Real Weddings: Leilani & Josh - TLC's Battle of The Wedding Designers - Aloha Wedding Bells

That's right...I won TLC's Battle of the Wedding Designers Aloha Wedding Bells Episode (Season 1 Episode 4)! I had the pleasure of competing with two of America's Best Designers and my friends and colleagues, Steve Kemble and Michelle Buckley. I am happy to have beaten the two of them and have the opportunity to design and plan Leilani and Josh's dream wedding!

I wanted to send a special thank you to the vendors who helped me out on TLC's Battle of the Wedding Designers. I appreciate all your help and for being there to make sure that I came in budget for Leilani and Josh's wedding. You are all incredible people and I could have not done this without your support and friendship. Here's to many years of working together and giving all our clients what we do best...quality service with a smile!

The Battle of the Wedding Designers journey was such a great experience and I met some wonderful people along the way. I hope that I can do more of the shows in the future, because I would really love to show more of what I am capable of doing. Plus the challenges are fun. There's a lot of design in me that's wanting to come out and be seen.

What I am most thankful for though is meeting Leilani and Josh and having the opportunity to design their dream wedding with an incredible group of vendors that I love working with! Here's a few photos of some of the details, taken by the incredible Vanessa Honda and Sheena Sales (yes my cousin) of Vanessa Honda Photography, on Leilani and Josh's wedding day.

This was the final product for the floral. Leilani and Josh wanted the pink and green concept. The original plan was to do really plain (black and white with a splash of color - yellow was the original splash for my pitch) which is below.

For the guest book, I opted to do a painted guest book that is now a piece of art that hangs in Leilani and Josh's home. Additionally, I used Capiz shells for both the escort cards and for the wish tree. The wish tree was shells were later transformed into wind chimes for Leilani and Josh's home.

 We had two types of cake due to Leilani's food allergies. The smaller of the two cakes was vegan and gluten free. The cake was designed after my overall inspiration of a Hawaiian Quilt.

 The Plumeria wedding ring was made to reflect Leilani's favorite flower which was used throughout the wedding space as well as accent flowers.

Thank you to the following individuals and companies for bringing my design and concepts for Leilani and Josh's wedding come true! For TV purposes we had to produce this wedding for $12,500 and we could not have done it without the help of some of my wonderful friends. These are the individuals I have to thank with all my heart! All of them incredible to work with!

Floral: Wendy Smith at Your Image Floral Design
Food and Beverage: Doug Biggs at DJ's California Catering
Location: Robert Cassar and Laura Schneider at Rancho de Las Palmas
Cake: Jana Richardson at Jana's Creative Cakes
Rentals: John Leenhouwers at The Tent Merchant
Linen Rentals (Pitch and Wedding Day): Dick Thomas at Sitting Pretty Chair Covers
Linen Rentals (Pitch Day): BBJ Linens
DJ and MC Services: DJ Luke Ferro
Hair and Makeup: Ja'Nice Estrada at Devenir Beauty
Hula and Hawaiian Music (Pitch Day): Kawika Valoria at Halau Hula a Kawika laua 'o Leinani
Hula and Drummers (Wedding Day): UC Santa Barbara's Iorana te Otea Polynesian Group
Photography: Vanessa Honda and Sheena Sales at Vanessa Honda Photography
Photo Lounge: Miguel and Solana Torres at Star Photo Party
Ceremony Pedestal Stands: Hans Lammersdorf at Rotoluxe
Aisle Runner: Stephanie Laudani at Starry Night Designs
Floor Decal: Lauren Atwaters at Ten23 Designs
Custom Garter and Dress Tag: Victoria Joanne at Hand Crafted Creations
Bride's Shoes: Mary Robertson at Nina Shoes
Tattoo Booth: Melissa Perez and Ross Beardsley
Painted Guest Book: Jana Brody at Paint Jam USA
Cookie Favors: Cary Goldberg at Luv Bug Cookies
Coordination Assistance: Gerri Sevilla
Wedding Dress: Prince Charming of Prince Charming's World
Orchid Lei's: Amy Vongpitaka at Amy's Orchids
Hotel Rooms: Tawny Byron at Grand Vista Hotel Simi Valley
Ministers: Deserae Tyae and Chris Kai'aokamalie
Special thanks to Michelle Ah Mook Sang for sharing her Hawaiian culture insights with me.

My deepest appreciation to all of you. Leilani and Josh says Mahalo for making their DREAM WEDDING come true!

Leilani & Josh were married on 5/22/10. Happy One Year Anniversary Leilani & Josh. I love you both very much! Mahalo!

Icon Bride: Elizabeth Taylor

In memoriam of Elizabeth Taylor's passing (February 27, 1932 - March 23, 2011) I thought I would re-start my Icon Bride postings with one on Dame Elizabeth Taylor.

Elizabeth Taylor the iconic movie star and philanthropist sure had a knack for making a memorable moment even more so! On her first marriage to Richard Burton held at the Ritz Carlton in Montreal, Canada on March 15, 1964. The wedding was attended only by nine people. The gorgeous movie star and now bride opted for a nontraditional wedding gown in daffodil yellow. The knee length empire-style chiffon gown, designed by academy award winning designer Irene Sharaff, was a defining moment for the 60s bride. Her hair adorned with lilies of the valley and white hyacinth made a bold impact. Known for her jewelry, the newly married Mrs. Burton, topped off her wedding look with a diamond and emerald brooch given to her by her husband.

In modernizing this iconic bride, this is how I see the Elizabeth Taylor bride of today.

Gown by Aire Barcelona (Style: Bohemia 147): This beautiful silk organza empire-waist gown is simple and not too fussy, just like the gown that Ms. Taylor wore on her wedding day. When paired with this beautiful lace embroidered sleeveless jacket it transforms the gown to a vintage feel for the ceremony. After the ceremony the jacket can be removed to modernize the gown for the reception.

The complete the modern Elizabeth Taylor Wedding Look, I suggest using these details!

Vintage Look Floral Headband: This wonderful head piece will add the flowers and the sparkle to your wedding coif and make a bold statement.

Crystal Encrusted Shoes: These Benjamin Adams Charlize Shoes is a great throw back to Ms. Taylor since she loved WHITE DIAMONDS!

Bouquet of Daffodils is a perfect accessory and a perfect shout out to the color of the gown that she wore and the bouquet that she carried on the blissful day in 1964.

The Emerald and Diamond Ring would make a perfect statement piece for your wedding day if not for the rest of your life. Why not use it as your wedding ring! It's also a great way to add a nod to the brooch that Ms. Taylor had on her wedding day.

Hopefully this brings out your inner movie star!

RIP Dame Elizabeth Taylor!

Real Weddings: Dara & Jorge

I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Dara and Jorge, as well as Dara's mom Teresa, on their February 19, 2011 wedding at El Presidio Chapel and Hotel Mar Monte in Santa Barbara. Even though thunderstorms and snow were on the horizon (yes there was snow in the Santa Ynez Mountains), it did not stop this couple from enjoying their wedding day or their love for one another. It was truly a day of celebration, love, and family!

Thank you to all the vendors for making Dara and Jorge's wedding a dream!

Design, Planning, and Coordination: Percy Sales Events
Photography: Alex Neumann Photography
Hair and Makeup: Fairytale Hair and Makeup
Ceremony Venue: El Presidio Chapel
Reception Venue and Food: Hotel Mar Monte
Cake: Montecito Confections
Limousine Service: Executive Limousine & Coach
DJ: Phil Birdsell Entertainment
Dance Lessons: Cliff Housego
Photobooth: PSE Photo Booth
Mariachi: Mariachi Imperial Guadalajara
Linens: Sitting Pretty Chair Covers
Minister: Manny Edgar-Beltran
Bride's Dress: Alfred Angelo
Tuxedos: Friar Tux
Bridesmaids and Mother's Dresses: Alayna's Bridal
Flowers: Palmas Flowers

Now enjoy pictures from their wedding taken by the fabulous Alex Neumann!

Anthropologie Launches Bridal Collection called BHLDN

BHLDN exclusively at Anthropologie

If Vera Wang announcing that she is doing a line called White for David's Bridal wasn't enough, ladies hold on to your hats or whatever is available! Anthropologie (a subsidiary of Urban Outfitters), one of the modern woman's favorite store is launching a bridal line called BHLDN on Valentine's Day, yes FEBRUARY 14. Women across the country are going to be swooning after seeing these ultra fabulous gowns that is priced between $1000 and $4000. The gowns are modern with a touch of glam and classic with a nostalgic twist! All of them GORGEOUS!

In addition to the fabulous wedding gowns that Anthropologie will be selling, BHLDN has also created accessories, shoes, and wait for it...bridesmaids/event dresses too! Completing the whole Anthropologie wedding story! I am pleased to share with you the fashions Anthropologie has for the bride and her maids and her guests!

Enjoy!

Bridal Fashions by  BHLDN exclusively for Anthropologie

Event Dresses by BHLDN exclusively for Anthropologie

perfect for the bridesmaids and her guests

I personally am not so fond of the event dresses - they come off a little dated for my taste, but it does fit in to the Anthropologie woman's lifestyle story of retro, hip, cool, and chic fashion. On the other hand, I am absolutely loving the bridal gowns!

White by Vera Wang Available at David's Bridal on February 11, 2011!

Every bride dreams of walking down the aisle in a beautiful gown...but how about a gorgeous gown made by one of the world's best designers. To many, Vera Wang gowns are the epitome of the ultimate wedding gown and many would probably give up a something for the opportunity to wear one of her creations on their wedding day. Well ladies...here's your opportunity! Vera Wang...yes that Vera...has created a line of gowns and accessories exclusively for David's Bridal. The line White by Vera Wang will make its debut on February 11th at David's Bridal!

The debut line will feature 12 designs by Vera Wang and it has all of the couture styling and glamor that one expects from the master of bridal couture. The other beautiful thing about this collection is that it truly makes Vera Wang affordable to even the most budget basic brides! Gowns range from $600 for a one-shoulder crinkle chiffon gown with matching grosgrain sash and asymmetrical draped skirt to $1400 for a  ball gown with V-neck bodice and fully draped skirt made with hand-cut bias organza flanges and tulle swirls. Size ranges from 0-14. The accessories range from $58 for a horse hair sash to $248 for a two-tier chapel length veil with a raw-cut edge and lace applique detailing.

Ladies, if you have not done your dress shopping yet for your upcoming nuptials, make sure to check out the wonderful gowns that is now available to you from Ms. Wang herself! David's Bridal is going to super busy trying to fill these orders! To see the back story, plus detailed pictures of the gorgeous gowns, please visit the White by Vera Wang site at David's Bridal.

Here's what you have to look forward to!

Left to Right: VW351010 $1200 (Ivory), VW351004 $700 (Ivory, Soft White), VW351011 $1200 (Blush, Ivory, Soft White)

Left to Right: VW351002 $600 (Blush, Ivory, Soft White), VW351003 $700 (Ivory, Soft White), VW351021 $800 (Ivory)

Left to Right: VW351000 $600 (Ivory, Soft White), VW351007 $1000 (Blush/Ivory, Ivory/Ivory, Soft White/Soft White, VW Champagne/Ivory), VW351020 $1200 (Ivory)

Left to Right: VW351029 $1400 (Ivory, Soft White), VW351023 $1300 (Ivory)  Illusion sleeve piece as pictured in main picture can be worn under the bodice and is included with the gown, VW351026 $1300 (Ivory, Soft White)

The Knot Best of Weddings 2011 and Cake Balls...Makes for a Good Day!

Well it's been a pretty exciting day at Percy Sales Events and it's not even noon yet! We got an email a few weeks ago that stated that we were voted as one of the Best Wedding Planners by The Knot for their 2011 Best of Weddings - a yearly thing they do that identifies the best of the best in every region! Today it was official as The Knot revealed publicly their 2011 The Knot Best of Weddings on their website and we were definitely on the list! Next up is the publication which should come out in the next month or so!

I am so honored and happy to have been selected amongst my peers and recognized as one of the best by such an influential publication! I am more than ecstatic! 2011 is going to be a great year for Percy Sales Events and we can't wait to assist our current and future couples in creating their dream weddings!

If you need assistance on any level with your weddings, birthday, or any other type of celebration, Percy Sales Events will be more than happy to work with you! If you mention The Knot upon contracting our services we will give you an additional 10% off our services! Percy Sales Events is available to produce, design, and coordinate weddings worldwide. Ask us about our destination wedding services making it easy and simple to have your wedding abroad or let us design and plan the wedding of your dreams locally! Either way, Percy Sales Events, will make sure that your wedding or other celebration will be one you remember with joy forever!

Look out for our new website soon! We are revamping and updating the look of the Percy Sales Events website.

After we received the news about The Knot, I had a little tasting session in the office to try these new cake balls from a company out of Dallas called Zen Baking Company. The little balls of heaven were pretty amazing but not at all what I was expecting. From the get go, I had in my mind that these little sweet balls were going to be mini circular, ball like, cakes that were iced and decorated...a cake ball. What we got was something more surprising and something that I love! You know you all love to lick the left over batter off the bowls when you are baking right? Well, these "cake" balls are more of the like the uncooked batter, just a little more dense (truffle like consistency)...not sure how they do it actually...but I think they should be renamed as Cake Batter Balls. But at any rate, these cake balls by Zen Baking Company would make nice favors or an addition to your dessert table at your event.

Our favorite cake ball flavors that we tried today were:
Ode to NOLA a pecan praline concoction
Mocha Toffee Crunch
Pastilla de Yummy (a sugar candy sorta bite - for Filipinos it tastes like the pastilla sugar candies)
Choco-choco-choco-late a chocoholics best friend!
Purplelicious is a made from purple yams or Ube and is a throwback to a traditional Filipino dessert, really delicious

The other item we tried and absolutely loved from Zen Baking Company was their Cookie Dough Whoa balls! I absolutely enjoyed these...the grainy raw cookie dough presented in an upscale way and covered in either white chocolate or dark chocolate...what else can you ask for! The Snickerdoodle was pretty awesome and was a hit amongst those tasting them. All in all these were probably our most favorite and people were fighting for the leftovers.

In addition to their core flavors, they also offer seasonal and specialty flavors! I am sure if there is something you are wanting they can probably come up with a cake ball to match it. A bit of warning - these cake balls are not for the faint of heart. These are pretty intense in taste and it definitely gives you a sugar rush. Think truffles only cakier.

They have many options for presentation packaging and they ship their products pretty meticulously. So ordering them for shipping is no problem at all. The samples arrived at my house as beautiful as they packaged them up. These will definitely be a hit and a conversation piece at your next event. For more information please contact Zen Baking Company if you are in the Dallas area you can find cake balls at your local Central Market.

Thank you to Zen Baking Company for sending us samples! We are fans!

Princess Bride - Designers Design Gowns for Kate Middleton

When you are a princess...well...soon to be princess in this case, everyone wants to dress you for your fairytale wedding. Why wouldn't they since the world, will literally, have their eyes on her when she makes her way down the aisle.

Ever since the royal engagement of HRH Prince William to Kate Middleton was announced, the world has been speculating on what the wedding will look like and most importantly what the soon-to-be princess and future Queen of England would wear on her wedding day.

While we cannot speculate on what Kate (Catherine) will wear on her wedding day, we can only wonder if it's an established designer with a name people recognize or some unknown up and comer. Royal correspondent Yvonne Yorke recently told Vogue UK, "When the name is officially announced, it will come as a surprise to many, and catapult the designer to worldwide fame. For clues on the identity, I suggest looking at those who have made dresses for Catherine, her sister Pippa, and her mother Carole." The anticipation! How lovely would it be for her to walk down the aisle in a gown designed by her sister or mother?

At any rate, WWD recently invited designers to sketch their idea on what Kate's wedding dress should look like. What do you think?

Main dress sketch above by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli for Valentino

Yigal Azrouel

Vera Wang

Tory Burch

Tommy Hilfiger

Reem Acra

Rebecca Taylor

Rachel Roy

Prabal Gurung

Peter Copping for Nina Ricci

Nicole Miller

Nanette Lepore

Monique Lhuillier

Missoni

Lyn Devon

Lela Rose

Kimberly Ovitz

Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel

Gilles Mendel for J. Mendel

J. Crew

Jason Wu

Frida Giannini for Gucci

Elizabeth Emanuel

Doo-Ri Chung for Doo.Ri

Christian Lacriox

Chris Benz

Ralph Rucci for Chado Ralph Rucci

Badgley Mischka

Alberta Ferretti