Ethereal Arabic Platinum Wedding Feature: {Myriam + Ashraf}

When I walked into Myriam’s bridal suite to check up on her I noticed a radiant glow upon her (keep in mind this was before the makeup artist arrived).  To be quite honest, I’ve never seen a bride this radiant in my life.  I knew her wedding day was going to be filled with love and beauty.  I remember taking a look at her right before she walked down the aisle and thinking how unbelievably striking she was.  The ceremony took place at dusk in the grand ballroom of the historic Casa del Mar in Santa Monica.  We had one hour to transform the ballroom into a breathtaking and heavenly reception filled with crystal chandeliers and blush pink orchids with crystals hanging on manzanita branches made to look as if they were floating in air.  A delicious four-course meal consisting of crab cakes, lobster, filet mignon, and two wedding cakes were served.  Guests were entertained by an amazing performance by belly dancers, a live Arabic band, and a fantastic DJ.  Butler-passed snacks of mini cheeseburgers, mini pizzas, French fries served in cones, and chocolate & vanilla milkshake shooters were served at midnight to satisfy the guests’ late night cravings.  One word describes this extraordinary platinum wedding, which is one of the best weddings I’ve ever coordinated and designed to date, ETHEREAL.  A special thanks to Tauran Woo for sharing the amazing photos and Dodie Sy of Brassavolas Floral Couture for the fabulous floral designs.  Scroll down after the pictures for more info on the Dream Team that made this wedding possible.

{All photos by Tauran Woo}

{THE DREAM TEAM}

Ceremony and Reception:  Casa del Mar in Santa Monica; Wedding Planner/Coordinator:  Majell del Castillo Events; Hair/Makeup:  Amy Sparks; Bridal Gown Designer:  Stephen Yearick from Mon Amie; Groom's Tux:  Hugo Boss from Nordstrom; Event Lighting/Rentals:  Royal Events Inc; Flowers:  Brassavolas Floral Couture; Photography:  Tauran Woo; Videographer:  Today's the Day; Cake:  Vanilla Bake Shop; Croquembouche:  Caprice Fine French Pasteries; Harpist:  Shawna Lynn Selline; Entertainment:  Layla and the Lotus Dancers; Live Arabic Band:  Shadi Sayegh; DJ:  DJ Samy of Samy's Entertainment; Invitation Ensemble:  Papyrus; Guest Book; MyPublisher.com

Married & Loving It: A Reaffirmation of Love

(Photo Credit: Light & Shade Photography)

For the past couple of years I have been pestering my husband, Steve, to renew our vows. I remember a few months after our destination wedding in 2004 I looked at the calendar to see when the next time our wedding date, June 26th, would land on a Saturday. I remember telling Steve, "Ok. Our wedding date will be on a Saturday in the year 2010. That'll give us enough time to save and plan our stateside wedding to renew our vows." Some people might wonder, "Why renew your vows after six years of marriage? Why not wait until your 10, 30, or 50 year wedding anniversary." Well, there is no set rule saying you HAVE to renew your vows within a certain number of years. Couples renew their vows anytime and as many times as they please. Heck, even Fergie and Josh Duhamel renewed their vows a year after they got married! Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale renewed their vows a couple months after their wedding in London. (See an old post regarding renewing vows)

Some time in 2009, with 4.5 years of experience in planning events and weddings, I asked Steve again if he wanted to renew our vows in 2010. He said, "If I have never broken it, why should I renew it?" Of course, I was happy with that answer, but at the same time I was disappointed. Everyone who knows me knows I LOVE weddings. If I had to marry Steve again, I'd do it! Being a good husband he is he wanted to do something else in lieu of renewing our vows. He told me, "I'd rather upgrade the rock on your engagement ring than pay for another wedding." So in September 2009, we went shopping for the perfect upgrade to my original 1.10-carat princess cut solitaire. It didn't take long for me to find the perfect upgrade. I found the perfect upgrade while searching through the website of celeb-favorite jewelry designer, Tacori. In October 2009, we decided to visit the nearest Robbins Bros store since they carried the Tacori collection. I showed Steve what I wanted. However, he wanted to wait to purchase it. I was hoping he'd buy it for my birthday. Well, my birthday came and went. No ring. Then Christmas came and went. Still no ring. On December 28th, Steve and I visited the store again. That night he ordered my Tacori ring! I was so excited. I was beaming...and I'm still beaming every time I think about it! The ring is currently being custom-made and won't arrive until February 14th. I can't wait to show you all!

Another thing we're looking forward to, in lieu of renewing our vows, is our "Married & Loving It" photo session (aka Anniversary session) in February. Very few married couples do A-sessions, but I wouldn't be surprised if this might become a trend soon. A-sessions are very similar to what E-sessions (aka Engagement sessions) are to brides and grooms. For those of you who are wondering why we chose to take an A-session in February rather than our real anniversary in June? It's simply because it is a lot cooler in February.

A different approach to the reaffirmation of our love. It's not the typical ceremony and reception, but it will certainly do. And we're certainly loving it! Stay tuned...

Someone's engaged to be married!!!

My friend and my daughter's Godmother, Pia, just got engaged while on a cruise with her longtime boyfriend, Ryan Lising! They've been dating for A LONG TIME! So congrats to the both of you! I knew she would get engaged! Ryan picked out a gorgeous radiant cut diamond with two smaller diamonds flanking the sides of the big rock! Good job Ryan (and yours truly...yeah me!) for picking out the perfect rock for a sweet girl! Here's the picture! Enjoy!

(click image to enlarge)