book-themed baby shower

one of my baby showers had a fantastic book theme!  guests were asked to bring their favorite children's book to help build baby lily's library.  it was a great idea and today, lily loves going to her little bookshelf to choose whatever book she wants to read.  she's so cute as she walks her little bum backward with her chosen book to her papa and sits on his legs crossed on the floor as if his legs are her chair!


the sweets table with the cake by metzi.  the baby was soo cute and detailed!  other sweets were from costco.

the games were a ton of fun!  chocolate in the diaper... and yes, this is our pastor trying to "test" out the "poop"!

we also had a game for the men.  they were given stuffed toys as their "baby" and they had to dress them with a diaper, a onesie, bib, cap and socks.  

here are the proud "dads".  

we played a partner game in which balloons were blown up and then popped by squeezing between two bellies!  

and out popped a baby!

the books received are very much treasured!

each guest received a favors of tea to enjoy with their favorite book!

wedding ~ jean & joel

this beautiful wedding was one of my best experiences as a wedding planner!  jean and joel have such a special relationship and their love for one another was the highlight of the wedding!  

the stephanotis above were actually from my dad's garden!  a great deal as they're usually sold in the flower mart for $15/dozen!

jean and joel both have kids from previous marriages.  they're a real life brady bunch!  here, jean takes a picture with her 2 daughters as her bridesmaids.

the minimalistic modern approach extended from the design of the walt disney concert hall to the florals by orchid boutique.

pasadena strings played beautifully.  they were so great to work with on such short notice!  can you believe that the ceremony musician we hired cancelled on us less than a week before the wedding?!  it was all a blessing in disguise as pasadena strings was such a better choice anyway!  they even learned music quickly to accompany the bride's sister's beautiful voice!

minister janice bryant performed a warm-hearted, touching ceremony.  so many of the guests came up to me after to say how much they enjoyed her message of love and together.  personally, i was impressed with her work with the couple prior to the ceremony.  she really takes the time to get to know them personally in order to weave their love story into their ceremony, making it more personal and endearing to all who witnessed their wedding.

the warm july afternoon was the perfect setting for parasols!

the walt disney concert hall is a beautiful venue!  the urban garden is a public space, so anyone is free to walk around and take pictures anytime (as long as no weddings are taking place*).  it's a fabulous backdrop for post-wedding pictures, engagement photo shoots, etc.

* security is provided for events to maintain privacy.

all signs and invitations and programs were created by dorothy rose weddings.  escort cards were available during cocktail hour, pinned with mini clothespins.  an small envelope was behind it where guests could write their well-wishes for the bride and groom.  after the wedding, i compiled all of the envelopes into a keepsake album for them to come home to after their honeymoon.

the reception was held inside the concert hall, catered by the patina group.  the amazing uplighting totally showcased the architecture!  music was provided by dj willie, who impressed even the groom at his ability to get everyone on the dance floor having a great time!

this classy wedding had such a warm and inviting atmosphere, totally focused on family unity and the love for jean and joel was felt by all the guests that night.

stationery and event planning and coordination:  dorothy rose events

venue:  walt disney concert hall, los angeles

catering:  patina group

photography:  ja tecson

ceremony music:  pasadena strings

reception entertainment:  dj willie will

florist:  orchid boutique