So Many Vendors, So Little Time!

I don’t know about you, but I get so many calls and emails from various vendor categories wanting to work with me and get on my vendor referral list. There are so many nice vendors, and I would love to help anyone that calls. But the fact is, just because a vendor is nice, and shows beautiful images, doesn’t mean they share my same high standards. A vendor cannot get on my radar or list until I have the pleasure of working with then on an event. My best recommendation for getting on my vendor referral list is

1. Refer a client to me. There is no better way to get started on the road of being one of my preferred referrals, than to bring me a client so we can work together. I only refer vendors who I have worked with and can guarantee their professionalism at an event and throughout the planning process. So a great way for me to experience their work ethic and standards is to work with them on a job. This applies to any vendor.

2. Volunteer your service to a job I am already planning. This would apply mainly to photographers and means a photographer would work 4-5 hours at a wedding to capture detail shots and the team at work. The purpose is to experience how they interact with the team and the beauty of their finished product.

I hope these two suggestions help you when considering who to add on to your preferred vendor list and encourage vendors to do something first rather than just ask for something.

Much Gratitude,
Mary Dann-McNamee

WEDDING WISDOM book signing was such a success!

Last week we had our book signing at Barnes and Noble in Manhattan Beach and it was such a success! I am so very grateful for all the vendors (JL Desings, Level 4 Interntational, Wildflower Linen, Bella Weddings and Events, Classic Party Rentals, The Butter End Cakery, Trista Lerit Photography, and Isable Gonzales Videotique) who contributed to make it such a success! We sold more books than expected and Barnes & Noble said it was the best book signing they’ve ever had at their store. Thank you for all who attended! I appreciate your continued support. Thanks also to my hubby who brought my little girls. My 4 year old Gracie also brought her best buddy Jackson.

Lastly, I am also thrilled to announce that Penny, the manager of Barnes and Noble, is the winner of a complimentary stay at La Quinta Resort and Club.

Here are some pictures of the fabulous event!





Thanks again to everyone!

Much Gratitude,
Mary Dann-McNamee

Wedding Planner Speaker at The Wedding University at The Four Season Palo Alto Hotel.

I was asked by Jean Marks and Jubilee Lau, founders of Wedding 360, to be the "wedding planner" speaker at The Wedding University at The Four Season Palo Alto Hotel. Local professionals (all except for me), from every vendor category, spoke in hopes of educating soon to be bride and grooms the best approach towards selecting vendors and navigating the wedding planning process. Andrew Hsu did an amazing job on creating a "same day edit" for this all day event.

The Wedding University SDE from andrew msv on Vimeo.

San Francisco Book Signing at Wildflower Linen Studio, San Francisco

Mary Dann Book Signing San Francisco from David Ethridge on Vimeo.

On January 31st I spoke at The Wedding University, sponsored by Wedding 360, at the Four Seasons Palo Alto. Since I was up in the area, Youngsong Martin, Owner of Wildflower Linens, offered to host my 1st Book Signing. Special Thanks to Lily, who manages the San Francisco Showroom and Creative Events By Ashley (who helped coordinate.. yes, even a planner needs a coordinator!) Some of the key sponsors were:

WEDDING WISDOM Book Signing in Manhattan Beach!

WEDDING WISDOM
Book Signing
“an insightful approach to wedding planning and life”
February 16th, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Barnes and Noble Manhattan Beach

Mary Dann-McNamee and Leila Khalil signing copies of their book and will be joined by several of the industry's elite!

About Wedding Wisdom
Wedding Wisdom is a thoughtfully written book of advice, insights, and experiences from renowned Los Angeles based “Wedding Fixer,” Mary Dann-McNamee and co creator, Wedding Publicist, Leila Khalil. Written from Mary’s unique viewpoint with over 18 years of wedding planning experience and 10 years as a marriage and family
therapist, this insightful book offers sage advice to both Brides and Wedding Planners alike. By addressing the wedding process from all significant angles – emotionally,
practically, spiritually, and joyously– Wedding Wisdom helps readers get to “I Do” with grace and ease under the guidance of one of the industry’s most respected and admired planners, Mary Dann-McNamee.

An Excerpt from The Book
“Before your ideal dream wedding planning business can be realized it needs to be built on a sturdy, strong, but flexible foundation; a foundation that will stand the test of time.
Internally make sure you are feeling well, fulfilled, and confident. Make sure your heart is open with daily gratitude and a compassionate nature. You have to be open for the gifts of success to come your way. The gifts of prosperity and abundance cannot come your way until you are prepared, organized, and open to the possibilities…”


In order to get your copy of Wedding Wisdom signed we encourage you to do one of the following:

1. Pre-order your hardbound book and copy of her latest DVD, “The Balanced Planner” through www.marydann.com/book.cfm at $45
2. Pre-order your book through Barnes and Noble by February 3rd by calling Penny at the Manhattan Beach location (310) 725-7027 hard back is: $24.95 + tax and soft back is $14.95 + tax
3. Purchase your hardbound book, prior to my signing for $27.38 (inclusive of tax) by emailing me, m@marydann.com. Books will not be sold on the day of the signing.

Hope to see you there!!

Much Gratitude,
Mary Dann-McNamee

Insight-Unique Bridal Expereince for the stylish bride, at The Grand Del Mar Resort

Feb 20, Saturday, 10am to 1pm at The Grand Del Mar, the Manchester Ballroom
I am so please to invite you to the 1st annual Insight for the Bride Wedding Show. You will receive tips on:
What to wear and how to wear it (gowns for your body type) by gown expert michele martin of M Bride, style tips for hair and make up by Paula Mayer. Plus: Swag bags will have emergency kits and other goodies. You will hear from experienced wedding professionals about what to ask and things to know when making important and expensive decisions. Balancing budget and emotions, creativity in the details, remembering your loved ones ;) and their desire to help. for more info see: www.insighttheevent.com
I will be speaking at the next Insight, The Event in October... I jsut could not swing this one in February. It is produced by my friend, Lisa Lippe,Details Defined, 858-750-8410, www.detailsdefined.com

Hidden Garden's Valentines Day Competition!

One of my favorite florists, Hidden Garden, is having a Valentine's Day Contest you don't want to miss!! Check out how to enter below!! Good luck and I cannot wait to read your stories on Hidden Garden's Facebook page!

Ever been disappointed on Valentine's Day? Was yours the most romantic Valentine's Day ever? Either way, we want to hear from you! The Hidden Garden announces a Valentine's Day Contest. Share your most memorable Valentine's Day story (the good, the bad & the
ugly) and you could win a Valentine's Day arrangement worth $200 to be delivered to your home or office on February 12th. Entries will be judged on humor, romance & fan comments.
How to Enter: Become a fan of The Hidden Garden on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/TheHiddenGarden & post your most memorable Valentine's Day story on our wall. We want to hear the best, worst and everything in between! We encourage entrants to post photos and video be creative, funny and interesting!

Judging: The Hidden Garden Romance Committee will select five finalists and post their entries on the Facebook page Thursday, February 11th. Entries will be judged on creativity, humor, romance & fan appeal/comments. The five finalists will be notified and contacted for their delivery address. On Friday, February 12th one lucky winner will be surprised with a huge arrangement just for them!

Rules:
All entrants must live or work in our service area, which includes Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley and Westlake Village. No purchase is necessary. All entrants must become a fan on Facebook of The Hidden Garden. All entries must be posted to the Hidden Garden Facebook page no later than 12:00 pm PST on Thursday, February 10, 2010. Finalists will be announced on Thursday, February 11, 2010. Winner will be surprised on Friday, February 12, 2010. Grand-prize winner will receive a floral arrangement with a retail value of $200 delivered to the address of their choice (within the designated service area.)

Good Luck!

Mary Dann-McNamee

Uncensored Event!!

I am thrilled to be presenting at The Uncensored Event with so many fabulous professionals, like Marley Majcher and Simon T. Bailey!! This event is for hip, fabulous event planners from around the world that are looking to knock it out of the park in 2010! There are 2 ½ fun filled days planned! Join myself and other A list industry leaders at the Palomar Hotel in Los Angeles, California on March 17 – 19, 2010. Click here to learn more about the event and how to register! Hope to see you there!

Much Gratitude,

Mary Dann-McNamee