The Joy of Second Weddings

                                        

photos by @JeremyJFraser laexposures.com

If you’re reading this blog post, you’ve probably come from my new website. While this blog remains intact for your reading enjoyment, my previous website is a thing of the past. It’s quite a story!

Back in October 2025, I had the pleasure of planning a wedding for my friend and Bravo star Alexis Bellino. A week before her ceremony tying the knot with John Janssen, I was making the finishing touches on planning the festivities. This meant updating my website. 

But disaster struck. The site crashed, and most of it was unsalvageable. Determined to get a new website online, my site designer and I worked hard to bring Marydann.com back to life. We even stepped away from the wedding for a moment to collaborate with a web developer, to ensure it would go live the next day. The effort paid off and the website is up and running!

Planning this wedding was a great honor. Here’s a clip of Alexis and me discussing this special experience:

 

As Alexis and I say, this was her last and best wedding!

 

I always adore planning second weddings, and I’ve done 2 of them in the last year. There’s something so special about a bride finding her forever groom. These couples have a refreshing maturity and clearheadedness about them, in addition to the excitement that accompanies any wedding. They focus more on connections with friends than on making a huge statement. Their confidence shines through. 

I find these grooms to be more involved, too. There are two collaborative voices. The couple checks in with each other and takes each other’s thoughts into consideration. It’s a beautiful process to be a part of. 

Beverly Hills...What a Thrill!

Greetings,

We are beyond excited about the new look of our Beverly Hills Studio!  With the help of some of our favorite vendors we have created a truly luxe space for clients to enjoy.  This wouldn't have been possible without the uber chic furniture provided by Rrivre Works.  He even built a custom frame to hang a gorgeous chandelier to enhance the space.  Our table setting was accented with lovely floral designs provided by Hidden Garden.  Take a peek at our lovely photos taken by one of our favorites Jen O' Sullivan.

Enjoy!
The Mary Dann Team

 

 

 

Say "I DO!" This Sunday at The Langham Pasadena

Greetings!

We are so excited to be participating in this year's I DO! Bridal Event taking place this Sunday, January 27th from 11am-3pm at The Langham Huntington Hotel & Spa. Some of the best Southern California wedding vendors will be there to help you with all of your wedding planning needs!

Come check out our booth we will be partnering with the uber talented Rrivre Works, Hidden Garden, Godfather Films & Jen O' Sullivan.

See you Sunday! To purchase tickets go to http://www.idobridalevent.com/

Much Gratitude,
The Mary Dann Team

Unity in Glass

We are loving this new, beautiful and unique product by our friend Lee Ware, from Unity in Glass.

Unity in Glass captures the beauty and intimacy of a bride and groom’s unity ceremony for eternity in an elegant, hand-crafted glass sculpture.During the wedding ceremony, instead of typically lighting two candles into one or the more recent trend of mixing two different colored sands, Lee Ware has brilliantly created an innovative display of unity. Couples will begin their artistic sculpture journey by personally choosing their desired glass crystal colors, which will then be presented during their wedding ceremony and united in front of family, friends and loved ones. This mixology of love will then be sent back to Lee, where he will then heat, "marry" and sculpt an immaculate glass piece that the couple can keep as a reminder of their life lasting commitment.

Much Gratitude,

Mary

Ocean Wedding at Terranea Resort

On 11.24.12 Elisha and Billy shared a once in a lifetime experience at the beautiful Terranea Luxury Resort with close family and friends. The intimate ceremony was held on the bluff overlooking miles of gorgeous coastline.

The happy couple continued the party in The Catalina Ballroom. Terranea’s Mediterranean architecture allowed for a beautiful blank canvas for Mary Dann and Event Coordinators to create a magical and unforgettable night. Gourmet appetizers and crisp drinks were served to guests as they mingled in the intimate courtyard with Spanish guitar played by Brandt Jacobson. Guests were also encouraged to take fun photos in the photo booth set up by Smile Lounge. After a delicious dinner guests danced the night away. This magical wedding would not be complete without a late night taco bar and a musical set performed by the father of the bride and the new groom. Thanks to Jeff Hurst and his team at Rolling Hills Flower Mart on the beautiful flowers, guests were thrilled with excitement when they were able to take a piece of the wedding home with them

Thank you to Godfather Films for creating a fabulous same day edit wedding video that wowed the guests. Jen O’Sullivan always does such a fantastic job of capturing moments in time for the bride and groom to cherish forever.

 

Much Gratitude,

Mary

 

 

"Better Than A Flat Screen" Sale @ Anna Elyse

Greetings!

We love a good sale especially on Black Friday!  But this Friday, November 23rd, Anna Elyse Bridesmaids will be selling dresses for $30 each or 2 for $50, so you don't want to miss it!  Shop for the perfect party dress instead of that mixer it can wait until later!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Janel

Monique Lhuillier Sample Sale!

Greetings,

It's that time of year again for the Monique Lhullier Semi Annual Sample Sale!  We are so excited to pass this info onto our friends and feel free to do the same...this one is not to be missed! Just in time for the holidays.

Much Gratitude,
Mary

Happy Anniversary Eric & Nicole!!!

Greetings!

A year ago on 11.11.11 we planned the most gorgeous wedding for a gorgeous couple Nicole & Eric Weider.

This weekend the couple is renewing their vows and we are planning a spectacular 1 year anniversary party at their private residence.  We are busy putting the finishing touches and can't wait to show you photos!

In the meantime, here is a highlight video of their wedding last year by John Goolsby of Godfather Films...Enjoy!


Mary Dann Celebrity Wedding at the Four Seasons Westlake Village from Godfather Films on Vimeo.

Much Gratitude,
Mary

Improving your Wedding Wisdom

Greetings,
 
We love supporting our friends in the wedding industry and wanted to let you know about a great workshop coming up from The Wedding and Event Professionals Business Summit: "How to Grow Your Business Stragically for Success"
 
The event will be held at the Embassy Suites Ontario on Sunday, November 11, 2012 from 10:00 - 4:00 P.M.  Industry experts will share their expertise to help you to envision and expand your wedding business. The workshop will be useful and informative and provide skills on growing your business through social media.  You will leave with actionable advice. Embassy Suites Ontario is located at 3663 East Guasti Road, Ontario. View the panel and get tickets Now!

Have a great day!
Mary Dann Wedding & Party Coordinators

Cheryl & Chip's Wedding at Surf and Sand

It was such an honor to plan Cheryl and Chip's wedding at the Surf and Sand Resort this summer!  They are the sweetest couple and were such a pleasure to work with!

The wedding was centered around a baseball team theme stemmed from the couple's love of the game as well as Chip's career as a baseball coach.  Each table was named a specific baseball park...Chip has visited every pro-team's park in the country!

Hair and make-up done by the lovely and talented ladies at Flawless Faces!

Amazing floral design made of orchids, gardenias, and garden roses by the ever-talented, Nisie of Nisie's Enchanted Florist!

Guests got to enjoy this stunning view of the ocean, while witnessing the beautiful wedding vows of Cheryl and Chip!

Specialty navy and silver linens, silver chiavari chairs, silver pebble chargers, and all lighting was provided by Classic Party Rentals!  The Pelican Ballroom at Surf and Sand Resort was recently renovated and absolutely beautiful!

This beautiful and delicious custom cake was made by It's All About The Cake.  Cheryl and Chip chose three different flavors; red velvet, white cake with raspberry filling and a white cake with fresh strawberries and cream!  DELISH!

Guests had a ball and danced all night to the wonderful music played by Aaron at VOX DJs!

Special thanks to my amazing team for all their support in bringing Cheryl and Chip's wedding dreams to life.  It was such a beautiful day!

We can never thank Jen O'Sullivan enough, for her amazing photography and extra special attention to the details.  We always love having you on our team!


It was a truly magical wedding celebration.  Thank you, Cheryl and Chip for trusting us with your most special day.

Much gratitude!Mary Dann-McNmaee

Friday Favorite: Shop Sweet Lulu

With holiday parties around the corner we are loving inspiration and supplies from Shop Sweet Lulu.  From cake stands to sippy straws they have you covered.  Our team can't get enough and we can't wait to share pics of upcoming events using there unique items.  We love everything about Shop Sweet Lulu and couldn't keep it a secret from our friends.  Enjoy!

Such a cute Halloween tablescape

 

Acrylic Cone Holder for treats or popcorn

Black Cake Stand

Glass dessert stands with domes

Jars for custom candy bars

Gable Boxes for Favors

Cute striped straws and milk bottles for late night snack presentation

 

Friday Favorite: Smile Lounge Photobooth

Greetings,

We wanted to dedicate this week's post to our friends at the Smile Lounge!  Their photobooths are sleek and modern in design and twice the fun of your average booth.  Guests love the variety of unique props to the cool vibe inside the booth...it makes them want to smile from ear to ear!  After the super stellar photo opp, guests have the ease of using the ipad station to send the photostrip to their email or post it on Facebook.   This saves friends from fighting over who gets to keep the copy...everyone leaves happy!  Spread the happiness and book them for your next event...go to http://www.smileloungephotobooth.com/ and like them on Facebook too : )

Sleek.Modern.Fun...need we say more?

 

Even celebrities like The Doctors love the Smile Lounge

And of course our team can't resist the Smile Lounge fun!

Friday Favorite: Destination Wedding at Ritz-Carlton Puerto Rico

Greetings!

I love doing destination weddings while teaming up with my former hotel company, The Ritz-Carlton!  To bring my business of family and business of weddings for 8 days in Puerto Rico this summer was a fabulous memory.  Thanks to David & Jamie for the pleasure and honor to escort you!

Check out my latest video shot & edited by the talented John Goolsby from Godfather Films, which includes some lovely words from the couple! 

 

Mary Dann I Ritz Carlton I San Juan, Puerto Rico I Destination Wedding from Godfather Films on Vimeo.


Much Gratitude,
Mary

SOMETHING BORROWED

Greetings,

 

My fabulous friend and designer Kirstie Kelly who started Disney Weddings Bridal Collection has now revolutionized the wedding gown buying process with the BORROW ME program.  Yes you read right...borrow a bridal gown and if you love it then it's yours to buy  If not, you just need to return it in two days...it's that simple!  Try on dresses in the comfort of your home and make a party out of it...what's not to love?

 

I am so proud of her and her team who continue to impress me with their wedding dress designs, essential everyday and knit line.  Kirstie Kelly designs can be found in Nordstrom (fabulous 100% cotton button down for women), Costco (spectacular every day knit line) and in her amazing showroom located in El Segundo (next to Manhattan Beach and LAX...easy access to VIP’s flying into LA)

 

So if you're a bride or know one pass on this post! 

 

Also if you want to shop on-line for the everyday collection click here for special pricing:

 

http://kirstiekelly.myshopify.com/collections/knits-tees

Happy Friday!

Mary
 

 

 

 

Mary Dann is headed to Oregon!

Happy Friday Everyone!

Just wanted to let you know about my upcoming speaking engagement at the Rose City Bridal Showcase at the Oregon Convention Center on Saturday, October 6th.

Would love to meet you and if you or anyone you know is interested in career counseling while I am there I will have time to meet on Friday, October 5th.  Feel free to email me at m@marydann.com if you would like to set up an appointment with me.

Thanks for your support! 

For more information on the Rose City Bridal Showcase click the link below:

http://www.rosecitybridalshowcase.com/

Much Gratitude,
Mary

Thanks to Rosa Mexicano & our industry friends!

We want to dedicate this post to the team at Rosa Mexicano in West Hollywood for hosting a our  wedding industry friends last week for some great food & margaritas!  We especially loved the pomegranate margaritas & mini churros!

A special thanks to Kristen Churlonis & Gina Wade for approaching us to do this event and planning all the details.  It was nice to come in and just enjoy ourselves for once! 

Check out some of our pics!  Thanks again to everyone who came out for the event!

With Much Gratitude,
The Mary Dann Team

Rosa Mexicano Exterior Shot

Lounge Area

Mary with Armine from R-Mine Bridal

 

Janel & Mary

Carrie with Kelly Podzimek with Ritz-Marina Del Rey

 



Reverend Clint Hufft with Elizabeth from Intercontinental & Nickie with Langham Pasadena

Sherene with Wisteria Flowers

The Mary Dann Team from L: Janel, Carrie, Mary & Melissa

Our friend John Goolsby from Godfather Films

Carrie with Steve Muchnij from 11H Entertainment & Raleigh Holmes with JW Marriott in Santa Monica

Harmony from Bridal Bar & Donald Akin with One & Only Palmilla

 

Kristen Churlonis from Gina Wade Creative & Party Organizer : )



Ritz Carlton & Four Seasons Friends!