Welcome to my bio, here on Project Wedding :) I spent a lot of time, effort, tears, and more time on planning one of the most special and important days of my life. I am so happy to have been a part of this lovely community of women where I was able to get support and give support on topics that many people really don't like to discuss (you know your fiance that is anti-planning, your sister that wants to talk about why SHE isn't married, and your BFF who is working full-time and can barely fit fittings into her schedule). The ladies here have become so important to me and their help and guidance was well appreciated!

Excitedly, on April 30th, 2011, I had a modern and chic wedding reception in Las Vegas, Nevada with the most amazing man ever!

This biography below documents all the blood, sweat and tears that went into planning our dream wedding. And to think--- this isn't the whole story!

You know, it didn't go as I would have planned, and it wasn't perfect and things went totally wrong--- but it's ours ;)

I did the best I could to provide accurate information about vendors, reviews and the process of planning a wedding on a small, budget, and it can be done on a small, nearly broke, Top Ramen kinda budget. You know that budget too! I try to remain an open book, so if you have any questions, comments, or need any advice, please feel free to PM me, because even after the wedding,  I still lurk around here checking out the other beautiful weddings on site :) What can I say, I am a sucker for weddings!

*****

IF ANY OF MY WEDDING OR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS INSPIRE YOU, THANK YOU. BUT PLEASE BE KIND & SOURCE ME (ajbevents), or MY PHOTOGRAPHER listed here ---->  (Andrea Takeoka Photography).

*****

Did you know that things will go wrong?
No, seriously, they will.

And it's best that you know that right now. So that there are no surprises and wasted tears, :)

Here is MY take on what you can expect, and maybe you can avoid the mistakes I made. From a previous bride and current Wedding Planner, I have learned from my mistakes and those of my past brides!

     ---The Year Prior---

Word of advice for a Wedding Planned in One Year- time flies on your wedding day. So make sure you make the most of every minute. Don't blink or you will miss it. So hire a AMAZING photographer that will catch all the moments that you will want to remember FOREVER <3.

Word of advice for making decisions during this year-

---Those Details that you will WANT to Pay Attention to ---

---About those Bridesmaids ---

---The Week of the Wedding---

Word of advice for a Bride that thinks there ARE enough hours in the days before the wedding- 

---The Day Before the Wedding---

---The Wedding Day---

Word of advice for a Bride that thinks there ARE enough hours in the days before the wedding- Friends really make EVERYTHING better. :) I swear on it.

I gave up my position as one of Project Wedding's Hostesses and pursued my love of Wedding and Special Event Planning.

If you are getting married in the getting married in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, or you are planning a destination wedding Las Vegas, and even traveling to Provo & St. George, Utah, or need a professional to research venues and contract vendors for you in those regions, contact us-

I love Project Wedding, its members, and will provide excellent promotions and discounts on packages, rentals and services, when you mention PW.

Amanda J. Brown
{Event Designer & Coordinator}
inquiries: ajbeventsinfo@gmail.com
direct: ajbevents@gmail.com

Our company specializes in events on any budget--- from intimate gatherings of 20 to large events of 200 guests!

We COORDINATE, PLAN, and DESIGN:

{Honeymoon Planning
{Proposal Planning
{Baby Showers
{Bridal Showers
{Bachelorette & Bachelor Parties (CA and Las Vegas, Nevada, Utah)
{Birthday Parties (adult and children)
{Children's Parties
{Holiday Parties
{Sweet 16 Birthday Parties
{Anniversaries
{or ANY special occasion YOU want to celebrate!


Additional CREATIVE SERVICES include:
{invitation suite creation and assembly
{custom AISLE RUNNERS
{CUSTOM SIGNS and labels for your event
{CANDY BUFFET rentals & services
{innovative SPECIALTY TABLES

Contact us for more information about pricing, availability, our Weddingwire.com reviews and client testimonials!  Use code: Project Wedding Promotion for 100.00 off our full-service package, and contact us for other promotions!     

You must be very excited to plan the beginning of your lives together! And you must be looking forward to spending the rest of your lives together- who isn’t?!?! Love is amazing when you find that one special person that you are eager to spend your life with. Planning the ceremony and the celebration that follows is the best way to display your love and affection for each other in front of your closest family and friends.

So, Why Hire an Event Coordinator?

Often times, weddings and parties can be too much for just one person to handle on their own. You may be a very creative person and look forward to planning an extraordinary or remarkable event. It can be extremely fun to plan, often times can be stressful, and many times can really become a pain. Many brides choose to hire an event coordinator at the end stages of their planning process to orchestrate their plans, while they sit back and enjoy their hard work. My job as an Event Coordinator is not only to coordinate what you worked so hard to plan, but to also go beyond what you are requesting. We make it our mission to consider the in-betweens of the ceremony and reception and hammer out all the loose ends and details of your perfectly planned event.

Do you need a Full-Service Event Designer?

Do you have a full-time job, school, family, friends, and then a life outside of all of those responsibilities? Our lives are hectic, and then throw in a very important occasion; you’re perfect wedding or event! That is why I am here to help you through it all.

Our company will provide you the wedding or event of your dreams, help you determine the best wedding vendors, and keep your thoughts on track and organized throughout the process. As your event designer, our relationship will begin with a detailed wedding planning checklist and will continue with details on décor items needed to achieve your ideas or wishes, and then ending with an itemized list of your expenses, due dates and tracking of payments that are made throughout our planning process.

Please feel free to view our package information to determine what the right fit is for you!

-AJB

It was happening, after all of the plans, preparation, changes, shopping, returns--- this was happening.

Oh. My. God.

"I found the one whom my soul loves... "- Song of Solomon 3:4

I'll do my best to tell you all that I remember. Shhh, Pay Attention :)

Getting Ready

Getting ready began at 11:00am (2 hours, YES, 2 hours off schedule). 

I started this day off pretty late. I think it may of had something to do with the whole bachelorette party the day before the wedding :/ Yea, dumbest idea EVER.  I showered after pulling myself out of bed with a hangover- but forgot most of my important wedding items (perfume, soap, and makeup) at home. Luckily we only lived 25 minutes from the strip...but still 25 minutes GONE.

Brother in laws came in with flower deliveries, and food! Thank Gosh! Our lovely photog and her husband brought us some food also, which was VERY kind of them. I completely forgot to set up a spread of something. *head slap*

When they got there, I made sure to put them to work! They worked on the guys bouts and wrapping our bouquets. Thank goodness for them ; ) I spent the morning pacing the room, doing nothing of importance, and then lingering on PW :)

Getting Ready Site- Aria Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip
Hair & Makeup - James Reed (Inland Empire, CA)

I decided to wear my hair up for the ceremony. I think he did a good job recreating what I wanted. My makeup inspiration was a mixture of different inspirations I saw on PW, and most significantly Pwani20's look was a big inspiration to me- She looked amazing, right?!

First Look

I know many people don't like to do the first look. But I honestly thought it would be better for us to capture good shots before the wedding with the whole bridal party. I didn't want to do it after the ceremony, since the site was 40 minutes from the strip. Realistically, it wasn't going to work.

We were staying and getting ready at the Aria Hotel, and walked over to the Cosmopolitan Hotel & Casino for shots around the hotel. They have great sites around the hotel! Check out the big shoes, they make for awesome shoe shots :)

The Details

Wedding Day Attire

Shoes: Paris Hilton Destiny in Purple Suede (very comfy)
Bridesmaid Dresses: LOVE by Enzoani (A7 and A18) in Eggplant
Bridal Gown: Maggie Sottero Fiorella in Pearl
Florist: Oceanic Flowers (Tustin, CA), Hobby Lobby (Real Touch Calla Lilies for the Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom  )
Garter: Hobby Lobby
Jewelry: TJMaxx (Bracelet), White Aisle (Earrings). The two matched perfectly!
Dress Hangers: SweetT (Bride), TJMaxx (Bridesmaids)
Bouquet Wraps: Custom Made and wrapped by AJBEvents (Bride)

Paper Items

Programs: I decided to do the accordian style, I love simplicity.  Signatures by Sarah created the headers and cover design for my accordian programs and I just put the ceremony information in on my own under those headers.
Paper: 11 X 17 Text Paper in Metallic Pearl White, purchased from Paper and More
Printing: DIY Canon Printer, paper cut by Office Max
Design: Signatures by Sarah

Menu: White Cardstock (5X7 index-card sized) from Michael's. *We put them inside of our eggplant napkins*

Printing: DIY Printing
Design: DIY  (monogram purchased from Signatures by Sarah) 

   Centerpieces & Tablescape

Paper: White Cardstock (Michael's)
Printing: DIY Printing from home
Accents: Hot Fix Crystals (Michael's)
Table Number Holders: Crystal Gem shaped holders (Hobby Lobby)
Floral: Oceanic Flowers (Tustin, CA)
Vases: Silverstone Golf Club
Uplighting: D. Jay's Entertainment (Las Vegas, NV)
'Bling' Votive Holders: purchased through bulk order on PW, and Borrowed from PW Bride (Futurefunk)
Table linens: Silver Satin, (Rebel Party Rentals)

Gift Table Decor

Card cage: black wrought iron (Marshall's Department Store

The cake was a disaster. I asked for something completely different, but the baker insisted that this was what I wanted :( I don't even know how it tasted. They didn't box a piece or the top for us as requested.

The Cake

Bakery: Creations Bakery (Las Vegas, NV)
Table Linen: Eggplant Satin (CVLinens)
Floral: Oceanic Flowers
Cake Topper:  SweetT (Crafty Eddy)
Glass Platter: The Home Depot
Vases: 9 Cubed Vases (Dollar Tree)
Brooch: Fabulous Brooches (online)

The Ceremony

I walked down the aisle to my favorite song; "Clocks" by Coldplay. It didn't fit, was a weird choice, but I dreamed of that song since the first time I heard it. and We walked back up the aisle to "Bittersweet Symphony" by the Verve, because, well, WHY NOT? lol

The Reception

Our First Dance

We had our very first dance to John Legend's "Stay With You." It was so sweet. We chose to do the whole song, and it honestly felt like forever =) I say this because I am extremely shy and was so nervous with all the eyes and cameras.

The Fun & Festivities

The Big Send-Off

Guests positively loved this idea. The mature guests said it reminded them of their childhood and playing with those when they were younger :) It was so fun to go out with a big bang! 

Sparklers: (Firework shop in Moapa, NV)
Sparkler Tag Design: Signatures by Sarah
Basket: Goodwill
Ribbon: Joanne's

The Candy Buffet

Candy Buffet Jar Signs: BRIDES round cards in black and white (Michael's), AJB Events stock signs
Ribbon: Eggplant Satin Ribbon (Party Superstore in Las Vegas, NV)
Stickers: 8.5 X 11 sheets of sticker paper (Staples), DIY printing
Sticker Design: Signatures by Sarah
Plastic Tongs: Party City, Hobby Lobby
Silver Metal Tongs: TJMaxx
Candy: Please inquire :)
Cupcakes: Kira Kiviaho (Las Vegas, NV)

Trash the Dress

The fun didn't end there! DH and I completed our wedding festivities with a photo shoot on the Las Vegas Strip. I'm usually not one that enjoys attention (I am SO shy!!!), but I loved hearing the compliments and the congratulations that we got from spectators. A group of girls even wanted to take a photo with us before they hit the club lol!

We are going to do our own photobooth complete with crazy props!

My original inspiration:
was for a very simple backdrop, like the picture below. my DH attempted to create one with a panel of white or gray fabric- this diy, was horrendous. I was smitten with D1rtymart1n1's photo booth turn out- and wanted to make sure I had props my guests could be creative with.

A few links and pictures of our original inspiration, so maybe it can help you:

• http://www.projectwedding.com/biography/list/budoh/homemade-photo-booth

• http://www.diyphotography.net/homestudio/blz/home-made-cheap-diy-backdrop-stand

Cari Hollis Photography (D1rtymart1n1's bio)

SIGNS

I loved Par228's Photo booth sign. I created a small sign to place on a black wrought iron table top easel that I bought. Sign was created and printed through Vistaprint for FREE! Sadly, I don't have a picture of it in action, because it was taken :(

(Par228)

REALITY:

Because I decided that I no longer liked the A-Line style of the original dress I had made by Dressilyme, I had a seamstress create another dress for me. Yes, One month before my wedding. She couldn't create a miracle (turning an A-Line into a Mermaid) from what I envisioned in my head. So, she sold me a gorgeous Maggie Sottero. I never looked back.

The Model

 MY Maggie Sottero Fiorella ;) 

My Bustle (9 point bustle)

 The Weight Loss Goal

I have been told, by plenty, that form fitting dresses don't look good on curvier-bigger girls. Bull. I am embracing my curvacious, beautiful body. I did want to tone up a bit, so I looked my ultimate best this time- a FRESH new start;)

As of:

May 2010- 195
October 2010- 190
November 1, 2010 - 185
December 31, 2010- 175
January 25, 2011- 170
February 2011- 175   I gained :(
March 2011- 165
April 2011- 165

The Hair

ceremony hair inspired by: Adrienne Bailon                                                             & nbsp;        

 reception hair: A smorgasbord of wavy curls. (Katharine McPhee, Kelly Rowland, Lala Vasquez, and Lindsay Lohan)

**we just decided to pin the hair up on the sides. My bridesmaids, MUA, and I rushed after the ceremony to remove all the bobby pins that were holding up my updo ;)

The Shoes

Can't wear heels all day (i DEFINITELY don't want to be taller than my hubby) so I will buy an awesome pair of shoes for the shoe shots, and then wear flats sandals for the ceremony and reception.

Ceremony and Reception Shoes:
Target Xhilaration Titania Flat Thong Sandals (in a tarnished silver color, not a bright pewter like below)
I LOVE these sandals! And I still wear them often :)
Shoes for Photos and Garter Toss:
Paris Hilton Destiny in Purple Suede and Satin

 The Scent 

Ceremony Veil

PW's very generous and sweet, Starbux has loaned me her ivory cut edge chapel length veil! Gotta love PW love! I can't thank her enough for adding on to and making my big day a bit more special! It was truly the  perfect touch!

The Women

I chose 5 of THE.BEST.GIRLS I know as my bridesmaids and maids of honor. I know that if I were a bridesmaid, I wouldn't want to be put in anything :)
The girls budget determined what I could choose for them to wear. All were on board with the price and style of the LOVE by Enzoani dresses. I chose this line because it achieved the modern and glamorous look that I was trying to achieve.

Bridesmaids wore the A7 (dress with straps and plunging back), and the Maid of Honors wore the A18 (the tube top dress with embellished waist).

(all stock photos of bridesmaid dresses from bestbridalprices.com)

A7: Love by Enzoani in Eggplant (Love Boat Bridal in Alhambra, CA)
A18: Love by Enzoani in Eggplant (Love Boat Bridal in Alhambra, CA)
Jewelry: Garment District (Downtown Los Angeles, CA)

Floral for Bridesmaids

INSPIRATION

REALITY

The Flowergirl

dress designer: Ladybug flower girl dresses

(picture of flower girl dresses above are from LadyESQ's bio)

Flower Girl Shoes: Stuart Weitzman flats (Nordstrom's)
Flower Girl Dress: Ladybug Dresses
Flower Girl Basket: Sweet Moments (Meadows Mall in Las Vegas, Nevada)

The Ring Bearer

Suit: Mens Wearhouse (Las Vegas, NV)

The Men

DH: White Shirt, White Satin Vest and Tie- Black Tuxedo. (Men's Wearhouse)
Groomsmen: Black Tuxedos with black vest, and black ties. White Shirt. Classic. (Men's Wearhouse)

The Color Palette

My colors are a bit unique and odd if I may say so myself...
Very fresh and clean. and sexy. Very Modern.

Modern Romance? Modern Chic? I have no idea what the theme would be lol

                             EGGPLANT . PURPLES. FUCSHIA. DEEP TEAL.

The Wedding I Fell in Love With

Everyone has a wedding that starts all the wedding planning and color theme madness... I fell in love with this wedding in the summer of 2009, and haven't looked back from the scheme since. I have attempted to change my colors, changing to different colors on 4 different occasions, but I love the bright and airy look of this wedding. So I modified it- to make it a bit darker, but still CONTEMPORARY.
 
Maura and Bryan's beautiful and fresh wedding  can be viewed here---->  http://www.bumataystudio.com/Ventura/

(all Photos above are from Bumatay Studio)

The Engagement Photo Session 

It was literally 100 degree weather in September and it was ridiculously hot that day.
These photos were taken in Pomona, California at the university, Cal Poly Pomona.

Engagement Pictures by: Andrea Takeoka Photography
http://www.taroandrea.com/blog/

A bride just has to get things done. and if you want it done right, DO IT YOURSELF :) Many of these things did not get used, were either sold, or I am using them within my business right now. If you want help on your DIY, please feel free to message me! :) 

CUBED VASES

The small vases will be placed on the lounge tables, at the bar, and on the beverage table at the ceremony.  I couldn't see myself spending the money for black cubes when I could make my own. There will be a floating candle inside of it.

INSPIRATION :                                                                                      REALITY:

  
(bumatay studios)

I loved these Tall Long Stemmed Vases from my inspiration pictures. It was a simple DIY, and so much fun surprisingly! I actually made a few for our home and to use within my Candy Buffet Set-Ups

INSPIRATION:                                                                    & nbsp;                REALITY:

  
(braincookweddings)

Same concept as the cubed vases I DIY'd above.  We decided not to use this for our wedding, but we are using in for our event planning business and it was featured on a head table of one of our Damask Brides

                                            INSPIRATION:                                                                  &nbs p;             REALITY:

  
(photo source unknown)

This was my very FIRST DIY. I redid the pillow, and the flower looks better (fuller and bigger and fills the pillow), and the black satin is of better quality. I added a band at the back for the Ring bearer's hand, and then placed a tiny black ribbon at the center so the rings can be attached.

INSPIRATION:                                                                    & nbsp;     REALITY:

We decided against the pomander for our wedding... but I made 2 flower girl baskets covered in the same eggplant roses as my pomanders. Both of these projects below were sold, since we didn't have a need for this color palette anymore.

         INSPIRATION:                                                                                 REALITY:

   
       (pic from MommyLynda's bio)

INSPIRATION:                                                        REALITY:

 
(designs by courtney)

I used 3 black lacquer platters - and they held my white chocolate lindt truffles at my Candy buffet. I added a crystal candle stick on it for height. They looked pretty cool and elegant.

This black satin aisle runner.... it was a fun project for my mother and I. It was quite simple, and I am making it my mission to make a few more in different colors and textures, for the bride's I work with.

INSPIRATION:                                                           REALITY:

   
(photo from iDoOriginals.com)       

I find myself sharing my dressilyme experience to bride's that are curious about my process with Dressilyme. My original dress I wanted to recreate was this Jim Hjelm below. I heard that they didn't do well with pintucks or ruffles. But I took a chance.

 It's Jim Hjelm 8716.

Details on the dress: Made of white Satin, with custom measurements to fit an oddly shaped girl (ME)- lol It will NOT have the lace detailing and applique on the sides like the actual dress has, I am just NOT a lace girl.

My Dressilyme Process and Experience:

• I got my measurements taken November 22, 2010.
• Ordered the dress on December 3, 2010. I requested the fastest shipping- 5 to 7 days.
• My estimation believes I will get her around Christmas ;)
• Recieved an email saying she is in the tailoring process -December 6, 2010
• Dress is completed and getting Packaged-December 20, 2010
• Dress is ready for shipment and shipped- December 21, 2010
  
• Dress has made it to Los Angeles- December 24, 2010  (pretty awesome how fast this is!)
• Dress arrived!-December 27, 2010

 MY Dressilyme DRESS:

My experience with Dressilyme was VERY pleasing. Ashley, my consultant through the whole process was good about replying to me- answering all questions and explaining every detail to me. If there was something she did not understand or wanted to make sure she understood correctly- she did not hesitate to email and ask. The process was very fast- and faster than another company I almost got my dress made with. I wanted a certain amount of ruffles- got it. I wanted no applique on the side like the designer dress- got it.

With all positive, there are a few negatives. I am not too happy with the stitching UNDER the pickups. As I have never seen a actual designer gown with pickups, their method makes me feel a little uneasy on whether the pickups will hold throughout the night. The ruching/gathering around my waist is beautiful- but the stick pin marks where the folds where being created- not so much. The high pickup near my hip area- is sort of laying weird- and will need special attention in altering.

Like many people say- you get what you pay for. What I paid, I expected trash- and thankfully I got a really pretty dress. As with ordering anywhere else, it will need altering, and many of the problems I stated above can be fixed thankfully in alterations. I took it to alterations, and because I am VERY fickle, I decided to really try to get the dress more trumpet style (the original silhoutte I love), and ruined the dress altogether by getting it worked on.

So off to the Goodwill it went :(

Happily Ever After Begins Here...

Thanks for visiting my bio!

With having more than a year to plan a wedding- I have run into several vendors in the California and Las Vegas area. Here are my reviews! Hope it helps you!

*Please be patient with my attempting to complete my vendor and service reviews :) *

Dress(es):
Alfred Angelo (Las Vegas): Linda is the best bridal consultant that I have had the privilege to work with. She takes time to make sure that you not only look good in the dress- but make the dress look good. I highly recommend going in to see her!

Dressilyme:  It was a pleasant experience, they communicate very quickly, ask questions about what you really want, and ship quickly. material is of great quality (dress is HEAVY!) it was identical to the pictures I submitted to them 2 months prior. Don't be a afraid to get a custom made dress- just be specific and get lot's of measurements.

Love Boat Bridal (Alhambra, CA): very lovely family owned company. She is very friendly, and does her best to make sure that you are getting what you want- plus she has great prices.

Alterations:
Adeline's Bridal (Las Vegas): She (Yolanda Coppola) is very inexpensive! And she understands what you want, has a good eye and knows what you need done before you mention it. I am excited for my next fitting and the final product! She did the best she could to make this indecisive bride happy- the dress couldn't be changed- so she helped me get into a Maggie Sottero.

Venue:
Silverstone Golf Course: Such a great staff- they are great, work within budget, and let's a bride have free reign to decorate as they choose. Courtney Howard is amazing! This venue is a must see- the reception room can be a turn off, but with imagination, and uplighting, it is amazing. I was a bit unhappy with the supporting staff (the banquet staff) as they didn't really do enough to make sure the day went smoothly. so not everything can be perfect I guess :(

Photographer:
Andrea Takeoka Photography (Orange County/Los Angeles): Such a great duo (husband and wife), they really work hard to get many shots from different angles, almost as if capturing different point of views. I recommend them, and will be calling them again to document many stages in our life (baby!!)

Graphic Designer:
Signatures by Sarah

Stationary:
Paper and More
Hobby Lobby

Entertainment:
Terry Mason Mobile DJ

Transportation and Lodging:
Aria Hotel and Casino

Desserts
Creations Bakery

Kira Campos

It was such an honor and a complete treat to be chosen as Bio Of The Week :)

It was something I had wanted for so long -- even BEFORE I got married, hahaha!

But I really think its a complete compliment to be chosen and I am truly thankful. It kind of assures me that my hard work in planning our dream wedding was recognized by someone. I am glad that others could enjoy my special day as much as we did.

Thanks Project Wedding, for the honor of BOTW :)

"ajbevents85 was a stunning bride who planned a contemporary and chic Las Vegas wedding. Vibrant purples, fucshia, and teal coordinated perfectly with the Vegas location. In a beautiful outdoor ceremony on a golf course the couple said their vows. The reception that followed featured amazing tall floral centerpieces and dramatic uplighting and ended with a sparkler sendoff. Be sure to check out all the beautiful pictures the couple was able to capture around the Vegas Strip."