I Do Today
Price:
$$$$$
Categories:
officiant
Area Served:
los angeles + oc
Address:
7755 Center Ave Ste 1100
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
(map) Phone: 714-625-7841 Hours: 7 days a week, on call.
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
(map) Phone: 714-625-7841 Hours: 7 days a week, on call.
Please support us by letting I Do Today know that you found them through Project Wedding.
By I Do Today
see all photos »
About
read more »
"Let me personally congratulate you on your decision to come together as one in marriage."
I wish to reflect the values, beliefs and meaningful aspects that are unique and special
to your relationship. As a couple it is important that your ceremony be an authentic expression of who you are as individuals and as ...
read more »
Reviews for I Do Today
Client testimonial from Schmidts
05/23/2009
"Thank you again for being apart of our special day"
Client testimonial from Marcia and Nick Riso
05/23/2009
"Jacqueline married Nick and I over the summer in 2008. We eloped to Laguna Beach, and had an intimate ceremony with only Jacqueline, photographers, and a witness present. It was the most romantic ceremony imaginable. Jacqueline enabled us to embrace the moment, and our love, wholeheartedly. She was appropriately emotional and seemed to truly care about our union. It could not have been a more beautiful wedding... we are still talking about it today. Thank you! "
Client testimonial from Mark & Rosie Penfold
05/23/2009
We appreciated your professionalism, You embrace the moment.IT was a beautiful day. Thank you so much.
Client testimonial from Barnes/Balsom
05/23/2009
"It was a fantastic day. We had so much fun and really felt it was an intimate, private and very very special event for us. I appreciate your professionalism and your approach to our day. Thank you again!!!
About I Do Today
"Let me personally congratulate you on your decision to come together as one in marriage."
I wish to reflect the values, beliefs and meaningful aspects that are unique and special
to your relationship. As a couple it is important that your ceremony be an authentic expression of who you are as individuals and as a couple.
At idotoday.com and as your wedding officiant you can expect:
* A trusted advisor capable of meeting your needs through listening and encouragement, linking you to other resources, or providing strong direction if desired.
* A collaborative partner working closely with you and/or other wedding professionals to make your special day a pleasant memory for years to come.
* A professional who joyfully complements your day with a spirit of elegance.
Whether you desire a traditional wedding or a uniquely themed and tailored ceremony, idotoday.com provides:
* Pre-marital education (optional) including the Benziger Thinking Styles Assessment (BTSA) visit Focusedcoach.com
* Marriage Ceremony
* Marriage Certificate/ Recording of Marriage License
* Rehearsal
* Reception or dinner blessing (optional)
* Travel (as required)
I wish to reflect the values, beliefs and meaningful aspects that are unique and special
to your relationship. As a couple it is important that your ceremony be an authentic expression of who you are as individuals and as a couple.
At idotoday.com and as your wedding officiant you can expect:
* A trusted advisor capable of meeting your needs through listening and encouragement, linking you to other resources, or providing strong direction if desired.
* A collaborative partner working closely with you and/or other wedding professionals to make your special day a pleasant memory for years to come.
* A professional who joyfully complements your day with a spirit of elegance.
Whether you desire a traditional wedding or a uniquely themed and tailored ceremony, idotoday.com provides:
* Pre-marital education (optional) including the Benziger Thinking Styles Assessment (BTSA) visit Focusedcoach.com
* Marriage Ceremony
* Marriage Certificate/ Recording of Marriage License
* Rehearsal
* Reception or dinner blessing (optional)
* Travel (as required)
Blog: I Do Today
feed last downloaded: Friday 11/20/2009 at 04:00 am
Working Out The Details Of Your Wedding Reception
Regardless of the type of wedding reception you wish to have, taking the time to plan and work out all the details of what needs to be done is very important. This advice applies whether you are planning a small intimate gathering of a few close friends and family after the ceremony or if you want a lavish reception.
Couples are often surprised at the amount of time and effort involved in personalizing and organizing a perfect reception, which needs to be done several months in advance. The following tips are intended to guide you through some of the wedding reception details that you will need to address.
Begin By Pre-Planning and Organizing
Before you start any wedding reception planning make sure you know your exact budget. There is no point in organizing a lavish reception for 200 people if your budget only allows for a small toned-down gathering of 50 people. Your budget will not only include the cost of the reception venue, but also the food, favors, decorations, music, cake, table linens and tableware, any additional entertainment, etc. The reception will take the largest chunk of your budget.
I also strongly recommend that you purchase a good wedding planner book to walk you step-by-step through the wedding planning process. These books provide some great information on details that you might miss or not even think of. Plus, they provide you with a place to record and store all wedding information for quick retrieval.
One of the cheapest (since it's free) ways to find out more about what's involved in planning a wedding reception is to start by talking to friends and family about their wedding experiences. Write down any advice and tips they might give, as well as references to caterers, DJ's, etc. Word of mouth is often the best way to locate exactly what you're looking for.
Choosing a Location
Deciding on where to hold your wedding reception can often times make a key difference in how well it goes... and how fondly it's remembered by you and your guests. Take your time with this. Get recommendations and check out all venues thoroughly.
Be aware that the number of available locations will be much more limited for weekends and certain times of the year... often popular spots are booked a year in advance. You may wish to consider having your wedding during an "off-wedding" month, such as January or during the week, rather than on a weekend. Cost wise, it will be much cheaper as well.
While at each reception location there are several details that you should pay attention to. Available nearby parking, adequate bathroom facilities, cleanliness of the location, and ample room for dinner and dancing… these are just some of the things you will need to look at.
Familiarize yourself with the location to learn what can and can not be done, especially in terms of decorating.
Keep a list of all locations and facilities that you visit and try to get a floor plan of the building. This will certainly help you out when you are deciding on the arrangement of tables, DJ or band stand, where to place the cake table, etc. Make sure you also get all prices quoted and contact details in writing.
The Nitty-Gritty Reception Details
There are many details that you need to attend to such as your seating arrangements, coordinating table linens to match your theme, finding a baker to make your wedding cake, whether to use a decorator or not, and who to use for entertainment.
Make a list of everything that needs to be taken care of then start delegating some of the tasks to your attendants and family members. Keep in mind that some flexibility is essential in the planning process too.
Decorating is an important part of your overall wedding plans. Make a list of the various types of decorations you'll need such as table centerpieces, balloon bouquets, and specific theme items.
One of the other most significant aspects of planning your wedding reception is the meal that will be served. You will need to decide if it will be a full-course sit-down dinner or a buffet. If you're planning a low-key, intimate reception with family and close friends, plan on food and drink that is less formal and more fun.
Once you think you have everything planned out on paper, take the time to walk through the event from start to finish. For example, what will everyone be doing when they first arrive at the reception? When will guests be seated for dinner? What will happen during the meal? When will you cut the cake? When does the dancing begin? By going through each aspect of what will happen at the reception, you will be assured that you've taken care of all the details.
A Few Other Reception Tips
Keep your guests updated in regards to any changes to wedding details throughout the planning process. A good way to do this is to register with a personal wedding website. New details can be added and quickly updated, which family members and guests can then quickly access online.
Delegate, delegate, delegate! Try to get other people to help out as much as possible. This will take a large load of errands off your back and all you need to do is supervise the process. Having fun and being relaxed is what you’re aiming for.
Hopefully, the above guidance and advice will give you some direction and inspiration as you plan your own special and personalized wedding reception.
About the Author:
(c)2006. Rose Smith is the owner of Wedding Themes and More
She offers a e-book as a tool in assisting you along your journey to create your upcoming Elegant, Unique and Affordable Wedding. You can view and purchase the e-book here : Sure Fire Ways To Slash Wedding Expenses
66% of couples over-spend on their wedding budgets... often by thousands of dollars. Sure Fire Ways To Slash Wedding Expenses you'll find dozens of creative, money-saving techniques, numerous hints and practical choices for making the most of any wedding budget and still have the wedding of your dreams for a fraction of the cost.
Couples are often surprised at the amount of time and effort involved in personalizing and organizing a perfect reception, which needs to be done several months in advance. The following tips are intended to guide you through some of the wedding reception details that you will need to address.
Begin By Pre-Planning and Organizing
Before you start any wedding reception planning make sure you know your exact budget. There is no point in organizing a lavish reception for 200 people if your budget only allows for a small toned-down gathering of 50 people. Your budget will not only include the cost of the reception venue, but also the food, favors, decorations, music, cake, table linens and tableware, any additional entertainment, etc. The reception will take the largest chunk of your budget.
I also strongly recommend that you purchase a good wedding planner book to walk you step-by-step through the wedding planning process. These books provide some great information on details that you might miss or not even think of. Plus, they provide you with a place to record and store all wedding information for quick retrieval.
One of the cheapest (since it's free) ways to find out more about what's involved in planning a wedding reception is to start by talking to friends and family about their wedding experiences. Write down any advice and tips they might give, as well as references to caterers, DJ's, etc. Word of mouth is often the best way to locate exactly what you're looking for.
Choosing a Location
Deciding on where to hold your wedding reception can often times make a key difference in how well it goes... and how fondly it's remembered by you and your guests. Take your time with this. Get recommendations and check out all venues thoroughly.
Be aware that the number of available locations will be much more limited for weekends and certain times of the year... often popular spots are booked a year in advance. You may wish to consider having your wedding during an "off-wedding" month, such as January or during the week, rather than on a weekend. Cost wise, it will be much cheaper as well.
While at each reception location there are several details that you should pay attention to. Available nearby parking, adequate bathroom facilities, cleanliness of the location, and ample room for dinner and dancing… these are just some of the things you will need to look at.
Familiarize yourself with the location to learn what can and can not be done, especially in terms of decorating.
Keep a list of all locations and facilities that you visit and try to get a floor plan of the building. This will certainly help you out when you are deciding on the arrangement of tables, DJ or band stand, where to place the cake table, etc. Make sure you also get all prices quoted and contact details in writing.
The Nitty-Gritty Reception Details
There are many details that you need to attend to such as your seating arrangements, coordinating table linens to match your theme, finding a baker to make your wedding cake, whether to use a decorator or not, and who to use for entertainment.
Make a list of everything that needs to be taken care of then start delegating some of the tasks to your attendants and family members. Keep in mind that some flexibility is essential in the planning process too.
Decorating is an important part of your overall wedding plans. Make a list of the various types of decorations you'll need such as table centerpieces, balloon bouquets, and specific theme items.
One of the other most significant aspects of planning your wedding reception is the meal that will be served. You will need to decide if it will be a full-course sit-down dinner or a buffet. If you're planning a low-key, intimate reception with family and close friends, plan on food and drink that is less formal and more fun.
Once you think you have everything planned out on paper, take the time to walk through the event from start to finish. For example, what will everyone be doing when they first arrive at the reception? When will guests be seated for dinner? What will happen during the meal? When will you cut the cake? When does the dancing begin? By going through each aspect of what will happen at the reception, you will be assured that you've taken care of all the details.
A Few Other Reception Tips
Keep your guests updated in regards to any changes to wedding details throughout the planning process. A good way to do this is to register with a personal wedding website. New details can be added and quickly updated, which family members and guests can then quickly access online.
Delegate, delegate, delegate! Try to get other people to help out as much as possible. This will take a large load of errands off your back and all you need to do is supervise the process. Having fun and being relaxed is what you’re aiming for.
Hopefully, the above guidance and advice will give you some direction and inspiration as you plan your own special and personalized wedding reception.
About the Author:
(c)2006. Rose Smith is the owner of Wedding Themes and More
She offers a e-book as a tool in assisting you along your journey to create your upcoming Elegant, Unique and Affordable Wedding. You can view and purchase the e-book here : Sure Fire Ways To Slash Wedding Expenses
66% of couples over-spend on their wedding budgets... often by thousands of dollars. Sure Fire Ways To Slash Wedding Expenses you'll find dozens of creative, money-saving techniques, numerous hints and practical choices for making the most of any wedding budget and still have the wedding of your dreams for a fraction of the cost.
Wedding Theme Planning
In the next several blog entries we will explore "theme" wedding suggestions from a variety of different websites and articles that are posted on the internet. With permission these next several entries come from Rose Smith, of Wedding Themes and More.
Traditional Wedding Theme Planning
When deciding on a wedding theme, most couples tend to lean toward the more popular ones: beach, western, butterfly, etc. However, by turning your attention toward an ethnic theme wedding you'll find that it's a wonderful way to incorporate your heritage and personalize your wedding day. Your wedding guests will also appreciate experiencing some of your wonderful cultural traditions.
Just as in any traditional wedding theme planning, you need to look at each aspect of your wedding plans and decide how and what ethnic traditions you can include. Here are some ideas to help you along.
Choosing Wedding Colors
In some cases, you can interject certain colors into your color scheme. For example, those with a Scottish background could use the colors of their tartans in their table decorations, wedding flowers and bridal attire. Couples who are planning an Asian wedding would look at including reds and yellows, perhaps.
Wedding Attire
The bride, groom and attendants should all wear culturaly traditional bridal attire for the ceremony. The guests will certainly love this, especially those who don't know much about your culture.
Wedding Favors
Look about your home for ethnic house decorations that you might have to provide you with some inspiration. Items such as artwork could lead to handing out low-cost small framed posters or art work featuring your native country.
Bookmarks or music CD's from your homeland would also make great wedding favors.
Ethnic Wedding Decorations
Choose wedding flowers and arrangements that would be popular for your culture. For example, orchids are widely used in Hawaiian cultures, while lotus blossoms are popular for Chinese weddings. Daisies and zinnias are suitable for a Mexican wedding.
Use decorating accents and props strategically placed through out the reception area that are appropriate to your culture to help bring the "feel" of the theme to your guests. Fringed table runners in deep colors would enhance an Arab or East-Indian theme, while colorfully small-beaded coasters would look lovely on tables for an American Indian wedding (these could also double as favors). Small African masks could be used as decorating accents in a variety of areas for an African-American wedding.
Additional Theme Ideas
It goes without saying that music from your native country is a must. Hire a musician for the ceremony to play a traditional musical instrument. Play some of this type of music during key parts of your reception (however, don't play it throughout the whole night… a small sampling is best in this case).
If there are dances that are special to your culture, hire some dancers to entertain guests during dinner or to start off the reception.
Plan to have a small part of the ceremony done in your native tongue (preferably with a translator for those that don't speak the language so they don't miss anything).
For entertainment, include any interesting or simple games, if appropriate, during the reception.
=============================================
(c)2005. Rose Smith is the owner of Wedding Themes and More
She offers a e-book as a tool in assisting you along your journey to create your upcoming Elegant, Unique and Affordable Wedding. You can view and purchase the e-book here : Sure Fire Ways To Slash Wedding Expenses
66% of couples over-spend on their wedding budgets... often by thousands of dollars. Sure Fire Ways To Slash Wedding Expenses you'll find dozens of creative, money-saving techniques, numerous hints and practical choices for making the most of any wedding budget and still have the wedding of your dreams for a fraction of the cost.
Traditional Wedding Theme Planning
When deciding on a wedding theme, most couples tend to lean toward the more popular ones: beach, western, butterfly, etc. However, by turning your attention toward an ethnic theme wedding you'll find that it's a wonderful way to incorporate your heritage and personalize your wedding day. Your wedding guests will also appreciate experiencing some of your wonderful cultural traditions.
Just as in any traditional wedding theme planning, you need to look at each aspect of your wedding plans and decide how and what ethnic traditions you can include. Here are some ideas to help you along.
Choosing Wedding Colors
In some cases, you can interject certain colors into your color scheme. For example, those with a Scottish background could use the colors of their tartans in their table decorations, wedding flowers and bridal attire. Couples who are planning an Asian wedding would look at including reds and yellows, perhaps.
Wedding Attire
The bride, groom and attendants should all wear culturaly traditional bridal attire for the ceremony. The guests will certainly love this, especially those who don't know much about your culture.
Wedding Favors
Look about your home for ethnic house decorations that you might have to provide you with some inspiration. Items such as artwork could lead to handing out low-cost small framed posters or art work featuring your native country.
Bookmarks or music CD's from your homeland would also make great wedding favors.
Ethnic Wedding Decorations
Choose wedding flowers and arrangements that would be popular for your culture. For example, orchids are widely used in Hawaiian cultures, while lotus blossoms are popular for Chinese weddings. Daisies and zinnias are suitable for a Mexican wedding.
Use decorating accents and props strategically placed through out the reception area that are appropriate to your culture to help bring the "feel" of the theme to your guests. Fringed table runners in deep colors would enhance an Arab or East-Indian theme, while colorfully small-beaded coasters would look lovely on tables for an American Indian wedding (these could also double as favors). Small African masks could be used as decorating accents in a variety of areas for an African-American wedding.
Additional Theme Ideas
It goes without saying that music from your native country is a must. Hire a musician for the ceremony to play a traditional musical instrument. Play some of this type of music during key parts of your reception (however, don't play it throughout the whole night… a small sampling is best in this case).
If there are dances that are special to your culture, hire some dancers to entertain guests during dinner or to start off the reception.
Plan to have a small part of the ceremony done in your native tongue (preferably with a translator for those that don't speak the language so they don't miss anything).
For entertainment, include any interesting or simple games, if appropriate, during the reception.
=============================================
(c)2005. Rose Smith is the owner of Wedding Themes and More
She offers a e-book as a tool in assisting you along your journey to create your upcoming Elegant, Unique and Affordable Wedding. You can view and purchase the e-book here : Sure Fire Ways To Slash Wedding Expenses
66% of couples over-spend on their wedding budgets... often by thousands of dollars. Sure Fire Ways To Slash Wedding Expenses you'll find dozens of creative, money-saving techniques, numerous hints and practical choices for making the most of any wedding budget and still have the wedding of your dreams for a fraction of the cost.
Cupcake or not to Cupcake that is the question.
Gone is the day where 2,3,4 and more multiple tiered wedding cakes are your only solutions to the wedding day celebration cake.
This last year alone I've witnessed many couples opting for cupcakes vs. cakes. Green ones, yellow ones, Red Velvet to White cake. Cupcakes with roses, shells, m&ms...and puppy dog tales (well maybe not puppy dog tales, please this is your day and it needs to be your way!)
Below are some great Wedding Day Cupcake (or everyday cupcake) recipes, display and serving ideas to seriously consider.
Remember cupcakes can be made by friends and/or family members along with a creative display to achieve a professional look. Many professional bakeries today do offer cupcakes for weddings. Cupcakes can range from traditional cupcake to bit size.
Cupcakes are an excellent addition to your elegant, unique and affordable wedding day ideas verse the traditional wedding day cake.
Cupcake Recipes.com
Wedding Cupcake Stands
Tomgirl Baking Company (local here to Huntington Beach)
Cupcake Blog this site has a lot of nice visuals to help you with ideas regarding displaying your cupcakes.
Love to Know Pictures of Wedding Cupcakes (nice ideas)
Cupcake Takes the Cake Blog
This last year alone I've witnessed many couples opting for cupcakes vs. cakes. Green ones, yellow ones, Red Velvet to White cake. Cupcakes with roses, shells, m&ms...and puppy dog tales (well maybe not puppy dog tales, please this is your day and it needs to be your way!)
Below are some great Wedding Day Cupcake (or everyday cupcake) recipes, display and serving ideas to seriously consider.
Remember cupcakes can be made by friends and/or family members along with a creative display to achieve a professional look. Many professional bakeries today do offer cupcakes for weddings. Cupcakes can range from traditional cupcake to bit size.
Cupcakes are an excellent addition to your elegant, unique and affordable wedding day ideas verse the traditional wedding day cake.
Cupcake Recipes.com
Wedding Cupcake Stands
Tomgirl Baking Company (local here to Huntington Beach)
Cupcake Blog this site has a lot of nice visuals to help you with ideas regarding displaying your cupcakes.
Love to Know Pictures of Wedding Cupcakes (nice ideas)
Cupcake Takes the Cake Blog
Wedding at The Reef in Long Beach California..
Recently I had the honor of officiating an interfaith marriage. The bride is of a Catholic background and the groom's is Judaism. When we met several months ago they expressed to me their wish to blend some traditions keeping the ceremony simple and light.
The couple agreed that they did not want to hold their ceremony in a traditional church or temple.
The couple's choice was The Reef in Long Beach California for their wedding ceremony and reception.
On entrance into The Reef you will be welcomed by a English style lobby with a warm fireplace. Throughout the restaurant there are several private locations that will accommodate different size weddings and receptions.
They held their ceremony on the roof of the restaurant that over looked the Long Beach Harbor and Queensway Bay. The reception downstairs in a banquet room set up for a 100 guest. The drinks and hors d'œuvrs served on the balcony area over looking the Bay.
The Reef's coordinator and contact is their director of events Jamie.
You can contact her at their website for more information at contact us.
The couple agreed that they did not want to hold their ceremony in a traditional church or temple.
The couple's choice was The Reef in Long Beach California for their wedding ceremony and reception.
On entrance into The Reef you will be welcomed by a English style lobby with a warm fireplace. Throughout the restaurant there are several private locations that will accommodate different size weddings and receptions.
They held their ceremony on the roof of the restaurant that over looked the Long Beach Harbor and Queensway Bay. The reception downstairs in a banquet room set up for a 100 guest. The drinks and hors d'œuvrs served on the balcony area over looking the Bay.
The Reef's coordinator and contact is their director of events Jamie.
You can contact her at their website for more information at contact us.
Find More Los Angeles Officiant Vendors Like This
