San Diego Wedding Planner | Swann Soirées

Real San Diego Wedding {Snapshot}

Brenda — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:22:01 +0000

This photograph is like a scene out of a dream sequence… the clouds…the soft breeze… Rachel & Juan sharing a smile on what seems to be the middle of a planet, stopped, just for them… aahh… it is sooo romantic! This photo was actually taken on the Cabrillo State Park in Point Loma by the talented, Melissa McClure. Neither alone or in the middle of nowhere but never the less sharing one of the many moments that await their happily ever after…

xxo!

Brenda

Inspire Me Monday: {Not your Average} Beach Themed Wedding

swannsquad — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:30:22 +0000

I have never been a huge fan of a sea inspired wedding themes, until… Ursula slapped me in the face with a sinister under-the-sea splendor. I felt as though the same basic seashell and starfish decor dressed in light colored hues had become highly overrated and uncreative. Today’s inspiration board has reignited the spark between the romantic ocean ambiance and my un-enthused perceptions.

This mood board’s palette is centered around the warm colors of the ocean rather than the common bright whites and shades of blue. Personally, I feel centerpieces are a pivotal element in conveying the overall theme to your guests. With a few statement pieces as the focal point, you can go simple on table and glassware thus avoiding too much clutter. The clamshell runner joined with coral accents and candles embrace the moments that have left an underlying statement of warmth and happiness; that of the emotion you feel when you are in the presence of the one you love.

Buuut…..Hold on décor, you might have to take the back seat on this one to a bombay necklace and scaled diamond pumps fit for any Ariel awaiting her prince Eric. These pieces were pulled straight out of a King Tritons treasure chest refusing to go unnoticed!!

The seashell bouquet and sea urchin boutonniere encompass the “washed up” beauty of the ocean… You know, where you’ll find those uniquely-shaped shells, when walking along the shore & think to yourself “this is going to be a keeper!” What do you think about this Ocean theme??

How I love for the ocean…

xxo!

Stephanie

1. Bombay Necklace, 2. Oyster Garland, 3. See Urchin Boutonniere, 4. Sea shell and Wood Flower Bouquet, 5. Coral Centerpiece,

6. Scaled Diamond Pumps, 7. Oyster Shell Centerpieces, 8. Oyster Shell Votives.

FAB Friday! {Pretty Dresses}

swannsquad — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:45:44 +0000

For those brides who want an edgy twist for their wedding, be it bold or subtle… bring on the patterns! Transport those carefully selected combinations of beautiful colors and textures from your paper products, linens, or flowers to your dresses! Either of these dresses are perfect for standing behind the bride or for attending the rehearsal… Heck, give me one of each for any day of the week!!

xxo!

Mandilee Ann Taylor Butterfly Whispers

Maxi Dress from myuniverse Etsy Store

PRO Spotlight: Cake Ball Love {Wedding Desserts}

swannsquad — Thu, 10 May 2012 16:45:27 +0000

I would love to introduce you to Pam from Cake Ball Love. Brenda met Pam last year through twitter… which comes as no surprise to those who are also users of it. After having one of our beautiful Swannys continuously disappointed with the lack of options for her wedding sweets, Brenda reached out to Pam in hopes that she could help realize our bride’s dream of something unique for her wedding dessert (which she did!). It only took one late night rendezvous to start what has become a beautiful and delicious, relationship!

Even though Pam has been baking for as long as she remembers, she started her business only about a year ago. She never thought that she’d have a business in baking, but the joy of creating cake balls has launched her into the endevor which has grown exponentially. I asked Pam to share with us what keeps her motivated as a cake-baller extraordinaire:

“I love taking traditional cake decorating techniques coming up with new and “out of the box” ways of approaching them on a cake ball cake. I think the challenge of new ideas and concepts is what keeps me going. Constantly trying new things keeps me motivated.”

Creating goes far more than just making sweets though, Pam’s design process begins with the selection of flavors, to which she adds: “I suggest that a couple pick up to four, simply because after having more than four cake balls, you don’t taste the flavor anymore, just sugar.” Once the flavors are picked, the design process begins! Pam especially loves it when brides bring visuals, whether it be invitations, a color palette or a picture of something that embodies the feeling of their wedding, she loves to be able to create with that influence just for the couple and their wedding and she never replicates a cake.

Cake Ball Love offers everything from the simple cake ball, to cake pops, and cake ball cakes. She also has gluten-free and vegan options, with a variety of flavors that change with the seasons (yeap, they are made form scratch!). We love Pam & hope you do too!

xxo!

Ania

Photo by Elle G. Photography

Photo by Laura Christin Photography

Photo by Melissa McClure Photography

Photos by La Vida Creations

Real San Diego Wedding {Snapshot}

Brenda — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:49:28 +0000

It’s no secret that my heart belongs to the city… any city… as long as it has concrete and tall buildings. While San Diego pales in comparison to some of the bustling concrete jungles near and abroad, this shot is so perfectly “SD” – Blue skies, palm trees, mirrored buildings, and a stunning Swanny couple right in the middle of it. Who am I kidding? Our city is the best of of all worlds.

Diana & Jon had they wedding reception at the Omni last summer and it was spectacular! The cocktail hour was on the outdoor terrace that had sweeping views of Coronado and the city, then the party rocked all night in the upper level ballroom… I seriously felt like a VIP rock star going up and down the escalator to have to get to all the different parts of the party… there’s just something about hotels that is so cool kat awesome…

It doesn’t get any better!

xxo!

Brenda

Photo by Bronson Pate of Bauman Photographers

Fab Friday: Black Wedding Gown

swannsquad — Fri, 04 May 2012 16:45:20 +0000

Some believe that black isn’t a color for a wedding. Me, I say black brings a dramatic yet sophisticated element. Any bride profound and self-assured enough to incorporate it, certainly deserves to be the center of attention! Do you dare wear the boldest of wedding dresses??

Today’s Fabulous Friday piece goes out to all the brides willing to convey their personal inner rebel by wearing a black wedding gown. Designed by Darb Bridal Couture and photographed by Bradley Kanaris, this gown exudes elegance and opens the gateway for positive perceptions of black at a wedding. Next thing you know, your best friend will be wearing black on her big day too!

Do you love it? Could you own it??

xxo!

Stephanie

Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

Real San Diego Wedding {Snapshot}

Brenda — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:30:31 +0000

This photo makes me so happy just looking at it!

First of, it reminds me of a photo I have on a dock in Greece with my BFFs and our shadows are reflecting off the beautiful Aegean Sea. I’ll have to find that photo and share it sometime…

But this was not in Greece, this beautifully captured moment was of Mandi and her bridesmaids during their post ceremony photos on the UCSD Campus last summer. Mandi was one of the happiest brides I’d had all season…I am not sure how to describe such a delicate bride who seemed to just flutter about on a daily basis, I loved getting to see her during our planning because she was so contagiously loving! On her wedding day, she was ten times more sweetly happy and in love…. Oh it was brilliant! She had the perfect bridesmaids too, they were attentive, energetic, and very happy to let Mandi have the spotlight all day. Just as it should be…

Happy Wednesday!

xxo!

Brenda

Photo by Narrative Images

Tuesday Shoesday

swannsquad — Tue, 01 May 2012 16:30:54 +0000

There’s No Place Like Home….

So says Dorothy in her red sparkled pumps… What would you say in these stunning gold bridal heels photographed by Ken Kienow? “I’ll get you my pretty!” says this wicked witch of the West Coast!

These pumps not only make a statement, they look as though they hold the power to bring out your inner sexy under that dress! Why wouldn’t you want to add a little extra glow to you’re already beaming bridal aura?

Just when you think the nerves on your big day might be getting the best of you, remember, you are one click away to saying “I do” to the One that can bring you right back home to happiness.

xxo!

Stephanie

Kate Spade “Charm”

FAB Friday: Wedding Lingerie

swannsquad — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:30:57 +0000

Not all women want to wear the quintessential lace or barely-there lingerie on their wedding night or even for the honeymoon.

Why not consider something unexpectedly luscious? Like these flirty Jasmine Bloomers from Etsy seller Angela Friedman. They are a perfect blend of feminine and provocative with the silky soft ruffles. Yowza! They come in a variety of colors AND they are custom made for you- with a vintage cut or a modern fit.

Playful and sexy without being forward… making them an appropriate bridal shower gift, or heck, the bride can buy these herself! These would be adorable for a boudoir shoot too! YUMM!

Have a fabulous Friday!

xxo!

Mandilee

Pro Spotlight: Sweet Paper {Stationery}

swannsquad — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:30:49 +0000

The hand written note is rather special, sentimental, and a traditional value that people appreciate no matter what age or occasion. These values drive the owners, Julie and Theresa, a sisterly duo of one of our favorite stationary stores, Sweet Paper!

I got the chance to catch up with co-owner Julie, and I could tell immediately her passion for what she and her sister have created. “We are so lucky to work for ourselves and do what we love. We appreciate making people happy and those people appreciate the hand written note.”

Although Julie and Theresa started in the event industry, Sweet Paper emerged from their love of details and the sentimental emotion that stationary can create. When Julie said that her favorite thing is when a bride wants to incorporate a piece or vision that is very special and meaningful to them, I realized that these sisters truly love and understand their clients’ needs when producing the perfect product. From their time spent in London, NYC, and San Francisco, their creativity, styles, and personalities (Theresa is a little more hip and modern while Julie is a bit more traditional) merge perfectly making this duo quite different than the ordinary stationery vendor.

Sweet Paper offers customizable design services. Priding themselves on their creative flair, they can help design your vision from scratch or help you choose from their extensive portfolios. “If you can think it, we can do it!” Their services include letter press, digital printing, engraving and many more customizable options. Although invitations for instance range in price depending on design (generally starting around $8 each for cotton paper), they take pride in creating your perfect vision within your perfect budget!

You can find out more about Sweet Paper on their website, facebook, or venture into their La Jolla store to check out their lovely goodies and paper products!

-xxo!

Nicole

All photos provided by Sweet Paper.