especially Yours asked me to help her on a TV project. Who could refuse the chance to work with Beverly? As the event producer, Beverly called in some big guns. The talented Maria Chang, the awesome team at the Westin St. Francis including the elegant, charming, Jesus Diaz, the crew from Elle Music and Lighting are just a few. I asked Anne Millett of Mira Aster to design some classic place cards and Sonya Hong of Butterfly Cakes to delivery a stunner of a cream confection. The TV team at KMTP filmed the days action while Ricky Wong took these stunning beyond the scenes action photos and still images of the gorgeous and heavenly 32nd Floor at the Westin St Francis.

Venue location Westin St. Francis
Chair and Rentals by Especially Yours Chair Covers
Flowers by Nancy Liu Chin Designs
Makeup by Maria Chang of PMA
Photography by Ricky Wong of W Photography
Cake by Butterfly Cakes
Placecards by Mira Aster
Lighting by Elle Music and Lighting

Special thanks to Christina Lee at KMTP and her partner, Derek. For more images from this event, Ricky has done a terrific blog which you will find one his website, Wphotography.



Enjoy!

Lavender Hill

We're finally getting the last few images from fall weddings and this one is just so sweet. As many of you might know, I got married at Kohl Mansion in 2000 so when it comes to a wedding venue with a special place in my heart, it's got to be Burlingae's Kohl Mansion. The English Tudor style mansion is a school for girls by day but host to parties and memorable weddings by night.

In all my years, no two weddings at Kohl are ever the same.

This beautiful Lavender, Lilac wedding with Cornflower blue accents has that English Garden feel. Elaine and Warren are just terrific people. I believe that Warren serenaded Elaine with his cello during the reception. That's too cool.



Wonderful captured by the talented Lisa Farrer who also did another fall wedding of ours, I have to credit her with making this wedding so simply sweet and delightful. Blue-lavender blossoms decorated the cake as well as the many programs, placecards, and menu cards. Nice touch.

Enjoy!

Location venue Kohl Mansion, Burlingame
Photography Lisa Farrer of Tu Photography
Event and Floral Design by Nancy Liu Chin Designs
Day of Coordination by Tosca Productions
Cake by Schubert's
Catering by Four Seasons Catering
Lighting by Enhanced Lighting
Programs, Placecards, Menu by Anne Millet of Mira Aster

New Day, New President

On Tuesday, I was stunned and proud of our nation and all the sacrifices made to bring about this new change. I love change. I love the concept of hope.

I made this arrangement especially for the Inauguration. Lisa Lefkowitz benefitted from this as I gave it to her on the Eve of Tuesday's celebration.

To me, these gorgeous yellow blooms reflect hope. The scent of these beautiful jonquils were so fresh and alive. And the bright, cheeriness of Persian buttercups radiate my own sunny disposition and my aspirations for a brand new administration. To our First Family. Congrats!

(Sorry for the delayed post...I was out all day...meeting with vendors and clients so it is a tad late!)

Amazing Amazae

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of meeting and lunching with one of the rising stars in Bay Area wedding and event planner, the beautiful and charming, Crystal Lequang the mastermind behind Una Bella Sera, an all-day one of a kind bridal event which was featured at Casa Real and the owner and founder of Amazae Special Events.We have the best lunch at Hotaru in San Matea where we feasted on Dragon roll's, Tempura, Teriyaki, Seaweed Salad, Miso, and Agedashi Tofu(a personal favorite!).

After eight years experience in corporate project management, Crystal realized that she had a strong desire to work directly with clients on a more personal level and that special events is where her heart was determined to follow.

Amazae Special Events is now a full fledge event design and wedding coordinator studio that brings a bit of flavor and edge to special events. Her philosophy is to provide simple elegant style with remaining passionate about each event, treating their clients with a personal touch. A member of the ACPSW, Crystal brings to the wedding planning field a refreshing approach and unique style point of view.

On a personal level, Crystal and I both share a rich Asian background and upbringing. Her travels to Asia have been most inspiring as we talked about our equally fond memories of Thailand and Bali. I am so excited to share with you the fabulous, Crystal Lequang of Amazae.

For more information about Crystal and her fantastic team of wedding planners, please see Amazae's website which is Amazaespecialevents.com

The Wedding University

As promised, I am sending out more information about this wonderful and exciting event called The Wedding University.

Many of you might think it's just another bridal faire. But it's NOT.

In fact, it is not a wedding fair at all! It is an all-day workshop of practical, useful, HONEST information for how to stretch your wedding dollars, regardless of budget. Various topics from design to bridal makeup to learning your first dance will be taught by the best professionals in the Bay Area. Come prepared for an afternoon of fun and a ton of useful information to plan your wedding, while tasting exceptional food and wine from the Four Seasons Hotel. In addition, get up and personal with top wedding professionals, view trends in wedding attire, and be entered into a drawing for a honeymoon stay at one of 3 luxurious Four Seasons Resort, including Lanai and Bora Bora!

That's right!

Grand Prize Drawing

3 nights honeymoon stay the

Four Seasons Resort in Bora Bora /Lanai.

Never before have some of these top professionals offered discounts on their services, but TWU students will leave with a goody bag that includes amazing discounts on products and services for their wedding.

Space is limited. Please RSVP to enroll early: Jubilee Lau 408.235.8889 | jubilee@jubileelauevents.com

Date and Time: Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009 11 AM - 5 PM
Location: Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley 2050 University Avenue East Palo Alto, CA Price: $25 for 1 person | $40 for 2 people

By Land, By Sea

When Brooke and her aunt, Donna came to see me several months ago, I instantly fell in love with Brooke's gracious, understated, and quiet style. Like other brides who see their wedding as just one big dinner party, Brooke and Matt didn't want the attention of their wedding to be on them. Both rather soft spoken, they knew that the Ritz Carlton's beachfront property would suit their rather serene disposition.



One of Brooke's favorite element were sea orchids so it was natural that the cake, the centerpieces, and the decor had this soft, natural quality that wasn't all about sand, seashells and normal beach motifs. Colors we selected reflected the couple's genuine spirit. Soft, demure colors like earth tan, nautical sand, soft dew green were just a few of the colors. The centerpieces were romantic with lots of orchids and candles all floating appropriate in water. The cake was just a breathtaking treasure chest of sea motifs. I couldn't wish Brooke and Matt a more happy day.

Venue location Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay
Photography by Lisa Farrer of Tu Photography
Cake by Elegant Cheesecakes
Flower and Decor by Nancy Liu Chin Designs
Linens and Rentals by Classic Party Rentals
Location Coordination by Anthony White of the RCHMB

Beehive

Today, I am reminded of how important it is to stay connected with people that helped you start your business.

In 2001 when the idea of starting my own floral business was stewing in my head, I met a brilliant woman named Sonya Hong of Butterfly Cakes at my girlfriend(Sandra T) baby shower. Sonya was transitioning out of law into making designer cakes.

In those early days, we would often call each other for moral support since we had no other peers to turn to. Quite often, I credit Sonya(along with Kevin) for inspiring me to take my business to a high quality level. Sonya is the constant professional and I go to her when I need business advise (and I hope that she knows that I am always here for her as well).

Through the years, we have collaborated on many photo shoots, events, as well as weddings and special events. This upcoming Tuesday, we will be working on a Wedding base television segment for our mutual friend, Beverly Yip of Especially Yours. As always, Sonya is quick to come to my aid when I need that huge favor - and this was a huge favor. She is making a fabulous white classic designer cake for the show. Stay tuned for the images because it will be utterly fantastic.

Spotted recently was this blog entry from Sonya's Beehive Blog. Thanks for the nice kudos as I'm thrilled and honored.

Hey BB(Brown Baggers), please do visit Butterfly Cakes' beautiful and sunny websites as well as her blog, aptly titled the Beehive! For those of you getting married, Butterfly Cakes is located in Burlingame, California.

Pres: Brides Magazine

In the latest issue of BRIDES magazine(currently on newstand), you will find several last minute quick fixes ideas for unexpected wedding oops.

These quick fixes are direct and to the point for those faced with the unexpected like when a guest brings a surprise date to losing the cake topper to my suggestion on what to do if you garden ceremony site looks a bit sparse.

Here's my insider's tip....

"Quick fix: Rent trees or purchase potted plants from a nursery. Otherwise, San Francisco florist Nancy Liu Chin suggests reorienting seating to face the lushest part of the garden, and placing flower-filled planters along the aisle".

Thanks to the talented writer, Yolanda Crous, who took my suggestion for how to fix a garden that's very sparse on the wedding day.

Gee Thanks

Once again I am floored by the work that this awesome team of vendors put forth in capturing a huge trend for 2009. Last year I had already featured some of the images from the photo shoot but this is the actually 2 page spread that appear in the Winter 2008 issue of Bride and Bloom Magazine. From inception to final productioin, I cannot be more pleased.

It looks like these soft nudes, blushes, peaches, ivories are going to be very strong in 2009 given the many fashion runway styles and hues.

Much thanks to the team at Bride and Bloom Magazine who continue to support us wedding professionals with such zeal. An extra special thanks to Kevin Chin for his incredible details, John Woods of Enhanced Lighting who climbed on a very tall ladder and attached those crystal chandeliers. Great team effort.

Thank you to all the participants.

Venue Location Kohl Mansion, Burlingame
Event Design Details by Gloria Wong of Sash and Sugar
Photography by Kevin Chin
Invitation by Peculiar Pair Press and Mira Aster
Lighting by Enhanced Lighting
Rentals and Linens by Classic Party Rentals

Just Can't Get Enough - Peonies!

This post is a special request for several of our clients who can't get enough of Pink Peonies or the stunning Auberge Du Soleil in Rutherford.


In keeping with my promise to show more of this stunning wedding, I give you Peonies! The bride could not have picked a more beautiful backdrop for her stunning white canopy with floating white cymbidium orchids.

How to Make the Orchid Garland, it's rather easy.

To make these garlands, you will need a heavy gauge fishing wire and a medium size needle. Cut a strand of fishing wire to the desired length. Secure fishing wire to needle. Remove Cymbidium Orchids from its stem. Pierce the needle through the thickest part of the orchid bloom. Tie a knot to hold it's position. Continue in 12 inch intervals. When completed, tie a double knot. Attach to ceilings, chuppahs, canopies, you name it.



For the pews, I used pre made oasis forms and cut Peonies to about 2.5 inch in length. I attached two to four Peonies per pew. I also cut Green Hanging Amaranthus to about 2.5 inches and inserted into the foam. Don't forget to soak the foam thoroughly. I like to soak for about 15 minutes. Using ribbons, I threaded the ribbon to the oasis "cage" foams and double knotted them. It's important when working with satin ribbons to adhere the ribbon secure or they will come undo...That's a no no!

Photography by Richard Wood
Flowers by Nancy Liu Chin
Coordination by Lulu Events
Venue location Auberge Du Soleil


Enjoy!

Taupe & Powder

Did anyone see Cameron Diaz at the Golden Globes? She was wearing a sweet pink confection of a dress. Amongst the celebrities, there was also an abundance of dresses in beiges, grey and taupes which seems to be the color du jour.

Obviously in honor of the fashion runway, I am featuring this lovely taupe and powder pink collage from our Summer 08 wedding schedule. We all know there are so many variations on pink wedding. This powder pink and taupe combination is rather beautiful especially when you have earthy taupe bridesmaid gowns.

Thank you to my awesome couple, CC and Victor for sharing their day with me.

Venue location Green Room, San Francisco
Catering by Premier Catering
Cake by The Cake Maker
Makeup by Taylor Pham
Flowers by Nancy Liu Chin
Videographer by Justin Fone
Lighting by Got Light
Photography by RAH

Part Four: Dream Wedding

Today I am honored that Gloria Wong of Sash and Sugar is our guest blogger. Gloria and I have quite a few things in common. We both are huge Gossip Girl and Entourage fans. We share mutual guilty pleasures like US Weekly. And many many years ago, we both worked at bebe's corporate offices in Brisbane.

I had no idea that back in the 90's we would both end up in the wedding industry.

I'm thrilled that Gloria could contribute to our ongoing series of Dream Weddings because she is one of the shining stars in the Wedding Event Design field. You can meet Gloria Wong in person at the Wedding University this February 8th as she will be a featured instructor on the topic of Event Decor.

Here's Gloria's dream wedding....Enjoy!

My dream wedding would take place in the summertime in a private villa in Lake Como Italy.
The colors would be a feminine classic palette of warm blush peachy pink, champagne, and taupe.
The theme would be casual luxe. Fun relaxed casual spirit in a luxurious environment.
The ambiance would be soft and dreamy.
The ceremony would take place in an intimate cashmere colored room with large bay windows, exquisite moulding on the ceiling and walls, and a single magnificent crystal chandelier. The large windows overlooking the serene lake would be the perfect backdrop for Tani and I to exchange our vows.
The ceremony music would entail one of our favorite alternative rock bands, Weezer, playing "Island in the Sun" as we walk down the aisle as husband and wife.
Our attire would be cool and not at all restrictive. My husband would wear a sleek black tux with a peaked lapel and a skinny black tie. I would wear a free-flowing blush-colored empire waist Oscar de la Renta gown with crystal beading on the chest and layers of soft silk chiffon.
The dinner would be served out on the lawn at sunset and would entail regional comfort cuisine... Local fish, polenta, gnocchi, and vegetables grown from within the villa.
The table decor would include tables placed under a soft chiffon covered canopy. One long king's table would glow with the illumination of a mass of candles. The table would have a simple yet textured silk champagne linen, antique silver compote vases with soft peachy pink flowers. Floral chandeliers in the same blush tones would run along the center of the canopy and create an enchanting garden above the table. A soft blush colored gobo pattern of summer foliage would be projected on the entire table and interior of the canopy. It would look as if the flowers from the floral chandeliers were casting ambient shadows.
We would dance on the patio by the pool. DJ AM would spin.
Instead of a dessert bar, we would have a gelato station with different flavors, fruits, and liquers.
At the end of the evening, our favorite snacks which include mini burgers, fries, and bite-size pastries would be passed around as guests boogied the night away.
The dream photographer would be the amazing Lisa Lefkowitz who photographed our actual wedding in 2006!!!
The dream event planning team would be the super duo who is running the Wedding University! Jubilee Lau and Jean Marks!!!

Salmon and Butter

Today, our dear intern from BYU - Idaho, Laura Isom, is getting married. Tears are forming as I write this blog. To us Laura was the quintessential intern who's smile radiated a warmth that could heat up a cold winter night.


Laura who is the splitting image of Kristen Bell dreamed of a summery wedding. Since January is hardly June, Laura wanted to added toned down summer hues to her winter wedding. I'm sure it will brighten up her reception. Her colors are salmon, butter, and lime. What a wonderful combination. Here's a sneak peak at her bouquet....SHHHH...it's a secret even to Laura. Her bouquet is being flown to Idaho Falls from San Francisco via Oakland.

Her lovely bouquet included such beautiful blooms as Persian buttercups in salmon pink, lovely Garden roses that were cream with a salmon center, Butter yellow Freesias, Pale Yellow Mini Calla lilies with a tip of grapefruit pink, 'Vendela' ivory roses, and Novelty Deep Salmon Tulips with yellow tips. All wrapped up with ivory satin ribbon and teardrop pearl pins. Oh my...I wish I could get married again since I love these tones.

Congratulations Laura and Brian.

Bio of Nancy

It might have begun in a humble basement but today, Nancy Liu Chin Designs has grown into one of the Bay Area’s most sought after and respected floral and event design studios. An event created by Nancy Liu Chin and her talented team of designers and producers is instantly recognizable. Uniquely different.

Nancy is undoubtedly an accomplished floral designer and lecturer but she is most proud of the many floral designs and real weddings that have graced publications like Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Elegant Bride, Sunset, 7 x 7, Marin, Gentry. Nancy’s work and candid advise can also be found in several books including The Knot’s Ultimate Wedding Lookbook, Susie Coelho’s Style Your Dream Wedding, Grace Ormonde Weddings, and Weddings: Ideas & Inspirations for Celebrating in StyleWeddings: Ideas & Inspirations for Celebrating in Style

But who is Nancy, the person behind the weddings and events?

A few things that people might not know about Nancy --- she is an avid reader who loves suspense, historical romance, and any Jane Austen novels. When not working, Nancy is trying out new cooking recipes, grooming her adorable Bichon Frise, Chin Chin and planning her next vacation. Nancy and her wonderful husband, Kevin Chin (wedding photographer extraordinaire) love to explore new places. Their travels have taken them to many countries including Peru, China, Thailand, India, Spain, Anguilla, Italy, Japan, Indonesia, and other parts of Europe.

A fan of reality television, Nancy loves to chat about The Bachelor, Amazing Race, Top Chef, and Cake Boss. Behind her many guilty pleasures, Nancy is a proud alum of University of California – Berkeley (go Bears!) and a Gamma Phi Beta. Together, the entire Chin household lives in San Francisco’s SOMA district where you will catch Nancy at the flower market on Wednesday mornings browsing the many stalls with her ice tea.