With my budget running out, flowers (bouquets and boutineers) were the last thing I purchased (poor planning on my part). I was at the verge of not having flowers, but with a last minute referral from my coordinator (Weddings by Melinda), I found Jenny. Jenny saved me by giving me creative options such as choosing specific flowers to reduce cost. I was hesitant on some of the flower colors (will this shade of pink turn out too hot pink??), but when the flowers arrived on the day of, the colors complimented the bridesmaid dresses and was the perfect match to the color theme I selected. I couldn't afford flower center pieces at this point (sad I know...), but yet again Jenny suggested using using tall vases filled with these long beautiful pink orchids, small rocks at the bottom, and floating candles at the top! It was romantic, guests admired it, it helped fill the space, and it looked elegant in photos.

If you need a florist that not only works with your budget and does it with style and creativity, try contacting Jenny B.

Brandi and Doug are a husband/wife team who runs a wedding design/decor business. Brandi is the designer and Doug helps with the set up. Their strengths are in lighting, drapery, and flowers. Brandi is super friendly and nice and full of ideas and creativity. I had no clue where to begin, but she was patient with me and helped me with envisioning my wedding ceremony/reception layout, colors and overall theme/decor. She showed me her extensive collection of photos from real weddings. We viewed actual decor/furniture set up in her studio and flipped through color palettes and types of fabrics. We brainstormed and she made sketches of the layouts (a true sign of a designer!).

Both Brandi and Doug were very responsive via email and phone and flexible enough to meet with me during the weekends. I had a budget I really had to keep to, and we worked together to meet it. For example, for the ceremony, real flowers were a bit too expensive for me (I had a big area to cover) and they suggested silk flowers - which was practical and saved me some extra cash. They looked extremely real and were very beautiful. Both ceremony and reception were well done and very elegant - I was very pleased with their work.

If you are looking for a wedding decorator, I suggest checking out their portfolio online and contacting them for at least a free consultation.

I was told photography is one of the most important items for your wedding (and it's true as the day goes by so fast you'll only remember certain moments). Hiring one is not easy. I did countless hours of researching (Google, Project Wedding, The Knot, Yelp, referrals ...) for a photographer in Orange County, and was really happy when I discovered Jan and Tey.

Jan and Tey (Jan's wife) are the most pleasant, nicest, friendliest people you will ever meet in this planet!! Pair that up with being professional and good at what they do, and you end up with the most memorable, breath taking, and beautiful photos that you've ever seen of yourself (and your wedding of course). At least, that was how it was for me.

Some points that really stood out for me:

- They can rally and control a crowd. Good for taking huge family photos!
- They know how to work with kids. They have two of their own. :)
- They put you at ease and do not pressure you to do anything you're not comfortable with.
- They work as a husband/wife team. Tey can shoot the bride as she changes (if the bride is uncomfortable with a male photographer), and Jan can shoot the groom as he changes(if groom is uncomfortable with a female photographer). But both Tey and Jan can easily switch roles as needed.
- They can blend into the crowd easily and take the shots that matter the most.
- They have fancy camera equipment and use ear pieces to communicate to each other if far apart.
- They're skilled at fixing up photos (bye wrinkles and blemishes!)
- They build you a high quality slideshow (paired with music) to show off to your friends/family
- They give you a DVD of all the photos.
- They're really nice people (I did mention this right?). They sent me a Christmas card. :)

My wedding was at Rancho Las Lomas, east of Irvine. They have been there many times, so if your wedding will be held there, I recommend them to shoot it as they know the good spots.

Thanks Jan & Tey!

(warning: long post, but worth the read!)

As the wedding drew closer, I realized that I didn't want to worry too much on the day of my wedding. What happens if an extra guest appeared? What's if a guest got drunk? I didn't want to be the one to keep a look out if something went wrong. So I decided to hire some help: Melinda! And I am so glad I made this decision.

Hiring a coordinator is quite difficult since you want to make sure you choose someone who is knowledgeable and of course, experienced and jives well with you and your significant other's personality. I have heard horror stories of coordinators who arrived late, unable to control situations, and who danced with the wedding guests all night when really you hired them to work and make sure everything is well taken care of.

So, I took my time to research a couple coordinators out there, but in the end chose Melinda. Aside from being friendly and smart, I hired her for the following qualities she exudes:

1. PROFESSIONAL

In our first meeting she arrived on time and dressed professionally. She came prepared with her materials and can articulate her background and business well. She didn't bombard us with a million questions and took time to actually listen to our ideas and needs. I was very impressed by this. For all other meetings following that, she always arrived earlier than needed (good sign), and always returned my emails and phone calls in timely manners. She also met with me one night
(even though she was sick) since that was the only time I could meet to discuss the wedding.

3. EXPERIENCED

Her background/resume is full of weddings and she is a certified coordinator. She also had experience working at the site of my wedding (Rancho Las Lomas, Silverado, CA). This was a major plus for me as I know the interior can be quite complex, so I really needed someone who knows the area, and the folks on site. Also has a newbie bride, she was patient with me, educating me on the ways of weddings. During my reception, she was kneeling in a corner whispering discreetly to me what I needed to do (cut cake -> toast-> kiss), which was good otherwise I would have just cut the cake and sat back down (yes I'm that naive). She also made sure to keep me updated on things that were going on in the wedding (we're on time, guests arrived).

4. CREATIVE

When I asked Melinda about ideas for the ceremony, she had a wealth of information to share (sand ceremony, doves...etc), which was awesome and enlightening. I wanted to do a wishing well/pot but didn't have time to do it the night before, but she did it anyways for me (brought the bowl, set up the area), so that I would have additional keepsakes after the wedding! On a side note, as I was planning the honeymoon, she even mentioned a place to stay in Hawaii for my honeymoon (a B&B inn) - which by the way, was awesome!!! I thank her for this. :)

5. AFFORDABLE

Melinda worked with my budget and is very honest with me about her time. Did I really need the last hour (which was just dancing) with a coordinator? Probably not and she saved me some money. I really appreciated this (as I practically had no budget left). She also understood this and gave me referrals to other vendors who can help me meet my budget.

Bottom line is this: If you think you need a coordinator in the OC/LA area, I highly suggest Melinda. Definitely email or call her and see if she is a fit for your needs.

Thank you Melinda for making my wedding go smoothly!

NOTE: Her assistant was also very nice and approachable. :)