About Nancy: The End, The Beginning

What will you remember about this year? What would you like to forget? What new memories will linger? Who touched you? Who inspired? And where are you going?

All are thought provoking questions. For me, I'll remember....

being excited for my Marin Headland bride
who wanted red blossoms at her reception

 feeling happy when I saw the radiant smile on my bride's face
at her Sonoma reception

becoming friends with my June couple after planning their
gorgeous Bently affair(the cookie's bonded us)

bumping into Orlando Bloom the morning that I got into my bike accident

meeting over 21 doctors over the course of this year

working on the many City Hall events including one that featured 

two 6 feet elephants (took over 400 bunches of white carnations to make)

getting hooked on Glee, Good Wife, and Food Network while on bedrest

getting a signed copy of Hello!Lucky's Handmade Wedding book 

meeting David Beahm at Wedding 360's Academy( and feeling quite nervous)

having Chinese food with Young from Wildflower Linens
and the entire Soiree Charleston gang

doing a 3 day workshop for WFA while wearing my eye patch

going on a last minute trip to Cabo with my assistant, Lily

trying to figure out how to create a "3D" effect with my intern, Michelle

doing my 1st off-the-hook Sweet 16 party

surviving a 29 hour wedding setup while managing a crew of 39

designing a lemon hued bridal shower for a celebrated wedding insider

celebrating new life(Lucas, Evan, Maggie)

bonding with gal pals at the very pink Pampered Girl

doing the Brian Wilson "cross" after the Giant's won the World Series

surviving the most amazing Parade in San Francisco with Beverly Yip

getting addicted to Words with Friends
receiving the surprise of my life when famous planner Evonne from Hawaii
showed up at Le Creme Nail Spa

converting from PC to a Mac(God save me!)

brunching with my sorority sisters Margo and Ging at Suppenkuche

helping someone have their Dream Wedding at the Hotel Vitale

watching my husband master the art of cinematography

celebrating 10 years of marriage bliss with friends

bonding with fellow floral buddies at the
Floral Summit(will never forget meeting Holly, Carissa and Amy)

working with Jose Villa even though I was 100 miles away

and learning to have HOPE.

Top row - Elle Jae Photography, Kevin Chin, Kevin Chin, Lisa Lefkowitz Photography
2nd Row: Orange Photography, Kevin Chin, Kevin Chin
3rd Row: Kevin Chin, Greg Slick Photography, Kevin Chin, Beverly Yip

Good bye. So long. Farewell.

Hello. Welcome. I'm Ready.

Peace on Earth. Love & Laughter. Respect the Earth.

Best Thing Ever: Outdoor Ceremony

Have seen many amazing things in my career. Grand weddings, over the top theatrical setups, and even a wedding that took 200 helpers. But it's the simplicity things done well, done thoughtful, done grace that are the best things I've ever seen.

Congrats to my dear floral friend, Carissa Jones, and photographyby  Stephanie Williams for this most romantic outdoor ceremony detail that I've seen.  It's so beautiful, graceful, fine that I am speechless.

Photography by Stephanie Williams, Flower and Event Design by JL Designs

Photography by Stephanie Williams, Flower and Event Design by JL Designs

Am I so right? Stunningly simple.

Press: Snippet and Ink

Thank you Kathryn of Snippet and Ink for featuring one of our favorite weddings from this past year.


If this wedding looks familiar it's because I previous wrote about our lovely couple,  Kristy and Christopher.    Completely adore the details that Kathryn pulled together.    You can read about  Kristy's journey as a bride in the wonderful written article on Snippet and Ink which appeared on Monday, December 20th.

Photography by Greg Slick of Once Studio with Jesse Leake

Photography by Greg Slick of Once Studio with Jesse Leake

We are humbled and honored!  Thank you {Snippet and Ink}!

Inspiration: Deck the Hall

For many of us, we don't have the luxury of planning an outdoor wedding(even though you wouldn't know that from reading the countless blogs which feature endless barns,boathouse, vineyards, outdoor gardens and parks). Some of us don't live near gorgeous gardens. Perhaps we want an adorable barn wedding but there's isn't one within 50 miles. Some couples choose a winter date and an outdoor weddings doesn't sound possible(trust me - you don't want to do an outdoor wedding when it's zero below). And of course, a few of us feel that indoor is more comfortable for the guests(no bug bites or getting your shoes caught in the ground).

The truth is if you let your imagination run, indoor halls can be changed and transformed. Take a cold bank hall, contemporary ballroom, high school meeting room, or community church and turn them into something special with your own signature flair.

Photography by Lisa Lefkowitz at Bently Reserve

Lighting, soft floor to ceiling fabric and even a chandelier transformed the ground floor of this banking hall into a grand ceremony space.

Photography by Kevin Chin at Mercy Burlingame High School (also know as Kohl Mansion)

Who would believe this ornate room(located in a girl's high school) can look like a fancy ballroom with some hanging features, beautiful linens, and candles. I love candles. And the flowers aren't bad either.

Photography by Kevin Chin, Lighting by Enhanced Lighting

Can you believe this is inside a modern hotel ballroom? Draping an entire room is a true investment but as you can see, you can't see the wooden walls or the contemporary fixtures. By turning the lights low and focusing on the table decor, we've tried to "distract" from the carpet which doesn't quite work with the "ethnic influenced" decor. Another great thing is having the luxury of hiring an amazing event designer. Our design partner was the adorable Gloria Wong of Gloria Wong Design who has amazing input and ideas.

Photography by Gertude & Mabel.

Finally, even if you are getting married indoors(in a grand church) doesn't mean that you can't try to make the space feel like a garden.  See what inventory the venue has.  This church had an vintage table sitting on the left side.   Unused.   Transforming this old, scratched up table into the "altar" made the space feel soft and rustic.   Bringing in contemporary glass and choosing very airy foliage and flowers was intended to make this church feel not like a church but a lovely indoor space.  Bringing in the garden can't make something a garden but we can't stop trying.


By the way, for those who celebrate Christmas, Merry Christmas!

Real Wedding: Wedding of the Year #7

As the year wraps up, I know that it's more appropriate to feature a Christmas inspiration board or certainly, a sparkling, frosted winter wedding.  Seemingly apt given the grey skies.  Today, the sun never even broke and all around the steady sound of raindrops hitting the rooftop.

As I began putting today's story together, I paused.

Sure, winter inspirations are more season appropriate but not one to stick to tradition, I'm posting a Wedding of the Year from the heated summer.

Here it is...a beautiful, sweet, classic wedding. And how can you refuse posting a wedding at a horse club?

Hues of pink, coral pink, melon, grass, earth and cocoa.

Venue - Menlo Circus Club
Planner - Jubilee Lau
Rental and Linens - Classic Party Rentals
Floral and Event Design - Nancy Liu Chin Designs

About Nancy: Off Season Projects!

Modest Chic from Justin Fone Productions on Vimeo.

Usually during the winter, I work on some crazy fun projects including photo shoots, industry lunches and workshops.  Last season, I got a chance to work on this photo shoot for a local wedding show which wanted recession proof ideas.  Though the project was last year, I finally got a chance to view it and it's pretty fresh and fun.

Behind the camera of this short film is my good buddy, Justin Fone, who does "tasteful wedding video".  Justin created this very charming short film a while back.  This aptly titled film, 'Modest Chic'  is intended to give brides and grooms a few examples of ways to create glamour and stylish decorations for their weddings at modest budgets.

There are 4 different looks. A Modern Orchid design featuring acrylic tubes, crystal beaded napkins, silver bordered place cards.  Trend right colors of silver, purple and fuchsia are combined for a clean look.

The next is an Asian inspired table featuring tree blossoms, chopsticks, red birds and bright Chinese style flowers. Colors of lipstick, white and black combined together create the feeling that is really is "Shanghai Tang".

You will also see a very sweet and romantic table.  It's more on the classic side.  This lovely sweet table featuring pale hues like blushes and nudes is not your every day traditional table.  With glass jar, old fashion roses and soft floral petals, it's old fashion elegance.   I love the lace like trim  blush on menus and invitations make things look less than ordinary.

And lastly, a Festive Moorish table of bright yellows with exotic gold details have a modern feel even with gold tones.  I really like yellow flowers so it's great to see them in golden vases.

Enjoy this fun little video with beautiful details from Gloria Wong, Chewing the Cud and Wildflower Linens.

Inspiration: Blush + Champagne + Ecru

Glitter, ruffles, wool, and stars - how can they possibly work together?

Well, how about this combination for a Winter wedding that's anything but cold or sparse?

Style: Wintery Femininity

Colors: Blush, Champagne, Gold, Warm Silvers, Ecru, Winter Whites, Baby Pinks

Textures: Ruffles, Glitters, Sparkles, Wool, Bubbles, Gold Thread, Heavy Yarns

Credit: 

Row one: Weddingbee.com, Martha Stewart, Fine Cooking, Elisabeth Messina for Ivy & Aster, Nancy Liu Chin Designs

Row two: All images Martha Stewart except far right Alvina Valenta

Row three: All images are Martha Stewart except 4th photo Elizabeth Messina for Ivy & Aster

About Nancy: Style Unveiled Hearts Flowers, too!

I love it when other people get equally jazzed about flowers like I do when I see a beautiful bloom or a quirky flower. Style Unveiled, which is one of my favorite blogs, features real weddings and other good stuff as we all know. Recently, they've started showcasing flowers and that has me incredibly excited.

With so much attention on DIY and shortcuts, I sincerely jumped for joy when Heather(one of the founders) asked me to send over some floral images for one of their articles.  Lately, all the floral articles have been tips and how to's, mostly easy pieces that brides can "duplicate".  Easy, natural, single blooms in a vase type of articles.  Hey- nothing wrong with that.

But....

A couple days ago I opened yet another magazine which had a flower article that got me a little frustrated.  Sure, if a national magazine wants to feature an article on how to source your own flowers and which online wholesale flower resource is best for what situation, they most certainly can.   It just feels like the more articles there are, the more brides/grooms will think that what floral designers do is just Mickey Mouse(easy!) or worse - obsolete.    It wouldn't be a bad thing to feature a few articles that also show  new floral trends(aka Martha Stewart's feature with David Stark and The Green Vase), unique and rare flowers,  and/or behind the scene articles about the day in the life of floral vendors.

I'm not saying that DIY is bad or that some designs aren't doable by home florists.  Oh No!  Gosh, if you want to create your own florals, go for it. I'm just getting on my soap box and trying to say that every now and then, it's nice to see that some editors still value and delight in the magic of floral design like my friends over there at Style Unveiled.....

Thank you Style Unveiled for featuring Billy Balls, aka Craspedia....

Ps: They take spray paint really well!

Industry News: Special Deal at Julia Morgan Ballroom

Have I got a great deal for you. If you know anything about the elegant, gorgeous Julia Morgan Ballroom in San Francisco, then you know that what I'm about to tell you is amazing.

The Julia Morgan Ballroom is one of the finest venues for weddings and private events. For a few key dates in the Winter, the venue has a very Special Offer.  Room rental for $4000.  Now this is a significant value because the standard venue rate is $12,500.  Wow!

Now, if you just recently got engaged and you haven't planned your event yet, you have got to take advantage of this.

Dates are primarily in January and February of 2011 so don't wait to grab the dates because it will be gone shortly.

Contact, Director of Catering, Linda Hylen at Lindahylen@juliamorganballroom.com or call JMB at 415) 421-7730 x310. For more images of the beautiful Julia Morgan Ballroom you can visit their website.

Don't miss out. This is one of the best offers I've ever seen. And remember, you don't have to use it for a wedding. It's great for a party, corporate event, and fundraiser too!

Inspiration: Basque Red + Saffron

I'm terrified of making Inspiration Boards because others do it so much better than I could ever. So here it goes...

Style: Relaxed Cafe Informality 

Colors: Saffron, Yellow Cheese, Basque Red, Vintage Grey

Textures: Moorish Lanterns, Red Bistro Chairs, European Postage Stamps, Bread, Stripes

This Inspiration Board is inspired by the many clients that I've seen recently(you know who you are!).  During the initial consultations, I like to mix it up and ask our clients questions that others might not.  Many of them are a bit thrown for a loop but I like getting to know fun tidbits including their hobbies, favorite hotels, childhood likes and common interests.  Plenty of our clients respond that their social life evolves around food.

Who isn't obsessed with food?

So, I've put together an Inspiration Board that is inspired by flavors and textures that I love.
Love -  Right now.

Things in the winter that comfort me are plates of Breads with Cheese, Fruity Drinks, Comfort foods, Small Tapas, Churros, Spanish wines, chilis.    And though it's cold outside, I like to think that there's couples gathering, mingling, talking over a warm breakfast, sharing a meal.

Real Wedding: Wedding of the Year #6

A couple weeks back, I promised to share more photos from Christine & Edward's { Red + Aqua } wedding and I simply just didn't get it together in time.    Fans, hope this isn't coming too late.

Without further ado, here are the stunning and fabulous images from my buddy photographer, Angie Silvy.  Colorful cake designed by Cake Coquette.  Our lovely couple had their fun filled reception at the deluxe and ubersleek, Clift Hotel.

 You got to love that stoic photo on the bottom right.  It makes me laugh everything I see it.

Photography by Angie Silvy(the bomb!).

About Nancy: Minimum change

We are taking to the blog today to tell our fans and clients that we are changing our minimums for 2011 and beyond on January 1, 2011.

In 2010, we actually reduced our minimum because we wanted to give brides and grooms who were struggling with their floral budget a chance to take advantage of a lower minimum.

We are especially proud that we've kept pricing as close to 2008 pricing as possible. And we will continue to give great value and pricing. The new luxury is value pricing.

Come January 1, 2011 our new minimum will be going up. All new proposals accepted after January 1, 2011 will have a new minimum. So please check our website for the new pricing. Thank you to our fans, vendor partnerships and clients. We wish you a very happy and safe holiday.

By The Numbers: Red, White and Black Table

It's been a long long time since I did a By The Numbers article.  Right on time for the Holidays, I thought I would do a By The Numbers on this festive table that I called "Sultry Romance".

The components are very basic - it's simple all Valentino Red flowers.  That's it.

For the centerpiece, you will need

192 Stems of Fancy Bright Red Carnations

150 Stems of 40 to 50 cm Red Roses (I used Forever Young)

25 Stems of Red Antique Hydrangea

1 Can of Red Carnation Floral Paint
1 11 inch Lomey Dish
1/2 Brick of Designer Foam
Chicken Wire
1 tall Glass Vase - sturdy
Waterproof Tape

For the table setting, you will need
Table Decor Recipe
8 Black Round Chargers
8 Bright Red Satin Napkins
8 Black Martini Glasses
8 Champagne Flutes
8 Red Wine
8 Water Goblet
1 Salad and Dinner Fork
1 Spoon and Knife
16 Frosted Votives
8 Place cards and menus
1 Table Number
1 Semi Circle White Leather Couch
4 White Chiavari Chairs
4 White with Black Trim Cushions
1 Round Speciality Linen

Thank you Hello!Lucky for the custom designed Menu cards, Table number(10), and Place cards.  Chung Li Photography captured the photo  from the Shattuck Hotel event.  He was under tremendous pressure to get the photo before many guests arrived so I appreciate it.

The spot on rentals were from Hartmann Studios.  Leah of Hartmann Studios worked with me on the beautiful white and black floral linen.  The Black martini glasses really set off this beautiful table

Best Thing Ever: Ornate Cakes

I have seen my share of beautiful cakes.

 

This ornate cornflower blue and gold guilded cake from Ron Ben Israel really takes the prize for the Best Thing Ever: Ornate Cakes.  Unbelievable.  Delicate.  Decadent.  It's everything an ornate cake should be and much more.  The detailed ribbon/scroll work, large slanted blue ribbon, 3 initial topper and even that fabulous cake plate at the base are pure perfection. Everything about this cake screams over-the-top and that's why it's my Best Thing Ever: Ornate Cakes.

What do you think?

 

Industry News: 100 Layer Cake

Congratulations to 100LayerCake for their beautiful new website. It's filled with ideas for crafting your own wedding as well as place to find unique wedding items. We are also very proud that we are part of their wonderful vendor and venue resource page.

Thank you for this honor and for providing a wonderful resource for brides.