Friday, December 16, 2011

Friday Favorite Find: WriteShot Photography

We recently posted about Nicole and Eric's beautiful Four Season's Westlake Village Wedding.  The couple had such a unique experience with their photography team that we wanted to share with you.


We love working with Natasha and Chris of WriteShot.  They spend the entire week with a couple documenting their history, their wedding details, and learning all about their families and passions.  Natasha and Chris join in the festivities leading up to the wedding including spa days, showers, guys nights out, wedding rehearsals, dinners, and day-after events.


At the end of your wedding journey they present you with a book that includes beautiful images and all the stories they have captured.  You also get an iPad version of your book!
Natasha and Chris are both published writers and their designs are completely custom.   When you hire WriteShot, you not only get a professional photographer with over 20 years experience, but a storyteller.


We invited Natasha to write a guest blog and talk about her experience with Nicole and Eric:
Here is a slideshow of their work:  http://thewriteshot.com/weider/



"When Mary Dann contacts WriteShot, we know the client is going to be a perfect fit for us and this was most certainly the case with the Weiders. Nicole and Eric have a powerful energy between them and both of their families are truly dynamic. As a couple, they share a love for anything classic Hollywood--films, photos and music, included. Individually, they each radiate a unique passion. For Nicole, it is being a role model and educator for young girls. Eric is a historian, whose bent is the Old West. History is important to both Nicole and Eric, as is family. So, it came as no surprise that they commissioned us to photograph their wedding week and tell their love story and the story of their wedding. We first met the couple in their Hollywood Room early in their wedding week. And, as family and friends arrived, WriteShot was there capturing every moment in both images and words. The week ended with a romantic shoot on the Strand in Manhattan Beach. The couple will receive two distinct books, in addition to all of the hundreds of photos that were shot during the week. The first, a one-of-a-kind coffee table-style storybook comprises approximately 100 photos and 12,000 words. The second book, at the bride's request, will be an image-only book.

For couples whose love runs deep and for whom the values of family and legacy are paramount, WriteShot is a perfect choice. We are the only professional photojournalist/journalist team to document weddings the way we do--in both images and words. Our style is pure documentary. We take on approximately one client each month and all work is completely custom. Everything we do from the shooting, the writing, the editing and the layout, is completed in-house and everything we do is tailored to each couple's needs. Each storybook takes on the look and feel of that couple; and for the Weiders' book that means Old Hollywood. 

When a couple truly appreciates fine art and believes in themselves and the power of their own story, that's when they start looking for something really different and satisfying--something that allows them to savor their wedding day over and over again. That's WriteShot. "

We can't wait to present future clients with the opportunity to work with WriteShot.

Love, Laughter and Happiness!
Carrie 

Carrie Goldberg
Event Manager - Mary Dann Wedding and Party Coordinators












Wednesday, November 30, 2011

A Spectacular Wedding at Four Seasons Westlake

Photo by Yitzak Dalal

We are so grateful to be on the referral list at the Four Seasons Westlake Village.  They introduced us to the most wonderful couple who gave us the pleasure of planning a platinum wedding weekend for over 100 guests within three months.  Not to mention on one of the most popular and exciting wedding dates ever!  Nicole and Eric took advantage of the once in a lifetime opportunity to have their wedding date fall on 11-11-11, an anniversary date that would be impossible to forget! 

Photo by Yitzak Dalal



The couple got married at the Four Seasons Westlake in a stunning indoor ceremony.  The room was fiilled with beautiful floral arrangements of white, cream, blush, soft pink and champagne created by the Hidden Garden with lush petals down the custom aisle runner.   Along the aisle were shapely glass vases with hanging crystals and a beautiful display of dripping florals on top.   These were complimented with  clusters of glass cylinders with floating candles.

Photo by Yitzak Dalal

The couple incorporated traditions from both their Jewish and Christian backgrounds.  The spectacular chuppah was draped in fabric and adorned with floral tie backs and flowers covering the top and sides of the structure.  There was a crystal wall hanging from the back. 


After the ceremony, guests moved next door for cocktails and delicious tray passed hors d'oeuvres.  The room was draped with white chiffon fabric and decorated with white pods of lounge furniture with champagne pillows.

Photo by Yitzak Dalal

The reception took place in a gorgeous tent on the Pagoda Lawn that was also draped from head to toe in white fabric and decorated with crystal chandeliers and hanging crystals. 

Photo by Yitzak Dalal

Nicole loves crystals and all things "Bling"!  Brilliant cut crystal paper weights were given to the bridal party as one of the many their many gifts and used instead of place cards.


Guests danced under the tent on the custom white dance floor with Nicole and Eric's monogram.  DJ Jon Brown of Unite Entertainment kept the party going all night long!

Fabian from Event Designs by Fabian provided all of the lighting, draping, custom dance floor and lounge furniture.  Kimberly Bailey from The Butter End Cakery created this stunning 7 layer cake that was as delicious as it was beautiful!
Photo by Yitzak Dalal

We would like to thank our entire team of vendors and the Four Seasons Westlake Village staff for all of their help in making Nicole and Eric's wedding dreams a reality!  Special thanks to Hidden Garden,  Unite Entertainment, Event Designs by Fabian, Elegant Designs Specialty LinensWildflower LinenTown and Country Event RentalsClassic Party RentalsPhoto Illusion PhotoboothThe Studio Agency, Olivia Vaatate with A Stitch in Time, Yitzak Dalal Photography, The Write Shot Photography, Original RunnersThe Talent Plan, and Elegant Music.


Be on the lookout because this wedding is going to be published in 2012 in an undisclosed magazine.

Much Gratitude,
Mary Dann-McNamee

Mary Dann Wedding and Party Coordinators

Friday, November 25, 2011

Monique Lhuillier Sample Sale! 12/4/11

It’s almost December which means it’s Monique Lhuillier's sample sale time again!  

Here are the details:






Hope to see you there!


Much Gratitude,
The Mary Dann Wedding and Party Coordinators Team

Friday, November 18, 2011

A Beautiful Afternoon at The Pasadena Museum of History

This week I had the pleasure to visit with some talented people in the wedding industry at a lovely venue.  The Pasadena Museum of History is located on a two-acre property on the corner of Orange Grove Blvd. and West Walnut Street in Pasadena.  It is a hidden gem!  

For weddings up to 200 people, you and your guests will enjoy stunning backdrops of historic buildings and lush gardens.  Ceremonies take place on the steps leading up to the majestic Beaux Arts style Fenyes Mansion.

After the ceremony, guests can enjoy cocktails on the lawn.

Receptions are held out on the lawn by the gardens.


We can thank one of our favorite women in the wedding industry for bringing us all to the Pasadena Museum of History.  Jen O'Sullivan, amazing photographer and marketing extraordinaire, began the organization that we were there to support.  Event Specialists International is made up of a group of extremely talented wedding and event specialists that help build each member's business to achieve success.

Here are some of the amazing members that were also there to showcase their amazing work.


The lovely ladies of The Butter End Cakery!  Kimberly Bailey never ceases to amaze us with her stunning and delicious cakes!  We were all very lucky to sample some delicious flavors!


Music and sound was provided by Steven and Jason from 11H Entertainment.  Not only do they have awesome DJs, but they specialize in the Infusion Xperience that combines the talents of "Outrageously Skilled Musicians, World-Class DJs, and Etraordinary Emcees".  We love 11H Entertainment!


Beautiful floral arrangements were created by Wisteria Lane that is a full service eco friendly floral studio.  They specialize in unique designs and all of their flowers and succulents are locally grown.

The event was catered by Meg Hall of Made by Meg!  I loved the Curry Flavored Popcorn and mini twice baked potatoes!

Saul Hirschhorn from Designer Event Rentals brought in all the linens!  They carry a wide variety of products including linens, chairs, bars, dance floors, and furniture.  Saul is a delight to work with!  I know first hand having worked with him on my own wedding!

Copper Willow Paper Studio provided all of our name badges and specialize in custom letterpress!  They are extremely talented and can help you create custom invitations and wedding stationery.


Some of the guests of the event were lucky to be beautified by Betsy diFrancesca, who was showcasing her make-up artistry.  Betsy's forte is giving brides a "natural look with an understated elegance" or as she often says, "the most beautiful version of you."  


It was a lovely day, enjoyed by all!  Thank you, Jen O'Sullivan for inviting us to the Event Specialist International Social!


Much Gratitude,

Carrie 

Carrie Goldberg
Mary Dann Wedding and Party Coordinators



Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Mary Dann Wedding and Party Coordinators on Rue la la

Mary Dann Wedding and Party Coordinators is thrilled to be teaming up with Rue La La!

Starting this Thursday, we will be offering our Three-Month Wedding Countdown Package at a very special 20% discount.  

Don't wait, because this Rue La La deal must be redeemed between November 11, 2011 and May 11, 2012 and your wedding date must be by or before June 1, 2012.

We can't wait to help you plan your special day!






Friday, October 28, 2011

Friday Favorite Find: Wildflower Linen's New Beverly Hills Showroom

Last week I visited Wildflower Linen's brand new showroom in Beverly Hills.


The new showroom is located at 822 S. Robertson Blvd, #305 in Beverly Hills and is available by appointment only.  

Schedule a visit to see their stunning custom linens, napkins, chair covers and other unique wedding decor.  

Here are some photos of their beautiful products that are featured at the new location.  Youngsong Martin is such an incredibly talented designer.  The Wildflower team will be so helpful in finding the perfect linens for your special day.  To make an appointment, contact Allison@wildflowerlinens.com
 A huge variety of fabrics and colors to choose from.

Amazing chair covers to dress up your tables!

 Unique bridal party gift ideas as well as specialty decor items

I can't wait to visit Wildflower Linen's new showroom again soon!

Much gratitude!
Mary Dann

Thursday, October 20, 2011

A Recent Wedding Featured in Wedding Planner Magazine


We would like to share a beautiful and very special wedding that was featured in the September/October 2011 issue of Wedding Planner Magazine.  Sharise and Tim were a lovely couple to work with.  Tim, a dear friend, was the last of seven children to get married.  He and his lovely bride dated for over a year then planned a destination winter wedding in his hometown, Chagrin Falls, Ohio.  The wedding took place on a beautiful snowy day at the quaint and picturesque Hillbrook Club.




We would like to thank our talented team of vendors for all of their efforts to make the day a success. 

Special thanks to our Cleveland, Ohio based team including Heidi at Heidzillas, LadyHawk Events, and Your Dream Day for their help with day of coordination, Jonathan Koslen with New Image PhotographyLasting Impression Rentals, stunning floral design by HeatherLily, a gorgeous and delicious cake by Cakes By Nadine, Classic DJ Service, A1 Mr. Limo, and Arra Hair Salon and Spa.

We would also like to thank John Goolsby from Godfather Films who made the trip out from California to capture all the special moments of the day.

Here is the article that was in Wedding Planner Magazine that highlights all the details of Sharise and Tim's beautiful wedding!


Much Gratitude,
Mary Dann-McNamee

Monday, October 10, 2011

Monique Lhuillier Fall 2012 Bridal Trunk Show

We are so excited to share the news that Monique Lhuilllier's bridal trunk show will take place from October 20th through October 22nd at their Melrose location.  They will showcase their brand new Fall 2012 Collection!

The new collection hits the shows in New York on Saturday, October 15th.  The store here in Los Angeles on Melrose will be the first store in the country to receive the runway samples.




This is a fantastic opportunity for brides to preview, try on and order their dress before the collection is in stores!  They will also offer a 10% discount on bridal gowns that are purchased during trunk show. 

Many of our past brides have worn gorgeous wedding gowns from Monique Lhuillier and some were found during the bridal trunk show!

Photo by Jon Barber

Appointments are required so please call to make one soon!  Brides are not going to want to miss this!


October 20th – 22nd
10am to 6pm

8485 Melrose Place, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Phone:  323-655-1088

We hope to see you there!

Love, Laughter and Happiness,
Carrie

Carrie Goldberg, Event Manager
Mary Dann Wedding and Party Coordinators






Thursday, September 29, 2011

Friday Favorite Finds - Save the Veil: When the Wind Blows..Your Veil Won't!



Southern California Wedding Planner, Jill Watson
Introduces Extraordinary New Product...Veil Weights!

After coordinating many weddings where windy conditions caused her bride’s veils to blow every which
way, disrupting the ceremony & photos, Jill decided that there was a need to find a way to keep those
veils down and under control. So, she created these beautiful pieces of magnetic jewelry that can be easily
attached to a brides veil...“so when the wind blows...your veil won’t.”

These beautiful veil weights are made of genuine mother of pearl and Swarovski crystals and contain two
small hidden magnets. The veil weights are not permanent; they’re very easy to put on and take off and
allow your veil to have movement while keeping it from blowing out of control!

Veil Weights jewelry are something every bride should have on her wedding day if her wedding is at the
beach, on a cliff by the ocean, on an island, a yacht, in the desert, in wine country or anywhere the wind
may be blowing. Wedding planners should have them for their bride’s emergency kits. Photographers,
videographers, bridal salons, seamstresses and make-up artists would benefit from carrying Save the Veil.
Save the Veil is a great product for the bride who has always wanted a beautiful veil, but thought she could
not have one because of windy conditions blowing the veil out of control on her wedding day. The problem
is now solved!

When the wedding day is over, brides can use Save the Veil as magnets to hang up their beautiful wedding
photos. They become a keepsake of your fabulous wedding day!










Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Lizzy & James - An Intimate Wedding at Home




A family friend of mine was planning to have her daughter's wedding in her backyard for 280 people.  She had 6 months to put everything together for Lizzy and James, including the renovation of the backyard.  Thankfully she had many loving and creative friends and family members that came together to create a magical, meaningful and intimate wedding.  The wedding took place on a very hot sunny day in San Dimas, California.  




This wedding was especially significant to me because the home was a block from where I grew up and the ceremony was at St. Dorothy’s Catholic Church where I attended grammar school.  I accepted the coordination job 30 days before the wedding day and what I received was priceless!   It was an experience full of so many lovely people.  With so many family and friends pitching in to help, what resulted was a day full of vintage spirit with modern day flair.




The night before the wedding, fifteen of the family's friends worked together to create the centerpieces for the tables.  These centerpieces were made using the soil from the family's yard.




The caterer, another member of the family, created a lovely meal and such a beautiful cake!





The couple sipped their champagne from their custom-made silver champagne flutes that were adorned with the Irish symbol of the Claddagh, which symbolizes the qualities of love (the heart), friendship (the hands), and loyalty (the crown).

Guests spent the evening under the stars, with extra lighting provided by strands of twinkle lights and Chinese lanterns.  

So much was done to the home to prepare for so many guests.  A plateau was built against their hill to allow for mingling room, an area was leveled out to hold a dance floor, and amphitheater style seating was created and decorated with beautiful pillows for guests to relax under the stars.  They also created beautiful alcoves of lounge furniture throughout the backyard.



It was a beautiful day full of people caring about each other.  Special thanks to Classic Party Rentals and Witon Photography (the only non-family vendors!) for creating and capturing all of the special moments of the day. 


Much Gratitude,
Mary