Happy Holidays!!

Stay Warm and have a Wonderful Holidays!! :)

Hugs,
Amy

Congratulation to Emily and Tom!!

It's been a week after the wedding but I still want to congratulation this smart couple ~~Dr. Emily and Dr. Tom Wang!! Married on December 1st, 2007 ~~

I didn't get to meet the groom until the day of the rehearsal due to his work out of states. I was contacted by the bride Emily back in July to begin the process of planning. Knowing they are both doctors with busy schedule, Emily is still super organize on all information for the wedding and Tom is very creative on creating their slide show. I only need to stepped in when there were questions on the timing matter; who to do what at where and when; and created the reception menu and table numbers. Truly wish the two doctors with happy marriage and new lives in Michigan =)

Ceremony took place at the Valley Presbyterian Church in Portola Valley

Reception @ Hong Kong Flower Lounge, Millbrae

10 Biggest Mistakse Wedding Guests Make

Saw this article from the knot through MSN. Hope this will help when you are about to send out your invitation, wondering how to get your RSVPs on time, or how to deal with guest on your wedding day.
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10 Biggest Mistakes Wedding Guests Make
By Miles Stiverson

In the course of wedding planning, you'll probably come across a guest or two whose inappropriate actions, odd requests, or rude behavior seems appalling. Don't be shocked -- while you may know the ins and outs of wedding etiquette, some of your friends and family may not be aware of what's acceptable. What can you do? Be proactive. Here's how...

1. Not Sending RSVPs
What they did: Anyone who's ever planned a wedding knows the importance of a punctual RSVP -- from plotting your seating chart to giving the caterer a final headcount, it's hard to proceed without a firm grasp of who's coming. Unfortunately, some of your guests may treat the RSVP as a novelty rather than a necessity.

How to deal: Give it a week. After that, it's time to give them a call. Recruit your maid of honor to help you with phone duties if you're really struggling with missing RSVPs. Or, better yet, send out a group email (use a blind CC) saying that you need to know by [insert deadline] if they're planning on attending. Keep the tone nice, but firm. Then, you only have to call those who don't reply to the email (which really is a double-duty foul).

Stop the cycle: Make the reply-by-date as early as possible, say two weeks from the date you intend to mail the invitations. That way, when your guests see that the deadline is quickly approaching, they'll (hopefully) stick the reply card in the mail right then and there.

2. Sending RSVPs With Extra Guests
What they did: The good news is that the guest has returned the RSVP. The bad news is that she'd love to attend. . .with a person you never invited -- maybe never heard of. Whether she believes every invite bestows the right to bring a date, or a child, adding a name on the RSVP puts everyone in an awkward position.

How to deal: To avoid potential hurt feelings, you need to establish a no-exceptions guest list policy (significant others only if engaged; no children under 18). Then, call the misguided guest to explain the circumstances. Apologize for the misunderstanding, and tell her that unfortunately the limitations (a small reception space or a tight budget) require a strict guest list. The person most likely didn't intend to thwart your list with the addition of another guest, and will gladly come to the wedding solo.

Stop the cycle: Tell your parents, wedding party, and other close relatives and friends, so that they can spread the word when asked. And, of course, address your invitations in a direct manner (don't write "Smith Family" unless they really are all invited). The earlier that a guest knows who's actually invited, the less painful the conversation will be.

3. Bombarding the Bride
What they did: As soon as they received the invite to your wedding, the phone calls began. Guests are treating you like their personal concierge, with questions about transportation, accommodations, and fun things to do while they're in town.

How to deal: Make sure every guest has all the info they need by creating a wedding website. Include a link to the hotel where you've reserved a block of rooms, local museums and restaurants, and driving directions. Put together a welcome basket for out-of-towners with the weekend's itinerary, so that no one feels the need to ask you about the wedding game plan.

Stop the cycle: Some technophobes might still pester you with questions. Go over the guest list with both sets of parents, and decide which key invitees, if any, are not likely to check your website. Print out a copy of the info listed on the site and mail it to them.

4. Buying a Non-registry Gift
What they did: Some guests feel that buying a present from the registry is impersonal. Instead, they go and purchase a gift with a little more -- er, imagination.

How to deal: Shopping off the registry can result in a pleasant surprise, or leave a couple cringing. You cannot, however, be anything but gracious for any gift you're given. While they're typically expected, wedding gifts are technically not required from a guest. If someone has eschewed the registry and bought you a present you know you won't use (or, even worse, they've given you a gift you know you'll have to hide), check whether they sent it with the receipt. If so, they may have realized their gift might not be your style, and it's fine to return the present. Otherwise, write a thank-you note for the thoughtful gesture, and keep the gift for as long as you can stand having it around.

Stop the cycle: Register at an off-the-beaten path store that offers unique gift options like a local museum shop or a boutique home store. That way, the guest can get you something a bit more personal that you actually love.

5. Showing Up Late
What they did: You know how some people show up late to movies because they know there will be 20 minutes of trailers? Some guests may have a similar notion for your ceremony. We know one maid of honor who saw a late guest stroll in directly behind the bride as she walked down the aisle with her father!

How to deal: For those who are really late, ask an usher or your day-of coordinator to hang out near the rear of the ceremony site so they can make sure your processional goes undisturbed, and to have them help any late guest quickly and quietly find a seat.

Stop the cycle: Give yourself a slight buffer for your friends and family who are never quite on time. If your invites say the ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m., plan on walking down the aisle about 15 minutes after that.

6. Bringing a Big, Heavy Gift
What they did: It doesn't sound so bad: Someone brought a huge gift to the wedding. While you really can't complain about receiving presents at your reception -- or, at all for that matter -- it can be a pain to lug them home.

How to deal: Ask one of your attendants to store all the gifts in one place -- preferably a locked, separate room in your reception space -- so that nothing gets left behind. At the end of the evening, that attendant can account for all the gifts and then take them to the most convenient location (probably your home rather than your honeymoon suite).

Stop the cycle: Online registries have made it easier than ever to send gifts wherever you want. Promote this gifting tool by including links to your online registries on your website.

7. Giving Unexpected Toasts
What they did: Weddings can be emotional events, and the toasts are an opportunity for your closest friends and family to share sentiments with the rest of your guests. Those same emotions (and maybe too much alcohol) can do funny things to any otherwise reliable guest, and some may feel compelled to grab the mic when they weren't asked to toast. Embarrassing stories, offensive anecdotes, and rambling rants have all worked their way into wedding toasts.

How to deal: Unfortunately, you need to just grin and bear it. If the toast seems like it will never end, have the best man signal the band or DJ to carefully cut in. The other guests will appreciate the gesture too.

Stop the cycle: Head off unexpected toasts by making sure the emcee of the evening (your DJ or bandleader) has a list of approved toasters. Tell them not to give the mic to anyone who's not scheduled to speak, no matter how persistent their plea for the microphone.

8. Requesting Songs
What they did: You've worked with your band or DJ to put together the perfect soundtrack for your evening. All of a sudden, your ambience is interrupted by the sounds of "Y.M.C.A." and it seems that your Aunt Margie is behind it.

How to deal: Requests from your guests may be inevitable, and if your band or DJ thinks it's appropriate for the atmosphere, they might give requested songs a play. And it might be okay -- you can't control everything about your wedding or reception. But if you're still fuming from the faux pas, talk to the bandleader or DJ immediately afterward and tell them that you would prefer to avoid group dance songs like the "Y.M.C.A.," or any requests for that matter.

Stop the cycle: To avoid any playlist pitfalls, give your band or DJ a list of songs that you absolutely don't want to hear at the reception. If you're worried your strictly-Motown playlist will be disrupted by someone's insistence on hearing his favorite Bon Jovi tune, it's okay to let your band or DJ know that guests' song requests should be politely declined.

9. Drinking Too Much
What they did: A few too many signature cocktails turned one of your guests from the life of the party into a bit of a mess.

How to deal: While it's not your responsibility to babysit your guests, you can't turn a blind eye to someone who's had way too much to drink. If there's any risk that the guest will try to drive, ask your planner, a responsible attendant, friend, or family member to call a cab, and to make sure they take the ride. It's not much fun to send someone home early, but making sure everyone gets home safely is incredibly important.

Stop the cycle: You can't limit the number of drinks each guest consumes, but you can grant the bartender permission to cut off anyone that's has had one too many. Other than that, make sure there's plenty of water on the tables and enough delicious edibles to satiate any guest -- big drinker or not.

10. Crashing Your Wedding
What they did: In the middle of your perfect party, you notice a few unfamiliar faces in the crowd, and wonder, "Who invited them?" Your wedding has been crashed.

How to deal: Don't freak out! With tasty food, fun music, and free drinks, it's no wonder some fun-loving people might want to get in on the action. If you spot a crasher, have the site manager or one of your attendants discreetly escort them out.

Stop the cycle: If you're marrying at a hotel or club that hosts multiple parties in one night, there might be wedding wanderers. Unless you hire a security guard (which is a bit extreme), there's no way to prevent it. If you're really worried, tell the catering manager (and the waitstaff) to keep an eye out for possible crashers.

Congratulation to Linda and Roland Cao--October 20, 2007

Congratulation to my recent bride and groom: ~Linda and Roland Cao~

It was an awesome wedding with fun theme, elegant setting, exciting activities, and great atmosphere. It was a real success for me to see everyone had a great party. :)

To begin with: This wedding took place at Hotel Valencia at Santana Row. A wonderful location inside the middle of the European Style shopping area. Great staffs and great venue to work with. We had an outdoor ceremony which the weather was just right to begin this romantic wedding. This was a very good idea of Linda and Roland that they decided to do their own vows without letting each other know. When it's time to do their vows, they kind of told a story of each other and I'm sure that really touch most of the guests.


Reception took place at the same location inside at the ballroom.


To start with this fun party, you can see from above photos that, yes... they have photo booth for guests to take instant photos and put it on the guest book. All guests are very excited for taking photos and putting it into the guest book. This gave them the creativity of doing the way they wanted to greet the newly wed and it's fun for the bride and groom to look at.



What a wonderful design of the cake!! And now you may know about the theme of the wedding. It's Lego!! Let's go back to few months ago when they do starting to do their planning. One day when I met with Linda for her gown fitting, she showed me a little cute magnet with a Lego bride and groom holding hands and a little Lego flower as they save the date! By that time, I know we are going to have a fun Lego party. And here you go! A wedding cake custom with Lego all around. Isn't it amazing? And this, we really need to give credit to Cake Expressions for doing this wonderful creation and willing to listen to client of what they really on for their cake! They've done a great job!

During the cocktail hours to end of reception, we have non-stop activities that gave all guests have a wonderful time. Above, you seen the photo booth, one more thing I should mention here is a balloon artist! (sorry I didn't have a photo for that) But Linda and Roland have been very thoughtful of caring their kid attendants! They have a balloon artist during the cocktail hours for the kids!! As we move forward to the reception, we have Lion Dance performance came in just before dinner. The night didn't end with that, Linda and Roland have a newly wed game for everyone guessing the right answer in order to win the centerpieces home. It was just a fun way to do and that your guests really paid attention on rather they win or not. :)

Much more to come over the night. Beside the wedding cake, we have a very delicious chocolate fountain as the dessert as well. This chocolate fountain not only delicious, it's not made out of milk! Can you believe that a chocolate fountain does not contain any mike and it still taste like chocolate? This is a good news for those who can't take milk or soy.

Then they ended the night with some dancing and as well as a farewell dance.

It was an awesome wedding! :D

Jewelry/Accessories for Bride, Bridesmaid, and Girl Friend

Hello everyone,

Wow, it's been awhile not updating the blog.... :P I hope everyone is doing well and planning is going smooth. :)

Today I would like to share information with you on finding jewelry or accessories for the bride, bridesmaid, or even your girl friend online. I'm proud to introduce you Chakko.Boutique. This is an online jewelry shop opened by my friend, Debbie, in Los Angeles. She does customize jewelry that fits different style for all occasion! Either you are planning on getting yourself jewelry or bridesmaids for your wedding, OR even birthday or any type of events, tell Debbie what you want in design and she will be gladly customize it for you. Now you have one more place to look for jewelry or accessories. ;-)

Here are some sample photos:










Check out more at Chakko.Boutique



Have fun!

Amy

What's your idea of Table Number?

Often time I have bride come to me and ask for ideas for Table Number. The most easiest way to do, of course, is by putting number only. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's boring. If you choose the right font and right style to put on your escort card and table, it can look elegant and change the theme of how you want your reception to be. :) For example, a symbol that represent the two of you with the number.

However, most of the time, I would suggest bride to be more creative. Think of something that represent the both of you and make each table be more meaningful and fun to you reception. For example:

• Places you've been together
• Word that describe your personality
• Word that describe your wedding theme
• Word that describe your relationship and how important you to each other
• To make it fun, you can even group your guests as, Singles at "The Singles Table", Siblings at "Kids Table", Parents at "Grown-Ups Table", etc.
• Or how about make it a puzzle? So when guests chit-chat on where their tables, they may realize when the read all the table's name together, it will become a sentence or a word. And you can actually make it a game. Whoever read it first in a correct format, he/she will win a price.

If you have a videographer, make sure they capture this special moment when guests are finding their tables. It'll be fun to see your guests reaction later on, plus showing your creativity to make your wedding more memorable to you.

Hope this will give you more ideas if you are about or going to make your table number. ;-)

Happy Planning~!~

Ideas for Floral Arrangement

I recently when to a NACE meeting at the San Jose Museum of Art and saw some great floral arrangements that I would like to share with you the ideas and of course, the look. I was surprised when I first saw the arrangements. They are gorgeous and fun! Each of them represented a theme and the creativity of the artist. I'm glad to meet with the expert on the night. :)

From my point of view, I think it's important to find a florist who is creative and fun to work with. Also, making sure they will provide the best/fresh flowers on the day of as well as long lasting (at least 4 days). Some flowers I've seem, they only last for few hours and turn old. Small tips for you when looking for florist: ASK...

• When will they prepare your arrangements
• When will they buy the flowers.

This is very important to know if they buy it a week prior your wedding or not. If it is a week, the flowers will most likely keep in the freezer, which means, flowers will be frozen for the whole week till you receive it on the day of your wedding. Most florists will buy the flowers few days prior your wedding day, and that will for sure, gives you a best, long lasting flowers during and after your wedding. ;-)

Centerpieces and floral arrangement provided by Bloomster's

Diane and Daniel Choi -- September 15, 2007

Congratulation to the sweet couple Mr. and Mrs. Choi!!

I remembered when I first met with Diane, she is already a sweet person and excited about her wedding as she shared her ideas on her big day. On their rehearsal day, I can definitely feel their love and having all their best friends blessing by telling their stories.

Then when I saw Diane walk down the aisle, I felt like I was watching my friend walking down the aisle. This is an amazing feeling that I am glad to be part of their wedding. All my best wishes to this sweet couple all the way to Utah!!

Ceremony--Stanford Memorial Church

The Winner goes to...

Our Bridal Extravaganza show lucky drawing has a winner... and this will go to:

Congratulation to ~*Danielle Henderson*~!!

If you miss it, don't worry! We still have a big saving waiting for you!! Book and receive 10% off on any package selected by October 31, 2007. Hope to hear from you soon!

Recap on Bridal Extravaganza 9-9-2007

It was a great show at Bridal Extravaganza this past Sunday! I got to see a lot of Brides and Grooms-to-be going to the show and getting to plan their wedding together. It is always good to see the groom attention of being involved in the planning process. Wedding is not only the Bride's day! It's also the Groom's day!! Because he will be the one who the bride will look at on this special day and beyond. Through the planning process, this gives the two opportunity to know more each other better and overall, having a great and fun time doing something together. :)

Here are some photos from the show:

We are offering 10% discount on any package selected at the show. If you didn't go to the show, don't worry! This offer will go on to October 31, 2007. Schedule your consultation with us today and receive this special offer to save more.

Come Visit Us at Bridal Extravaganza!

Dear All Brides and Grooms to be...

Do you know there is a bridal show coming up in Santa Clara? The Bridal Extravaganza is the one the show you don't want to miss!! Whether you are starting to plan your wedding or still shopping for vendors, come to the show and check off items from your planning to-do list.

When?
September 9, 2007
11:00am to 4:00pm

Where?
Marriott Hotel, Santa Clara
2700 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, CA

Come visit us at the show and let us show you how we can assist you throughout the planning and your special day. Special discount and lucky draw will be waiting for you at the booth.

See You There :)

Congratulation to Kelly and Richard Lu -- August 12, 2007

Congrats!! Congrats!! Congratulation to my lovely couple~~*Kelly & Richard*~~

It was my pleasure to be Kelly and Richard's Wedding Consultant. :) I was happy to work with this couple, and again, she is a happy bride. I remembered when I was on business trip during the month of June, we chatted almost everyday via email. This is something I will miss, and won't forget the details that Kelly provided. Once again, Congrats to the both of you! I'm happy to see you two found your Mr. and Mrs. Right!! ;-)

Here are some highlights from their wedding:

Ceremony -- Hakone Gardens, Saratoga
A very beautiful Japanese gardens right after the exit of Saratoga downtown. This is also where the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha" was filmed. The gardens open weekdays at 10:00am to 5:00pm + weekends at 11:00am to 5:00pm.

Reception -- Dynasty Chinese Seafood Restaurant at Cupertino

A grand restaurant that can held more than 160 guests with good food. They serve dim sum during lunch time.

After the wedding, we found out, Richard and I used to go to the same High School... how coincidence!!