Monday, July 4, 2011

Faces of Freedom Flag

I thought today would be an appropriate time to highlight one of my favorite charities: Faces of Freedom Flag; a non-profit organization created by artist Michele Dawn and her executive team. Michele wanted to create a visual and personal way to honor and support our troops and decided to construct a flag.


 The first flag to be constructed is 10 feet high by 20 feet wide and will consist of 428 pictures submitted by members of the armed forces. Pictures are still being accepted for this flag. The pictures are painted into the flag creating a unique work of art. On the back of each photo spot on the flag will be a panel with information from or about the service member as well as a message, which has been sponsored by a member of the public, a group or company.

When fully assembled, this and each flag that follows will be on display on request at businesses, parks, public buildings and other appropriate venues. The public will get a chance to view the faces of the troops and read the information and messages. Eventually, these picture and message combinations will also be available for online viewing.

Most soldiers hold second jobs off base to make ends meet. The added income helps buy formula, diapers, pay utility bills and other basic necessities of life. Once deployed, that second pay check vanishes and the families are left to make ends meet, and suffer financial hardship.

You can sponsor a spot in the flag for a service member, as well as provide a message of support for our troops which will be displayed on the back of the photo of one of our service members. This message will be seen by everyone who sees the flag in person or online.

The funds raised to create this flag monument will be used to support the families of troops here at home. Faces of Freedom Flag will use your contribution to either provide gift cards and in-kind help directly, or through cash contributions to existing non-profit organizations, which already help the families of troops.

Go to the Faces of Freedom Flag website to make a contribution and submit your message and photo spot sponsorship for the troops to be displayed on this historic flag monument to the serving troops.

Thank you soldiers for all your hard work and thank you Michele Dawn and Faces of Freedom Flag for honoring our troops! Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Ritz Carlton-Nina and Igor Wedding

Please enjoy this gorgeous video from the wedding of Nina and Igor produced by Godfatherfilms.  Thanks to the Mary Dann Wedding and Party Coordinators team this magical Academy Award style wedding took the guests breath away. The wedding exceeded the expectations of the bride and groom and they were able to relax and enjoy every moment of their special day.


The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel Wedding in Dana Point from Godfather Films on Vimeo.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Monique Lhuillier Sample Sale!

My favorite wedding dress and fancy dress designer, Monique Lhuillier, is having a Sample Sale. Hope you can stop by!!



Much Gratitude!
Mary Dann

Friday, May 27, 2011

Fridays Favorite Finds - I Do Cam



One of favorite finds in the I do cam…  you provide the camera person  and "I Do Cam Products"  provides the editing and visual art of film making for a final version of your wedding video. I do Cam is owned and operated by Ashley Video Productions, which is the most reputable videography company in Los Angeles and Orange County.  

See below for a sample of a finished product we helped our clients create on their wedding day.

Much gratitude!
Mary



Mary Dann & iDOcam from Vidiyeo on Vimeo.

Friday, May 20, 2011

New Mentorship Opportunities!

I am thrilled to announce two new Mentorship opportunities:

I have two new openings to increase your wedding planning experience and wedding wisdom on June 17 + 18, 2011 at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel and September 2 + 3, 2011 at The Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes.  Your Friday and Saturday will be filled with education, inspiration and hands on experience to take your business to the next level. 

Day 1 will be filled with in office training and education on how my business is run, along with a wedding rehearsal.

Day 2 will be filled with shadowing me while I lead my team, vendors and clients through their magical wedding day (from set up to break down). 

At the end of your mentorship you will receive a certificate of completion, a autographed signed copy of my book, Wedding Wisdom, and 2 hours career counseling time for follow up.  The reduced mentorship fee is $ 1500. (a $1500 savings)  Please note: travel fees are not included, but I will get you the lowest available room rates at these amazing resorts.

See what Janet had to say about her past mentorship with Mary:

Mary, 

Words will never be enough to thank you for the wonderful time I had with you!  It was  so  Amazing to be able to be a part of your life if only for 3 days!!!  I look forward to our next time together! I am so happy to have gained you as a friend and mentor.  I will treasure our time we shared  forever!

Warmest Wishes to you and your family!
Janet

Below are images of the resorts. Enjoy!

 The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

The Terranea Resort, Palos Verdes

Much Gratitude!
Mary Dann-McNamee

Monday, May 16, 2011

CHARITY SHOOTOUT AND MARRIAGE.COM SOCIAL WHERE ALL MONEY GOES TO CHARITY!

Charity Shootouts and Marriage.com are teaming up to offer engaged couples and wedding pros an opportunity to mix, mingle and get photo sessions from some of the top photographers in Southern California. Even more, all the proceeds of this event will benefit BRIDGES TO ABILITY, whose mission is to improve the lives of teens and adults with disabilities through quality vocational, educational, social and recreational programs.

Charity Shootouts is an organization founded by Beverly Hills wedding photographer, Jen O’Sullivan to bring new and seasoned, talented photographers together with engaged couples searching for the perfect wedding photographer as well as wedding industry specialists who need an updated headshot. Test drive photographers with no pressure to book and all your high res files are included. The experience is unlike any other wedding or bridal event out there. The lucky brides-to-be also get to test drive hair and makeup artists as well as other wedding day specialists.

THE DETAILS

~ Test drive photographers with no pressure to book and all your high res files are included (engagement photo sessions for couples and professional headshots for vendors!). Note: One photo session included; $20 suggested donation per additional photographer, with proceeds going to BRIDGES TO ABILITY.

~ Test drive hair and makeup artists as well as other wedding day specialists

~ Cake tasting from premier cake artist, Kimberly Bailey of The Butter End Cakery. Bel Air Bay Club will also feature their tastiest hors d'oeuvres and fantastic music from the best entertainment company in the country, 11H Entertainment will play all through the event. There are several participation opportunities for you so please contact us to get involved!

~ Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cash bar

~ Complimentary Sparkling Wine Toast by Fresita.

~ Live and silent auction at the close of the event full of valuable wedding day items to benefit BRIDGES TO ABILITY.



SIGN UP HERE! or check out the website at Charity Shootouts.




Much Gratitude!
Mary

Friday, May 6, 2011

Fridays Favorite Finds - Mike Steele Photography

I wanted to highlight one my favorite Photographers in Southern California…
Mike Steele Photography.  He was voted the top photographer in Orange County.  He is tall (which is always a great view point to snap a shot), easy to be with, super creative and has a talent to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera…Enjoy some of his work…
Much gratitude!
Mary


Mike Steele Photography
949-510-3258