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

A Beautiful & Memorable Terranea Wedding!

This weekend at the beautiful Terranea Resort was Sara & Jonathan's wedding.  It was such an amazing day filled with love, laughter, kind words, and a team of amazing vendors that worked incredibly hard to make the day special.  The bride and groom were two of the loveliest people we have ever had the pleasure of sharing a wedding journey with!  

Here are some photos from the unforgettable day!

If you've never been to Terranea, we would suggest visiting soon.  The views from the cliffs are breathtaking and the perfect backdrop for gorgeous and romantic memories.  The staff is absolutely incredible and delightful to work with.

Sara and Jonathan picked a color scheme of pearl and ivory with accents of light blue, blush pink and slate grey.  The bridesmaids were in stunning slate grey dresses and the groomsmen in handsome grey suits.  Special thanks to Stormi Yates of Stormi Beauty and Joe Alvarez for the bridal party's amazing hair and make-up.

The ceremony took place at the the Catalina Point with 360 degree views of the ocean.  At the end of the aisle is a gazebo which was draped with sheer fabric to compliment the movement of the ocean.  The flowers by Amy Marella of The Hidden Garden Floral Design were a combination of roses and hydrangeas in white, ivory, green, blush pink and light blue.  Rose petals were scattered along the aisle and under the gazebo.  The ceremony site was spectacular!

The violinist from Elegant Music played a solo of Bittersweet Symphony.  It added such a dramatic element as the bride walked down the aisle with her father.

Sara and Jonathan met at one of Marianne Williamson's Tuesday night Seminars.  Marianne is a spiritual activist, author, lecturer and founder of The Peace Alliance.  She has published ten books, including four New York Times #1 Best Sellers.  It meant so much to Sara and Jonathan to have her officiate their ceremony and Marianne felt honored to be a part of their wedding.  A large portion of their ceremony included words from her book called Illuminata:  A Return to Prayer.

The talented trio of the Mark Castrillon Band entertained guests during the cocktail reception and throughout dinner service.  Sara and Jonathan had seen them play the night of their engagement and were thrilled to have them play at their wedding.  They were amazing!!!  Everyone loved their music and we can't wait to see them play again!

The decor in the Catalina Ballroom stayed true to the bride and groom's color scheme with silver linens and chairs, a combination of centerpieces incorporating light blue hydrangea, cafe au laits, dusty miller, eucalyptus, sahara roses, vendella roses, lavender and juniper berries.  Thanks to Fabian Gracian of Event Designs by Fabian for the white dance floor with the couple's monogram and for perfectly lighting the room with accents of blue and amber.  

The cake was done by Vanilla Bake Shop and was not only a work of art, but it was delicious too!

DJ Jon Brown of Unite Entertainment rocked the party and had all of the guests dancing the entire night...and after a bit of persuasion from Sara and her bridesmaids, agreed to share some of his own breakdancing skills!  It was such a fun and memorable night for all!  Guests had a great time dancing and enjoyed the photo booth that was provided by our amazing photographer, Jen O'Sullivan.

Special thanks to my unbelievably supportive and energetic team including Mary Dann, Melissa Churlonis, Sarah Porcaro, Sarah Barret, Janel Gonzalez and Leanne Lagace!  The night would not have been as incredible as it was without you.

We wish Sara and Jonathan all the best and we are so happy we could be a part of their special day!


Much gratitude!
Mary

New Mentorship Opportunity - Terranea Resort!

I am thrilled to announce a new Mentorship opportunity that has just become available!
I have a new opening to increase your wedding planning experience and wedding wisdom on 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 office training and education on how my business is run.
Day 2 will be filled with shadowing me while I lead my team, orchestrate a rehearsal, manage vendors and help clients through their magical wedding day (from set up to break down). 


All will take place at the beautiful Terranea Resort!

At the end of your mentorship you will receive a certificate of completion, an autographed signed copy of my book, Wedding Wisdom, and 2 hours career counseling time for follow up.  The reduced mentorship fee is $ 1,500. (a $1,500 savings)  Please note: travel fees are not included, but I will get you the lowest available room rates at this amazing resort.

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 Terranea. Enjoy!

Much Gratitude!
Mary Dann-McNamee

Our Team Photo Shoot in Laguna Beach

On a gorgeous sunny Friday in July, the Mary Dann Wedding and Party Coordinators Team aligned with some fabulous people at the beautiful Laguna Cliffs Marriott to take some photos for our upcoming website redesign.  We wanted to share a few of the photos and re-introduce our team!

Our Team:  Carrie Goldberg, Mary Dann, Melissa Churlonis

We would like to thank Mike Steele of Mike Steele Photography for taking the time out of his busy schedule to spend the day with us and take these photos.  He was a pleasure to work with and gave us great direction for being in front of the camera.  He also provided some helpful tricks for "camera ready" arms!  Mike Steele, who is based in Orange County, makes his clients feel very comfortable in front of the camera.  We loved working with him!

Here is a sample of some of Mike's creative and artistic wedding work!

Carrie had the opportunity to visit Design Visage at their brand new location in Costa Mesa.  Since 1986, Design Visage has been helping brides look and feel their best!  They have a full staff of artists that are trained in all areas of bridal beauty and provide service in Los Angeles and Orange County.  Special thanks to Lauren for doing Carrie's hair and make-up!

And here's a little sample of the amazing looks that the artists at Design Visage can achieve!

Meet the MDWPC team!

Mary Dann-McNamee, Owner of Mary Dann Wedding & Party Coordinators 

Email:  m@marydann.com  Twitter:  @MaryDann

Melissa Churlonis - Lead Event Manager, Orange County

Email:  melissa@marydann.com  Twitter:  @MaryDann_Melisa

Carrie Goldberg - Lead Event Manager, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara & Palm Springs

Email: carrie@marydann.com  Twitter:  @MaryDann_Carrie

Thanks again to everyone who made this day possible!  It was such a lovely day and we look forward to working with you again soon!

Much Gratitude,

The Mary Dann Wedding and Party Coordinators Team

An Educational Visit with a Talented Photographer

Last week I had the pleasure to visit with one of my favorite photographers, Jen O'Sullivan who gave me some great tips to share with our brides and grooms.  I wanted to pass along a few of my favorites (and some samples of her beautiful work!) that I found extremely helpful!  Not everyone is comfortable being in the spotlight, and on your wedding day, there is no escaping it....these tips will help you feel more relaxed in front of the camera and lead to stunning pictures.

Here we go...#1
Always giggle a little when getting your photos taken.  Your smile will look more natural.

Tip #2
Try not to "pose".  Stand or sit the way it feels natural.  You will always look better.

Tip #3
Consider the lighting and time of day for your ceremony.  Half shade, half sun, not good.

Tip #4
Always put yourself in the best light.  Face the brightest location in your area.

Tip #5
Buy blotters and keep them with you at all times.  In a pinch use a toilet seat cover.

These are just a few of the many helpful tips that Jen O'Sullivan provides to her wedding clients.  Your  wedding pictures will be a cherished memento of the beautiful day you shared with your families and closest friends as you started your new life together.   These tips, along with an amazing photographer, will lead to photos that you'll enjoy for a lifetime.

Love, Laughter and Happiness,

Carrie Goldberg
Mary Dann Wedding and Party Coordinators

Love Is Sweet Dessert Table Featured on The Plunge Project

We would like to thank Nicole from the The Plunge Project for featuring one of our favorite candy tables by KCee's Candy Buffets.  

Check out the Love Is Sweet Dessert Table!

Next Exit Photography

Nicole, a social media extraordinaire, began the Plunge Project when she was a bride-to-be as a place to document her journey down the aisle.   Last November she became a wife and with the Plunge Project she continues to share creative DIY projects and engage in topics and issues that couples face.

The Plunge Project is a great resource for brides-to-be and newlyweds as they begin their new lives together!  From topics such as planning your wedding budget to managing finances and decorating your home, there is an interesting topic for everyone to enjoy!

We look forward to seeing what Nicole and The Plunge Project will share with us next!

Much gratitude!
Mary

A Lovely Visit To A Tranquil European Garden

The First of Its Kind in the World - The Restoration Hardware Gallery Beverly Blvd

The Gallery houses a European Garden, Design Bibliotheque, Fresh Floral Boutique, 

and an Organic Tea Atelier

Future meeting space for Mary Dann Wedding and Party Coordinators!  Lead Event Manager, Carrie Goldberg lives two doors down from this beautiful space and has made fast friends with Eddie Zaratsian.  Eddie's just invited us to host all of our meetings with future brides here.  

We are so excited to get started! 

The Floral Boutique is open Monday through Sunday and

 always has something fresh, new and amazing!  

I am really looking forward to reporting on all of our future adventures here 

in West Hollywood and Beverly Hills!

Much graitude!

Mary