Less than six months ago my friends Ivis + Mike surprised us at their house warming party with the announcement of their engagement.  We were all so excited for both of them, but soon after that a date was set and the next few words came out of her mouth "Do you think you can plan a wedding in four months?"  Oh, how I love a challenge. 



Ivis is one of the most creative and crafty people I know.  I knew my friend was talented, but I didn't know she was this talented.  Before I get into all the craziness that took place in such a short amount of time, I want to thank two of my favorite boys.  Henry of Henry Chen Photography and Will of William Kim Photography for capturing all the very special moments of my dear friends wedding day.
 
The staff at The Mitten Building went above and beyond to help me set up and keep things running smoothly throughout the night.  I even had a local volunteer roll and wrap every single napkin, I mean only in Redlands would that happen. Farm Artisan Foods and its staff was one of the easiest catering companies I've worked with in a long time.  I have to say it was really nice to start off my season working with such competent vendors. 

This post will most definitely have to have a part two.  There are so many little details of this wedding the require its own post.  Ivis not only challenged me to help her plan a wedding within four months, she also decided she was going to make every single element from centerpieces to homemade infused vodka favors.  I fell in love with the brides bouquet, hair piece, bridesmaids bouquet and the flowers girls piece so much so that I want to start selling her items in my store.  They were so adorable.  There is so much to describe from guest book board to the cake table displays that it most definitely requires a follow up post.  I'll leave you with a few shots and if you want to view more click over to Henry's Blog.

I know it sounds like a cliche when as a planner we say that no two weddings are ever alike, but really no two weddings ever are.  The basics remain the same, the scheduling, the planning, and the execution.  However, the couples, family, and friends of those we work with are what make each wedding so special and unique.  This wedding was one that will always remain in my heart.  I remember meeting Rochelle and her mother for the first time and instantly formed a bond. 

After months of planning, preparing and getting to know her story it was apparent that this day would be special.  Rochelle was an LMU graduate and the year she graduated from college she also lost her little brother to cancer.  Her little brother always admired big sister and someday hoped to attend LMU as well.  Rochelle knew the minute she got engaged the wedding would take place at Sacred Heart Chapel and the Sunken Gardens of LMU.  It was an emotional day for the entire family.  A little angel was missing but he was remembered in so many ways that day.

Taek of Taek Photography captured every moment of this special day.  I had the pleasure of working for the first time with Michael of LA Event and Design.  We had so many wonderful design elements planned for the day, but one thing we didn't plan for and couldn't control was the wind.  After a full day of setting up we managed to tweak and change a few things and still deliver the overall concept.  A seaside blue and silver wedding day. 

I will always remember Rochelle and Bradley, their families and friends.  This truly was a special day.

NOZZA's wedding season couldn't have come to an end in 2009 any better than with Karen and Steve's wedding. It's always a great pleasure to work with wonderful clients but sometimes there are those clients that just leave a little imprint in your heart. Working with Karen and Steve from the very beginning was a complete ease.

Not only did they trust me unconditionally with every detail, vendor selection, and design they gave me complete creative control from start to finish. I remember one of our very first concept meetings when I said to them "wouldn't it be great if you did your engagement session in Paris, after all what more Art Deco can you get than France" and just like the Art Deco Divine design was create. What a perfect excuse to travel to France. Henry captured some amazing moments of the two of them in France. To see a glimpse of those you can visit Henry's Blog.

With the concept idea in mind the rest of the planning fell into place. We selected the beautiful Cicada Restaurant located in Downtown Los Angeles. The focal point of the wedding was the gorgeous chandelier that hangs from the center of the room. We created an intimate circular ceremony directly in the middle of the room. After the ceremony the staff at Cicada worked double time to convert the room into the reception. The room was set in tones of gold, creams, burgundy and shades of pink with touches of feathers throughout.

I'm extremely thankful to have had such a great 2009 but more so to have ended my season with Karen and Steve's wedding. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect couple to work with. Thank you for trusting me with one of the most important days of your life.

Custom stationery and Art Deco design created specially for Karen and Steve by NOZZA. Invitations, personalized wedding favors, personalized escort cards with poetry, table numbers, and menus.

Click Here ->Karen + Steve Wedding Photo Slide Show by Henry Chen

Ceremony and reception locations: Cicada Restaurant

Wedding Planning and Styling: NOZZA Studio

Photographer: Henry Chen

2nd Photographer : William Kim

Make-up and hair: Kelly Zhang

Florist: Bella Fiore

Cake: Helena Wirth Cakes

Music and Lighting: Black Tie Events

Stationery: NOZZA Press

Wedding dress: Mon Amie 

Sometimes even when you think you can take on the entire wedding planning process on your own, somewhere in the depth of you head you hear this little voice screaming HELP!  Luckily for me Amy answered the yell.  Both her and Abraham did such an amazing job starting the planning process. Henry recommended they contact me to help them through the rest. Their wedding was absolutely beautiful and am thankful to have been a part of their celebration.

What can I say other than FUN FUN FUN! One of the best toast ever and surprise family performance for the couple.  Alicia and Austin it was an absolute honor to have been a part of your wedding.  Good luck with Medical School in Chicago I'm sure you'll be missed in LA.