FAB Friday: Perfect Party House

by on Dec 30, 2011 (0) Comments

Check out this house!! What a presence! The sleek simplicity is calling for a party!!!

When you find yourself shopping for a wedding venue, consider options a little outside the norm, like a private home. Whether it is one you rent for the occasion or one that a friend owns and graciously allows you to use, why not? Don’t let noise ordinance or layout prevent you from throwing an unforgettable party!

Imagine: Belly bar tables with small arrangements scattered about, mojito’s in guest’s hands, luminaries all over the grounds, and a bride standing on the second floor balcony with family and friends rooting her on to toss her bouquet. This is a FAB house for a party and day-to-day living!

xxo,

Mandilee

Photo Origin

Real San Diego Wedding {snapshot}

by on Dec 28, 2011 (0) Comments

I have a confession, even though I have a “No Crying at Weddings” rule for the Swann Squad, I am very much a sentimental sap…

My heart just melts when a groom chooses his dad to be the best man at a wedding. Who knows your story better than anyone and has stood by your side your entire life??  Plus, chances are, he has much funnier (and cleaner) stories to toast you with and knows exactly what to say to make the bride proud to be your wife. Go dad!

I heart this shot of  Mr. Singleton (from Billy & Alicia’s Real San Diego Wedding) pounding fists with his son during his toast to the happy couple… makes me a little teary eyed to see this kind of love between a father & son. That’s right, I said teary eyed… but you can’t prove it!

Who are you choosing to stand by your side when you take on this next chapter in your life?

xxo,

Brenda

Photo Credit: Atrero Photography

 

Tuesday Shoesday!

by on Dec 27, 2011 (0) Comments

Guess what I got for Christmas?? SHOES!!!

I know, surprise, surprise. haha.

In honor of actually owning a pair of kicks that makes it onto my posts, today I share with you my very first pair of TOMS! Wooot! Gifted to me by my super talented baby bro, Ludick Kepler, these TOMS are not only in one of my fave colors (gray) but also super comfy and given to me just in time for vacay! I was totally panicking that I didn’t have any “travel” shoes until I opened these babies up  and was glad I was not going to have to go to the mall to find “travel shoes”- after all, I do not want to be touristing around Thailand in my 4″ heels…

Back in April, I learned about TOMS & the company’s mission, so for a whole day I went without shoes. Despite the controversy that surrounds them, I am still a fan and am so glad I now have my very own pair! My mom got a pair too… which I am a little jealous of.

Thanks bro for feeding my habit. Love you!

xxo,

Brenda

My Pair:

My mom’s pair:

Real San Diego Wedding {Christmas Edition}

by on Dec 25, 2011 (1) Comments

We all love a little glitter don’t we? I know I do, as did Alicia and Billy, who were married on the first of this year. No better to way to kick off a new year but with a little sparkle at your wedding right??

With a palette of red, black, and silver, they decked-out their celebration in Christmas cheer with sparkly centerpieces, billowy ceremony isle-bows, a candy buffet full of sweet sugary goodness… their cake was even adorned with stunning sugar snowflakes made just for them! Their tables were named after their favorite Christmas movies and Billy hand-crafted all the guest favors, which were ceramic mugs with hot cocoa & tea mix. I loved being part of their wedding day and all the joy that surrounded them!!

Happy early anniversary you two!

xxo,

Brenda

Wedding Team: Ceremony & Reception: Handlery Hotel | Music: Bill Calhoun | Linens: Lovely Chair Covers | Video: Murasaki Media | Cake: The Grove Pastry Shop | All images by Atrero Photography.

 

Real San Diego Wedding {snapshot}

by on Dec 21, 2011 (0) Comments

Nicole & Andrew were married on the rooftop of the Natural History Museum and it was suuuuch a fun wedding!

I really enjoy getting to know the bridesmaids & groomsmen who play a huge part of the celebrations I am lucky to plan, normally we get to know each other starting at the rehearsal and are laughing together before the ceremony even begins. For this particular wedding, it took zero time to connect with them and this photo is perfect illustration of the energy which surrounded Nicole & Andrew on their wedding day… oh what merriment!

Captured by the talented and just as joyful Daisy Varley!

 

 

Shoesday Tuesday!

by on Dec 20, 2011 (0) Comments

Rain boots are ugly. Yes, I said it… ugly… sure they *might* look cute in perfectly posed styled photos with matchy matchy outfits and accenting umbrella…or if you’re five! For some reason they are all the rage. It is as if people wear them hoping that rain will come so that they don’t look silly wearing them. I think that was the same thought behind crocs. Ew.

But enough rantings about ugly plastic shoes, I will admit that they serve a purpose. So fine, if I have to wear them so that I don’t ruin my nice shoes on a rainy day, I am going to wear something way cuter, with a heel, and with a lot more sass! Like these super fun Hunter boots called “Andora“. Function CAN be hot!