Press: Modern Bride China features Gertrude + Mabel Photography Wedding

This is going to make my Chinese American parents very proud of me.  For years now, they think I just goof around all week.  They haven't a clue of what a Floral + Event designer does.  My parents are typically conservative and are still harboring aspirations for their adult/grown children.   No, Mom, I think it's too late for me to be  a physician.  No Dad, I don't think another business degree is necessary as I don't think my clients want me to talk about global market trends as much as local wedding resources.  Yes, Mom,  I think Jeff(which is my brother) is not going to work in the computer field as you had hoped.   Sure Dad, maybe your grandson Jonathan can be the first lawyer in the family.

Well, Mom and Dad, I hope you can be proud of NLC Designs being featured in Modern Bride China's magazine.

Quite happy to be apart of this beautiful Ferry Building Wedding planned by my esteemed wedding buddy, Jubilee Lau.  And much thanks to Modern Bride China (感谢您的现代新娘中国杂志).  And of course, to our lovely couple, Julie and Nathan.  All these fabulous images were by the talented duo, Gertrude and Mabel Photography.  They are so groovy! 

Industry News: Reverie Magazine

So giddy with excitement.  I'm looking forward to this new and exciting wedding magazine aptly named Reverie.

The debut issue is coming in January 2012.  How is that for a dream?

Floral Inspirations: Are you Glad?

To be honest, I have gone years without using some flowers.  (Yup, having touched Asters in a while!  No Anthurium on my to buy list ) One of them is the humble Gladiolus   Typically you see them in funeral work.   They are typically stiff and a good line flower.

Sometimes I've used them for modern arrangements and for our weekly restaurant jobs because they are long lasting. They open slowly and tend to blend awkwardly at the tops.  Too bad.

Lately, I've been writing more and more proposals utilizing this very elegant and versatile flower.  We've been removing the florets and adding them to bouquets which is a great idea because their blooms are amazing.  They have this interesting texture.  And who doesn't love their broad color assortment.

See for yourself and try to find new applications to bring back this "old standard".

Courtesy of Rideau Florist at rideaufloristottawa.ca

About Nancy: Beyond Thanks....

While the office is closed officially for Thanksgiving, I am leaving you with this Thanksgiving mood board which was inspired by in image of what I had in my head, not so different from that of this painting below.    Instead of colors like orange and brown which are often associated with Thanksgiving, I was thinking of deeper hues like olive green, fig and plum colors along with moody ebony.

I hope you like my Thanksgiving Olive + Fig board where you will find images of beautifully styled food like pies, tarts, breads, cheeses.  I especially looked for images with black background to create a somber and serious mood.  As a pop color, I choose squash yellow/orange which is neither too orange or too lemony.  Hope you and your family are enjoying themselves today.  And if you get a chance, tell yourself what you are most thankful for....

That's what I will be doing.

Press: EAD features Merced Wedding with Augie Chang

It's wonderful seeing Josephine and Milo's wedding on Elizabeth Anne Design's real wedding blog.  The reason why I'm happy to see that EAD has selected this bright, bold, classic wedding is that I feel so strongly that classic, traditional, indoor weddings are so underrepresented in blog and wedding features.

It's like we've turned into vintage, rustic, outdoor vendors.  For all of us, it's so important to see that every wedding doesn't have to be outdoors with vintage inspired details.

This is just classic, grand, ballroom elegance done tastefully with vibrant colors that represent the client's favorite hues.  Since Milo grew up in Hawaii, it was important to feature some "Hawaiian" details without being too "tropical". For the ceremony Milo wore a lieu of ti leaves with white orchids. I included orchids and tropical leaves in the bridal bouquet.   They choose to marry in a beautiful church in the Presidio that features the beauty of San Francisco. Their evening reception was at the Lake Merced Golf Club which was a special place for the bride's family. The bride loved lace so that incorporated in the invitations as well as in the linen choices. It was a wedding about family as the evening ended with sweet cake made by the bride's aunt. All in all, lovely and authentic.

Images by Augie Chang

About Nancy: San Francisco - My City

In one word, this year has been about reconnecting.  I've been slowly trying to reconnect with college friends, past roommates, my family, and my buddies.

One additional thing is that I'm also trying to reconnect with my home, San Francisco.  Partly it's because I haven't travelled as much as and secondly it is because of Rocco, our 2nd dog.  Having two dogs has changed my routine for the better.  Instead of going out of town, I'm staying on a homecation.

For those who are visiting San Francisco, sit back and enjoy.

So, where to begin?

San Francisco is a city of neighborhoods, small gems hidden away.  Though many people think of San Francisco as Fisherman's Wharf or Pier 39, I rarely venture to the more touristy locations but instead head for the rare gems like Hayes Valley, Mission, or Potrero Hill.

Though most people wouldn't say that San Francisco is a great city to walk or stroll around, I find it absolutely interesting in it's quiet diversity with its sometimes awkward facades but equally charming urbane attitude.  There is something rare about my city.  A city where people gather and mingle over great, niche food.  A place where you will find the city's young hipsters along with suburbanites.

If I had just a few hours to spend in San Francisco, I would end up eating my way through the city's amazing range of niche restaurants and hole in the walls.  For those wiling to walk to the darker and sometimes dingier side, San Francisco has a wealth of restaurants that are actually affordable and so down to earth, places where food comes first.

Because of my work life, I am on the go which means that I often eat out and must eat on a dime.  Here are some of my favorite places to grab a bite and to reconnect with "life".

Hard Knox Cafe - My husband and I had one of our birthday celebrations here so it's special.  Fried Chicken is so good.  Sides are remarkably straightforward.  There's nothing here that is over $15.  I also like their potato salad which has something that makes it slightly bit orange.

Hard Knox Cafe - the fried chicken is about as good as it gets for less than $15 including 2 sides and a plate of corn muffins.  With 2 locations, you can choose between Outer Sunset or Dogpatch.  

Shanghai Dumpling King - I'm a sucker for dumplings.  Chinese dumplings = comfort.  Of course I rather be at the Nanking Dumpling House in Shanghai but these must suffice.

The famous sweet fried Chinese donuts/dumplings from Shanghai Dumpling House.  It's so hard to find a sit at this tiny little hole in the wall that my friends Sally, Dave and I just grabbed the small table near the kitchen.  The atmosphere might be subpar but these fried things are heavenly.

Burma Superstar - long lines have hurt their reputation but it's still one of my favorite places on Clement Street.  Make a trip of it and walk the strange produce and Chinese butcher shops.  Toward Arguello, the shops change but in the middle around 4th and 6th, it's little Chinatown.

One dish has almost converted me into a vegetarian and that would be the Green Tea Leaf Salad from Burma Superstar.  There are several great dishes but it's all about this simple salad.  After this I love the Spicy and Crispy Chicken and the Curry Noodle with eggs.  Everything tastes so awkwardly familiar, a bit Indian, a bit Thai, a bit Chinese.

King of Thai - for me, the original one is on Clement with it's royal purple store front.  It's the tiniest little place with a kitchen as big as it's sitting area.  I don't usually eat in as the atmosphere is pretty blah but once the food gets to you, you forget the sparse decor.

When I first ordered this Duck Noodle Soup from King of Thai, I knew I had found something.  The rich broth has a taste of star anise which makes it sweet yet interestingly "licorice" like.  The blend of the dark and soothing broth with the fatty duck makes this remarkable and all under $10.  

Tartine - The best place to start your trip.  Don't eat a thing....come hunger.

One must start the day with a good bite.  The first time I had this Morning Bun from Tartine, I think I knew was a goner.  There are amazing croissants but I think this is my favorite.

Slow Club - one of those word of mouth places.  You never see big reviews.  It's a place where people in the know still go.  Hidden in lower Potrero Hill, it's hard to find but so worth it.

When I got my first big job at Macy's, I would often go out to dinner with a friend at this tiny cafe/bistro.  Slow Club has not changed in it's authenticity.  It's a place so darkly romantic that it's perfect for a Friday night date.

Slow Club's small and charming kitchen reminds me that you don't a huge space to be a success.

Suppenkuche - Right in Hayes Valley, it takes up a corner.  I must have passed this place so many times. Sure Jules is next door.  Of course the suburbanites are at Stacks.  True brunchers come here.

I first learned of this place from friend's Matt and Lisa.  Ever since I had my first Belgium beer for breakfast, I was a sold.  Suppenkuche is a favorite place to get a little rowdy.

These Suppenkuche potato pancakes are amazing but if they don't bring you ketchup, don't be surprised. 

El Tonayense - I have to put a food truck on this list.  And this one is pretty darn good.  If you are near Best Buy in SOMA, you will find one of their infamous trucks.

El Tonayense's Taco truck sits across from our storage warehouse.  Originally I just order burritos but for $1.75 you can get tacos with various filings.  For those not so adventurous, Grilled Chicken is very simple and straighforward but give the other items a try.

Serpentine - it's my neighborhood hangout.  This is where I take vendors and clients.  One block from our studio and I couldn't be more happy.  At the corner of 3rd and 22nd.  It's definitely a great up and coming place.

One of my favorite burgers is from Serpentine.  For $14 bucks, it's perfection and the thin fries aren't so bad.

Bi-rite Creamery - in the Mission, this is my favorite corner and I never want to leave.

Sure I like all ice cream but  Bi Rite makes the best salted caramel ice cream. Period.

Humphry Slowcombe - Gourmet ice cream with a twist in the Outer Mission.  The neighborhood is so colorful with all the Mexican produce stalls.  Love strolling around this neighhood where the vibe is edgy.

Humphry Slocumbe has this Secret Breakfast ice cream that is strangely perfect for a hangover.  I love it. 

Another ice cream shot

Press: I Love Southern Wedding Magazine

In my drawer next to my side of the bed is an old spiral journal that measures 4 x 6.  The outer cover is creased and partially dog earred.  Why I chose to keep this old journal would surely be a complete mystery to a stranger, but for me, there lies in its pages --- my bucket list.    Things like....

1. Go travel to China to see the Great Wall.
2. Learn to make bread in a Parisian bakery.
3. See all the 4 Grand Slams ofTennis.
4. Attend a Winter and Summer Olmpics.

These of course are my personal hopes and desires spilled out between pages of lined paper awaiting to be crossed off.

Like in my personal life, I have aspirations and dreams for my career life.  Things that include....

1.  Meet Preston Bailey
2. Get a Real Wedding in Martha Stewart
3. Be featured in Southern Weddings

and on and on it goes.

Though I'm working on #3(be featured in Southern Wedding Magazine), at least I got a chance to work on a feature with Gloria Wong for her Southern Wedding photo shoot. This charming photo shoot centers on Classic White Shoes.

Gloria's styling is so wonderful, making simple white shoes, so irresistible and sweet.

I love all things about Southern Weddings so make sure to visit their blog and website for inspirations.

All Images by Leo Patrone

Wedding Tips: Rehearsal Dinners

Often my clients ask me where can they hold their pre wedding day rehearsal dinner.  It's rather difficult to find the right place but for a small dinner between 18 and 22, I'm happy to announce that I found a great little place that's just oooozing of charm and warmth.  The overall feel when you step into 1300 Fillmore is that it's more supperclub than restaurant. I'd describe it as "lounge like, romantic, sultry, elegant without formality".  The food sticks to your ribs.  It's comfort food elevated to a gourmet level.

What till you see the private dining options that begin at $55 for a 3 course meal.  I think that's wonderful.

And don't you forget that a little rehearsal flowers will make their long table ever so beautiful and polished.  Imagine simple modern flowers in clean glass vases down the center of the table.  Oh Oh Oh so pretty.

Industry News - Get Published by Photo Mint

Lara White of Geoff White Photographers has been a good vendor friend for ages.  I remember the first time I met the White's.  We met at Plump Jack Resort in Squaw Valley for a summer wedding.   That wedding featured ribbon details, colorful candy, stuffed elephant favors, and bright colors.  Even though the wedding was several years back, when I see the images from Lara and Geoff, they still look fresh to me.  A testament to true artists.

From the get go I really liked Lara and Geoff because they had such amazing chemistry.  The image on the cover of Lara's new ebook Get Published was from that Plump Jack wedding.  I remember that wedding because it was one of the first weddings that I did that was ever published.  Ever since that editorial spread, I've realized how crucial the vendor relationship is. We've worked on several weddings since that Tahoe soiree.  In fact, one of our spring weddings was featured in Style Me Pretty this year.

Get Published is a great read.  It pretty much summarizes everything you have ever wanted to know and more about getting published.    It's so valuable for not only photographers but also other vendors who rely on editorials as part of their marketing strategy.   Hope you enjoy this educational book.

To download the link to Get Published and for more information about Photo Mint, go ahead and click on Photo Mint.