{Vendors: Welcome - Top Shooters}

Today, I'm thrilled that we are adding Gene Higa's Journal(Blog) and Alisha+Brook(Website) to our list of Blogs we love, Websites we follow. Their body of work, influential ideas, and business acme are legendary.
This family portrait of the Todd's includes their adorable little girl. As parents, they strive to balance their love of photography with their classic family values. I applaud them all!

It's not easy to impress me. They join Lisa Lefkowitz as photography related blogs that I can't live without. I encourage you to follow them as well.

See more of his work at Gene Higa at www.genehiga.com
Preview their latest works at Alisha+Brook at www.alishabrook.com

ps Look for a follow up article on Alisha+Brook and what their doing to help other photographers!



Enjoy!

{Brown Bag: Poll is Open}

Dear Brown Baggers

Today, we started a new poll! WE invite you to participate since it concerns YOU and the future of our blogs! To make our posts more interesting and relevant, we want to hear from you. What do you want to read about?

Are you favorite posts about "real weddings"? Or do you want more wedding advice? How many of you fantasize about working in the wedding industry or with flowers? Perhaps you want more stories about what happens "behind the scenes".

Maybe you want to know what NLCD is really like. What happens in our office? Is it drama filled? What is it like working in a very busy floral studio?

Are you more curious about my hair do and objects of desires? Maybe, just maybe, all you really want to know about is how I create wedding flowers? How did we create those arrangements? Do you want to better your own floral designs?



Whatever it is....

Bottom Line: we WANT to know what you want to read.


Enjoy!

{Real Wedding: Understated Modern}

As many of you know, when I do a wedding recap, I typically put a whole bunch of images into a clean, uncluttered inspiration board. The wedding of Christine to Benson, captured perfectly by Gene Higa, demanded that I depart from my normal routine. I couldn't help but fall in love with the design and style that were inspired by this gracious, modern, youthful couple.


The simplicity of their concept combined with the selection of a fittingly modern venue worked well in creating this understated, Modern yet Classic Wedding. A very unusual mixture of colors including teal, chartreuse, platinum proved that fashionable, straight from the runway colors can translate into today's wedding color palette.

Since there really isn't teal flowers, the bride was kind enough to compromise. I choose teal ribbon to add a bit of drama to these green bouquet and ball. The left image features a mixed composite bridesmaid bouquet featuring green roses, white Mini calla, chartreuse gladiolus florets and other seasonal flowers. The flower girl carried a sweet green pom pom mum kissing ball with a dark center pin.

Instead of very typical large arrangement flanking a makeshift "altar" for the ceremony, I created this modern display using tall glass cylinder, floating candles, submerged white Mini calla lilies on a long 8 ft table. Two silver trees were placed next to the table. These silver trees were created by our lead floral designer, Gaby who painstakingly hung over 100 ft of strands per tree. The task went fast because as we were setting up the flowers, Eric Yee of Spintronix put some of my favorite tunes on. We all walked around with an extra beat!

Our installation team members, Amanda and Anne finished the trees by wiring white Cymbidium blooms, hanging dainty candle holders and fixing fresh gardenias and orchids to the base.

This is a terrific closeup of the "altar" table. One of the ways to save on the budget is to reuse flowers. This display had duo purpose. We repositioned the tall glass on the long reception tables. We bought double the floating candles needed so that we could replace the candles. As an event designer, you have to make sure that the candles last all night so for a little more money it is worthwhile to bring extras.

Even the Mini calla arrangements were re-purposed. I love how you can see the bride with her maid of honor in the background of this photo.


Bright Chartreuse accents made their appearance in the centerpieces and the place cards. The contrast with the teal is mind blowingly stunning.

The bride and groom wanted to take this austere building and transform it into something warm. We identified the need for golden, ambient up lighting which was provided by Chris Williams of Everything Audio. Chris is one kindness, gentle souls in the industry and his team is unbelievable adapt at making last minute changes.

The head table was flagged with two luxurious, silver sprayed Manzanita trees with approximately 200 feet of crystal strands and white Cymbidium orchid blooms. The silver base was sprayed with a coordinating platinum paint. The cake in the background sat on top of a teal linen which were custom made for this wedding. 12 guests sat at this King's table.


Even designers have to compromise. Since the Bentley Reserve is a very important and significant landmark, I choose to use LED lights on the trees so that nothing would catch on fire. I'm always a worry wart about these small details.

The purpose of lighting is to set the mood. As the couples danced the night away, the pin spots and uplighting made the pair appear like they were "glowing". Then again, Maria Chang of PMA did the makeup. She made the bride look fantastic even at the end of the night. Way to go, Maria!!!!

Of course the food by McCall's and dance music by Spintronics kept the guests entertained. I hear that the bride did a dessert bar and a FROYO stand. Oh MY! Isn't it obvious that our bride and groom had the best time ever at their own wedding.

Venue Location Bentley Reserve
Catering by Dan McCall's Catering
Photography by Gene Higa
Cake by Gerhard Michler
Event and Floral Design by Nancy Liu Chin Designs
Music by Ken Strand
DJ by Spintronix
Make up by Maria Chang of PMA
Videography by Thomas Hughes
Coordination by Renee Yung(we love her!)

{Vendors: It's McCain in 2009}

No, I'm not changing my political parties! Nor am I supporting John McCain. I'm pleased with President Obama's performance thus far and his speech last night.

I'm talking about another McCain. Stacy McCain.

It's been a pleasure to have worked with Stacy McCain and I'm thrilled to announce that she has started her own event and wedding planning business. HOORAY! Good for her.

Stacy is a darling person with a great personality. Her classic iconic weddings and events are refreshing in a world of over the top wedding and events(nothing wrong with over the top but it's nice to see someone with restraint). Don't you think?

Stacy is available for wedding coordination and event planning. Please take a look at her absolutely stunning, refreshing, sweet website!

Enjoy!

ps Aren't the images by Alex Johnson beautiful?

{Behind the Scenes: TWU: Table Decor! }

Ever have one of those days when you are absolutely behind on everything. This past week I seem to be playing catch up. It's probably because we finished a double header wedding(2 weddings in one day!). When we do two weddings, the studio is filled with flowers and the only one upstairs in the office is poor Karin.


Needless to say, I'm behind on the blog entries. So Sorry. I've attached more of those fabulous tables from TWU(The Wedding University). The first table is called "Waldorf" after that fabulous New York hotel and Blair from GG.

The second table is called Modern Luxe and the last is called Shanghai Tang.
Kevin Chin did the marvelous photographs...I'm so proud of that man, my husband. Gloria Wong, John Woods, Viola were great partners on this. Thank you Team Decor!



Enjoy!

{Floral Tips: Meeting with a Floral Designer}

It's been almost ten years since I planned my wedding to KC(Kevin) at Kohl Mansion in Burlingame, California. Perhaps it is naive of me to think that all people who are newly engaged should know what to do. After all, there's endless wedding planning books, articles on how to plan the perfect wedding, and plenty of blogs...yet, today, a bride asked me if it was necessary to meet with me in order to get a floral proposal. Of course, meeting a floral designer is a must unless you are planning a destination wedding and even at that, I recommend a phone interview.

So to help newly engaged couples, I writing this post on how to prepare for your meeting with your floral designer. I truly hope this is not only helpful for engaged couples but for all event planners, floral designers, wedding enthusiasts...and many more.

Wedding 101: Meeting with a Floral Designer****

****(or Florist....I will be using the term Floral Designer in this post for simplicity. Keep in mind that I am using both these terms to mean someone who will be creating wedding flowers. It's interchangeable!)


What should you prepare for?

1) Flower Knowledge

Do you need to know the names of all the flowers?

My God, I hope not. If all clients knew the name of all cut flowers, then most of the floral designers around might be out of a job. To me, it's like asking if a patient needs to know all the medical terms before they see their doctor. It would be unproductive and a waste of one's time. If gardening is a hobby, I can image that you might want to know more about how flowers are produced, cultivated, and cared for. However, for someone who is planning a wedding, there's more productive things to spend your time on.

Keep in mind, a good, knowledgeable, informed floral designer should have a portfolio with plenty of flowers for a couple to look through. I keep a "deck" of colorful cards which are coordinated by color and alphabetized so that I can "flip" through it during meetings and show clients what flower I am describing. If you serious want to know more, sure, you can go to Sierra Flower Finders on the Internet. But honesty...

Bottom line: Describe characteristics of what you want the flowers to look like?

And here are so good examples.

"Romantic, fluffy, large head flowers like roses, peonies that evoke a garden feel."

"Modern, architecturally interesting blooms that have beautiful shapely stems. French Tulips in a single vase is very elegant to me."

"Something unusual with lots of spiky tips, fussy, different. Something that wouldn't be fun to touch but would look very different from the standard fluffy flowers."

"Simple, happy flowers that make me smile like sunflowers, daisies, mums."

"Bold, dramatic flowers that works for a grand ballroom". (see dramatic and bold flowers in this inspiring board)

Photography by Kevin Chin

2) Create a Check List

It is very helpful to create a check list of things you need. Email a copy to your floral designer ahead of time is wonderful. You can also bring a copy. Whatever you like.

Of course, you may not know all the flower pieces that you might need so here is my check list.

Personal Flowers
Bridal Bouquet
Bridesmaid Bouquets
Groom's Boutonniere
Grooms men's Boutonnieres
Usher(s) Flowers
Reader(s)
Officiant
Mothers and Father's
Grandparents
Sponsors Male and Female
Ring bearer, Coin bearer, little Boys that need flowers
Flower girls, Junior Bridesmaid, little Girls that need flowers

Ceremony Flowers
Altar or Ceremony Large Pieces
Ceremony Containers or Stands
Chair or Pew Decorations
Aisle Decor
Welcome Table
Gift Table
Refreshment Table
Foyer Arrangement
Door or Entry way
Car Decor

Reception Flowers
Centerpieces
Head table or Sweet Heart Table
Bar
Food Stations
Dessert Stations
Cake table
Bride and Groom's Chair
Dance Floor Decor
Cocktail Table
Place Card Table
Door Ways
Lounge Decor
Walkways
Fireplace Mantels

Photography by Wendy McLaurin Richardson.

Bottom Line: Get organized and have a list ready.

3) Style, Color, Concept

Of course many couples go to meetings thinking that they will see something in a floral designers portfolio and instantly love it.

I wish this were the case. But it is so NOT.

I think many couples come for inspiration. That's wonderful. However, to make a wedding flowers truly unique, come with colorful tear-out pages from magazines or tag books.

Collect magazine or books. Going to the book store to purchase wedding books is a great idea. There's a plethora of coffee table books on weddings, event decor, and flowers so for most people you will be able to find lots of ideas. There's also an abundance of magazines that come out bi-annual, quarterly, monthly that contain great images and photos.

Many of you know that I am very fond of The Bride and Bloom magazine, Inside Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings, and regional Bride's and The Knot magazines. You can find plenty of real weddings, stylized weddings, and floral concepts in these magazines. Tag them, tear them out, scan them into your computer....Do whatever you want. Many of my clients are creating storyboards or inspiration boards. I've attached one for you to review. These are great tools to bring to a meeting.

Photography by Lisa Lefkowitz

Bring swatch samples. If you haven't picked your bridesmaid or bridal gown, that's fine as well. You can go into home depot and pick out some "paint" chips if this helps. Buy a Pantone book if you really want someone to know what you mean by green because I guarantee you, that if a bride walked into my office and told me her wedding color is green I would ask her, "is it moss, forest, sea, celery, pea, chartreuse, apple, lime, sage, vivid, Kate Spade, Kelly, spinach, pepper green?

Bring Invitations, photos of the location. I guess the bottom line is this. Bring all the things that you think is useful for someone who is creating your weddings flowers. And it doesn't have to be a whole novel, a few printouts, consolidated into something concise is perfect.

Bottom line: Go to be informed, be prepare to show and tell.

4) Ask and you shall receive

In advance of your meeting, be sure to have a list of questions that you need answered. During the meeting many will be addressed however if you don't have a prepared list, you might forget a few important questions. Jot down at least a few key questions. I've prepared a short list of what I would ask a floral designer. Hopefully this will help you.

Can you suggest a few cost saving tips? What flowers hold up the best during the month of
my wedding?
(This question will show if the floral designer is truly knowledge about flowers and thinks off the cuff.)

Have you worked at my venue before? If not, would you mind going to do a site visit.
(This question shows that a floral designer is attentive to the details and wants to be prepared. It also reflects their experience level.)

Do you drop off the flowers or does your staff or crew do the complete setup?
(This question will answer what type of day of service you will get. And if the price for such service is warranted.)

What was your favorite wedding? Do you have an example in your portfolio? What made it so special?
(This question will show you what the floral designer deems tasteful, interesting to them. I love this question because only a couple brides have ever asked me this and I think this one is by far the most interesting. It shows me that a couple wants to get to know me as a designer. )


How many events do you do a week? Will my wedding be the only one that day?
(This question might be important to some of you if you feel that you need your vendors to focus on just you for that week.)

Have you ever gotten so ill that you couldn't complete a job? If so, what would happen to my wedding?
(It's important to know if a floral designer has contingency plans. I know that we do so I think others should be prepared as well)

Bottom line: Whatever quality is important to you, make sure you leave that meeting feeling that you get a good sense of a floral designer's values, creativity, knowledge, and depth.

{Behind the Scenes: TWU's Love Letters}

I promised Gloria Wong of S&S that I would post more inspiration boards from the Love Letter tables which was featured at recent TWU(The Wedding University).

As you can see from the list below, it takes creative energy, ideas, and wonderful resources in order to put together three simple table scapes. It's more than just flowers. It takes a team of talented designers to create the right balance. Thanks to the following vendors and resources.


Hope you like it.

Vendors
Photography by Kevin Chin
Event Design by Gloria Wong of Sash & Sugar
Placecards, Menus and other Fabulous Printed Materials byViola Sutanto of Chewing the Cud
Lighting and Drape by John Woods of Enhanced Lighting
Linens by Wildflower Linens
Table and Chairs by Hartmann Studio
Dessert and Pastries by Four Season Silicon Valley
Wedding Cake by Four Season Silicon Valley
Flowers by Nancy Liu Chin Designs


Resources

Globe available at Office Max Stores
Letters available at Paper Source
Antique containers available at Western Wicker
Cake plate available at Crate & Barrel
Apothecary Jars available at Target, Pottery Barn, TJ Maxx

Special thanks for the producers of TWU, Jubilee Lau of Jubilee Lau Events and Jean Marks. Both are such inspiring people in the wedding business. I'm honored to know them both personally and professional. Thank you to the Four Season's Hotel Silicon Valley for their gracious support in allowing us to be apart of this event. Stay tuned as I will continue to update the progress of TWU.

{Promotions & Gifts: A Gift to our Followers}

Dear Brown Bag followers -

Time is almost running out for our Gift Promotion. February is a very special month and I would like to encourage as many of you who have not signed up to become a subscriber and follower of the Brown Bag to do so. In the beginning of March, we will enter all followers(both new and old) in a drawing to win a complimentary gift card from Starbucks for being our sounding board.

Yes, that's a gift card worth $25.00 at Starbucks!!!

This blog is not just about the views of one little floral designer, it really is a community so - I would love to encourage more of you to follow and become a Brown Bagger so that our content is always provocatively useful. It is also quite important for me to know who you are so - don't be shy. Also, for those who have made comments. I can't tell you how lucky I feel.

ENJOY!

{Press: Wedding Vow, Wedding Wow}

What makes a wedding stand out?

Great individual and personable details
Trend right color combinations
Timeless and gracious photography
Happy and joyful expressions
Modern yet elegant decor

Can't help but applaud Wedding Vow for choosing Nishka and Carl's summer wedding as a great example of new American Classic wedding colors.

Wedding Vow Magazine on newstand. For more information about this Aqua and Poppy wedding see the article on their website, vowplanner.com. As always, rock star status photographer, Lisa Lefkowitz takes my breath away.


http://www.vowplanner.com/articles/aqua_and_poppy/

{About Nancy: 25 Random Things}

Well, the weather in SF is not cooperating. My flight from Vegas is delayed so I'm sitting here at McCarren Int'l Airport with nothing to do. It was a great but short trip.

Since I've got another hour to spare, I thought I would do a random post.

There's this thing going around on Facebook. If you get "tagged", you must write 25 Random things about yourself.

So, here it is...for all the world to see. Don't laugh to much. I wish I were more interesting but I'm really NOT!

25 Random Things About Me that You Don't Know

1)I played classical piano from age 8 to 17 and even did a little competing. Now, I play Guitar Hero! Rock on!

2) I’ve worked for 5 retailers including Macy’s(I still remember that store 10 is Union Square and that my employee number is 682861), bebe stores, Banana Republic, House of Fabric(and I can’t use a sewing machine) and Emporium Capwell’s.

3) While my dad was driving our old green Chevrolet, I once accidentally opened the back door and flew into oncoming traffic. Luckily, my Dad ran a red light so there were no cars behind him. I don’t remember flying out of the car but I do remember chasing frantically for my dad.

4) I dream of going to Africa one day.

5) My last supper would consist of Fried Chicken, Fresh cut Corn, Mashed Potato with Gravy, A & W's Root Beer Float, and sauteed Blue Lake Beans. And maybe a Cherry Coke!

6) Though I finished college in 3.5 years, I still can’t figure out what all the buttons on the washer and dryer do. (Seriously, it's one of those fancy Neptunes with a zillion buttons. Why can't they have on and off!)

7) Favorite past TV shows including Felicity, Moonlighting, La Femme Nikita, and Knot’s Landing, and All My Children. ( I use to schedule my classes around the show! )

8) For the past two years, I’ve been journaling about all the books I’ve read. Once I read 17 books in a month. Favorite 2008 reads included Eat Pray Love. Favorite 2007 include The Time Traveler’s Wife and The Bronze Horseman.

9) J.D. Robb’s Rourke is my favorite Contemporary romantic hero besides Judith McNaught’s Matt Farrell from Paradise. Favorite classic hero is Mr. Darcy, duh?

10) When I was young, my teen crush was Andrew McCarthy. I watched NBC's Lipstick Jungle just to catch a glimpse of him. I have no idea who his character was.

11) I’m angry at God because I’ve never been 5 ft. At my tallest, I was an inch away.

12) My favorite museum in Paris must be Musee d’Orsay. I once sat and stared at a Renoir for half an hour start with my mouth slighty opened in AWE.

13) Sometimes in the movie theater, I laugh so loud that the audience laughs at me. (According to my husband, KC)

14) I believe in working hard. I believe in playing hard. I believe in giving my all.

15) I’ve been using the same perfume since college. Tiffany’s. No plans to change.

16) I want to be a Carrie but I think I’m more a Charlotte or Miranda. And I’m positively not a Samantha.

17) I’ve lived almost my entire life in the Bay Area. My one dream is to live in another place. New York. Paris. Rome. Phuket. Carmel Valley. (As long as Chin Chin, KC and a few of my friends would come along. )

18) Yes, I named my current car - a silver Jeep, "Lady Liberty". My first car was a red VW Rabbit that I called "Betsy". So if my next car is a red Jeep should I call it "Lady Betsy Liberty"?

19) Though I took 6 years of high school French, I can’t even read a French menu. However if you are stranded with me, I can order us a Crepe Citron! (Before you start rolling your eyes, I really knew some French, I had to translate several passages of The Count of Monte Cristo!)

20) I never thought I would love a dog as much as I do Chin Chin. I truly believe he has a soul of an old wise man who happens to love fruits and vegetable.

21) My dream job would be to travel around the world, reviewing new hotels, and replacing Rachel Ray on the show $40 a day. If not, I’ll take triple D.

22) Having taken an oil painting class at Cal, I still can’t understand why a white blank canvas hangs in a major Modern Museum. Not a pop or modern art fan.

23) Men with accents are sexy. Love Clive Owen, Christian Bale, Hugh Grant, Russell Crowe, and Colin Firth….sigh.

24) Because I dreamed of being a journalist, I tend to ask quite a bit of questions when I first meet someone. Some people think I’m quirky. I am just curious.

25) My favorite day of the week is Sunday.

Now, that I have written this. I expect some of you to think of your own list. I want to encourage the Brown Baggers to send me your list. I can't wait to read it.

Enjoy!

{Behind the Scenes: WPPI Building a Community}

Believe it or not, being a business owner can be lonely at times especially since many wedding businesses consist of one individual whether it is an invitation designer, baker, coordinator, photographer, videographer, etc. Most wedding professionals are sole proprietors.

Did you know that?

And did you know that much of our work is done by ourselves, not with a team. For example, photographers and videographers spend the majority of their time working at their office editing photos, cropping images, putting albums or videos together by THEMSELVES. It's a quiet and solo process. As for florists and floral designers, they are often making pieces by themselves in their studio space. Often, floral designers are writing detailed proposals at their desk in between taking care of a million little details. As one of these designers, I don't have someone to turn to. I do do many things just by myself.

I think to myself - it would be wonderful to bounce ideas off of other people. And yes, I am fairly lucky because I have a wonderful office assistant, Karin, so I'm not too lonely. However, most of the time, important decisions are made alone.

On rare occasions, I do miss those days when I worked on a floor with hundreds of people. I miss the sound of people chatting on their phones, xerox machines making copies, and work getting done.

That's why important meetings such like a WPPI are key for us lonely entrepeneurs. Today, seeing Ron Dawson(of Dare Dreamer Media) and David Jay of David Jay Photography reminded me that we, wedding vendors, are not alone. There's thousands of us out there. We may run our own business but when we need to reach out, there's a whole sea of people ready to meet you. I'm reminded that we aren't without a community. I guess that's why I find myself on Facebook. Yup, I finally did it. And already, I see the energy in being part of something greater.

Thanks, Ron and David to reminding us that we aren't just an island. Both of you inspire me.

{Behind the Scenes: WPPI Snowball Fight}

Still at Vegas attending the WPPI. Since I'm amongst so many talented photographers, I wanted to do a post or two on some of the awarding winning images that will be featured in the days to come. The print competition is underway and judging took place on Saturday and Sunday. Attendees will be able to see the results of the WPPI print competition at the Exhibit hall. Today, I'll be there to see what photo is my favorite.

In anticipation on what will be the awarding winning images this year, I'm sharing one past entry from my husband's collection that seems just perfect to share today.

It's a bride and groom who are dressed in their beautiful wedding attire. This winter wedding takes place at the picturesque Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Valley. A wondrous Yosemite scenery in the background makes this a gorgeous and timeless image as the couple took a little break from their wedding day to have a snowball fight!

Isn't this what wedding photography is all about...photography should capture the fun, the joy, the lost moments where you think no one is looking at you!

Enjoy!

Photograph by Kevin Chin

{About Nancy: Objects of Desire}

I know I'm suppose to write about inspiring weddings, insights on planning your event, and ideas for flowers but I'm in Vegas. And maybe the fact that I'm in Sin City brings out the bad girl in me. Because all I want to do is spa, feast, and shop! There's so many things I suddenly can't resist. I find myself putting together a list of the objects of my desire instead of wedding tips. Oh well. ENJOY!



I love these gold wired Alessi baskets. They are both functional and attractive. Whether placed on an end table or as a centerpiece, they are definitely modern and chic. And trend right! Gold is fresh for 2009.

I just love the entire Twilight series, so you might find it odd that I don't own the books. I borrowed all the books from friends and the library. I like this slipcase collection of books. They fit perfectly together so that I'll never be without a book.


I hear the cardigan is back and it's not that typical Gap twin set - THANK GOD! This yellow and white cardigan is very attractive and I love how it looks fresh. Paired with this white pencil skirt, the yellow cardigan is sexy but classy.

Nico de Sweet is a genius with flowers so this is a must have book for anyone who appreciates great floral design.



KC and I have finally worn out our old Calvin's. It's time for new bedding and this set by Michael Kors called "Bali" is solid. It's a beautiful American classic print that's luxurious without being stuffy. I love the color palette of grey with yellow.

I saw this gorgeous leaf hinge cuff and I want it. It's perfect for an Oscar's bash. You can find it at Bergdorf's.


The perfect sexy shoe is this Jimmy Choo slingback in patent leather. This shoe makes me want to give up all my other black heels. You only need one pair of great shoes and this one is the one for this year.

When I need to get away, I don't call Calgon. I love Cote Bastide products. This is one of their new items.



I'm tired of bringing hard back books on vacation so I could use this Kindle. I hear this is the future for readers like myself.

{About Nancy: Traveling with Chin Chin}

Beyond working obsessively on weddings and flowers, I do have a life which includes spending quality time with my two boys KC(Kevin Chin, my hubby) and Chin Chin(my 10 year old Bichon).

One of the best things about my line of work is that I get to travel to wonderful locations and 5 star venues. Often I travel with my team but on a few rare projects, I get to bring my family. I wanted to share these images from my stay at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay after one of my wedding installations. The Ritz is a wonderful property. A mere hour from the City, it truly feels like I'm at the edge of the world. This beautiful designed and grand hotel overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The sound of gentle waves and the little mist from the sea has quite a calming effect on visitors alike. The greens from the golf course adds to the allure.

Though my family often accuses me of being driven, I do know that it's key to have this balance in life. The last year hasn't been rosy for everyone with a disappointing economy and uncertain future, I know that many people are struggling. When everyone goes through these fears, we all need to learn what matters and nothing matters more than the time I spend with KC and Chin Chin. They mean everything to me. And these images of Chin Chin bring a hug smile. He makes me laugh.

Thanks for letting me share!

{Behind the Scenes: On the Road Again}

During the winter months, my friends think I do nothing. OH boy - little do they know that from December to April, I'm working with my clients as well as doing networking functions and traveling to the numerous conventions for wedding professionals.

In January, I talked about TSE, The Special Events. Earlier this week, I posted about the Wedding University. This past Thursday, I did a very short presentation on Home Entertaining to the ladies at the Lafayette Garden Club. I want to thank Maureen, Valerie, and Veronica for their support. During my one hour lecture, I did 8 different floral pieces including a 2 tiered cake of flowers and a garden arrangement featuring kale and mung beans.

Last night I arrived in Las Vegas in preparation for the WPPI. I'm staying at the MGM. KC and I got a chance to walk the entire hotel and we celebrated Valentine's at the gorgeous Italian restaurant, Fiamma. We feasted on pasta, octopus, and this delicious salad of tomatoes with mozzarella.

The WPPI is a great time to see what is happening with wedding vendors and professional photographers. I am anxious to see my VF(vendor friends) - Alicia and Brook Todd of Alicia & Brook, Ron Dawson of Cinematic Studios, Dave Ethridge of AVR, and many other fabulous vendors. Tomorrow, I'll be going to a few of the many seminars. Even though I am not a photographer they have classes on marketing, sales, and blogging...which is why I am here. Gee, I have so much to learn about blogging.

Brown Baggers, I'm going to be a better blogger for all of you!!!