Merry Cris + James {ENGAGED!}

Merry Cris (aka M.C. to her friends and family) and James were students at California State University Channel Islands in Camarillo, CA.  They met at a college party in early October 2006.  They met a few more times that month although their encounters were brief.  Coincidentally, they met again at their college library.  This led to weekly meetings in the library until they graduated in 2008.

Six years later they will finally tie the knot this coming Saturday, August 11^th in Thousand Oaks, CA!!  I’ve known M.C. since I was in junior high school so when she contacted me last year to help design and plan her wedding I felt very honored.  She’s one of the sweetest, intelligent girls I know and I wanted to make sure her dream wedding will look ultra fabulous and chic with a mod/vintage theme!!

Here’s a little preview of their e-session!!  Allen Newsum of Ambrosia Event Services photographed it on the grounds of their alma mater.  Enjoy!!

{Photos by Ambrosia Event Services}

Ava's Vintage Carousel {First Birthday} Party

Planning your child's very first birthday party is such a huge milestone.  As an event planner, Ava's first birthday party is no different from planning a wedding.  And because it's such an important event all details should be considered.  From the invitation to location to the food you will serve, you have to consider every detail no matter how large or small.  Ava's birthday took place at the historic Carousel at the Santa Monica Pier!!  It was the perfect venue for adults and kids!


The inspiration for this party was the carousel.  To keep with the vintage theme and to make things colorful, I chose pastel shades of pink and blue (main colors used) and green and yellow (accents).  My hubby, Steve, and I wanted to keep within our budget so we incorporated a lot of DIY projects.  All the hard work certainly paid off!  Not only was the party a success, but our guests had such a fun time!

{Photography by Patricio A. Tagudar III}

Vendor Credits:

Event Planner:  Majell del Castillo Events

Photographer:  Patricio A Tagudar, III

Cake:  Vanilla Bake Shop

French Macarons:  'Lette Macarons

Red Velvet and Salted Caramel whoopie pies:  Majell del Castillo Events

Silhouette artist:  Sylhouettes by Sylvia

Cake platters:  Private collection

Carousel topper and dessert table canopy:  Steve del Castillo

Ava's 1st Birthday Party was {FEATURED} - "On To Baby"

Last November we held Ava's birthday party at the historic Carousel at the Santa Monica Pier.  I'm honored and humbled to have her birthday party featured on the pretty baby blog "On To Baby"!  Check out the fabulous article written about the party.  Thanks again "On To Baby" for the feature!!


Click here for the article:  http://www.ontobaby.com/2012/01/pink-and-blue-carousel-birthday-party/