Songs You Will be Hearing at 2011 Summer Weddings!

We all know how music can make or break a wedding...better yet the party...but how do we know what songs are going to make your guests BUST A MOVE? Well it's hard to say, really, as every wedding/party/event has it's own vibe and guests. But choosing the type of music you want your DJ or band to play is an important detail as you have a better insight on what your guests like to party too.

Most DJ's and bands also have a great way of feeling out the crowd and finding ways to keep the dance floor packed and moving. Personally, I have worked with fantastic DJs that really know how to make a party a party and keeps the tunes coming and the dance floor hopping! But it is important to give your DJ or band some background on what your guests are like and what they may be in to music wise! I realize you can't make everyone happy with your music choices, but I guarantee you will help elevate the party to the atmosphere you are hoping to achieve by giving some background on your peeps.

With that said I am listing the songs you will hear at almost every wedding in the 2011 Summer Wedding Season. Hope this helps you with your own party playlist! Here's my "guaranteed to hear songs" and my suggestions on when they should be played:

Non-Traditional Ceremony Recessional: Lady Gaga - The Edge of Glory

Grand Entrance: Taio Cruz - Dynamite

First Dance: Lady Antebellum - Just A Kiss

Father/Daughter Dance: Rascal Flatts - I Won't Let Go

Mother/Son Dance: Adele - Love Song

Bouquet Toss: Beyonce - Run The World (Girls)

Garter Toss: Far East Movement - Like A G6

Cake Cutting: Flo Rida - Sugar

Other Songs You Will Hear This Summer on the Dance Floor at Weddings and Parties

Jennifer Lopez - On the Floor



Britney Spears - Till the World Ends



Ke$ha - We R Who We R



Cee Lo Green - Forget You



Enrique Inglesias - I Like It



Rihanna - S & M



Lady Gaga - Born This Way



Nikki Minaj - Super Bass



Bruno Mars - Just the Way You Are



Chris Brown - She Ain't You



P!nk - Raise Your Glass



Justin Bieber - Baby

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!

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!

Wish Upon A Wedding: Blissful Wishes Ball - Making a World of Difference

Wish Upon a Wedding is the world's first nonprofit wish granting organization that provides weddings and vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness or other serious life-altering circumstances. Less than one year old, the organization has 16 active chapters, and will have granted 12 wishes by the end of 2010.

During the month of November, they are hosting several fund raising galas and auctions throughout the country, and would like to invite you to participate.

Whether you are a bride or groom to be, a wedding industry professional, or you simply love the concept behind their mission...YOU can help make Wedding Wishes come true, while raising crucial funding needed to sustain this wonderful, new nonprofit organization.

Here's How:

Attend The Blissful Wishes Ball coming to a city near you!

A Gala Celebration to Benefit Wish Upon a Wedding

Atlanta November 21

Chicago November 1

Los Angeles November 4

San Francisco November 10

Houston November 11

Charlotte November 12

Orlando November 14

St. Louis November 14

Baltimore November 17

Portland November 18

The Blissful Wishes Ball is a festive way to support Wish Upon a Wedding. Enjoy a nice night out on the town with an elegant dinner, entertainment, music, dancing, and incredible auction items.

Buy your tickets today!

Can't make one of the fabulous Blissful Wedding Balls? There's another way you can help! Tell your clients, family, friends and collegues about the wonderful auction items that can be had at on Wish Upon A Wedding's through Wish Upon A Weddings Online Auction!

Bid Your Wish for Wedded Bliss

Online and Live auctions for a Worthwhile Cause

For the first time in history, couples getting married can plan their entire wedding from virtually any city in the United States, knowing that every penny they spend will go directly towards helping a couple in need. It's so EASY to bid. Find everything from invitations to flowers, catering to DJs, photography to wedding planners, honeymoons and more.

Simply visit their online auction site here to choose from hundreds of items from the industry's best vendors. Even if you are not getting married, check it out for other exciting items, such as dinners in top-rated restaurants, entertainment, sporting events and popular autographed memorabilia. Every cent earned goes towards Wish Upon a Wedding and their mission to provide these heartfelt Wedding Wishes.

About Wish Upon a Wedding

Founded in January of 2010 by CA wedding planner, Liz Guthrie of San Jose Wedding Consultants, Wish Upon a Wedding was created to help couples who did not have the time, money, resources or strength to plan a wedding on their own, because of terminal illness or other serious life-altering circumstances. The organization now celebrates the courage, determination and spirit of these couples by granting their dream wedding wishes. It is their goal that chosen recipients can inspire other couples facing similar situations to find hope and strength, while raising awareness for terminal illness.

Growing up with a sister who was deaf since birth, and raised by parents who ran a board and care home for people facing numerous disabilities and life hardships, Liz learned early on to value the many blessings in life, and the importance of helping others. Volunteering throughout her life for a variety of nonprofit organizations, Liz was looking for a way to combine weddings and community service.

After producing the San Francisco Dream Wedding Giveaway in 2009, a contest in which only one couple would be granted a dream wedding, Liz came up with a way to merge her two passions. While going through the process of giving the wedding "prize" to a woman suffering from stage IV Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Liz created Wish Upon a Wedding. Overnight, Liz decided to change wedding history, and the way we give, by launching a nonprofit organization that was totally unique and had never existed before.

Supported by industry leaders such as Sasha Souza, David Beahm, Stella Inserra, Jenny Orsini, Kevin Covey, Stacie Francombe, Sylvia Weinstock, Steve Kemble, Mindy Weiss, Mary Dann, and Ivy Robinson (to name just a few), the organization has experienced rapid growth and seen voracious acceptance throughout the country.

To date, eight couples have benefited from the generous work of Wish Upon a Wedding. Over 4,000 volunteers have signed up to become Wish Granters. Their facebook page has attracted over 10,000 fans. None of this would be possible without public support.

In Loving Memory of Wish Recipients who have Passed On

Dani and Tony married in St Louis on September 1. She passed away September 30th. Dani had suffered from Cystic Fibrosis since age 3, and had recently received a double lung transplant.

Florence and Micheal married near Sacramento on March 13. She passed away on September 28. Florence battled stage IV breast cancer, and was diagnosed with six months to live at the time of her wedding.

Shelly and Jay married in Seattle on May 2. Shelly passed away three weeks later. She had been battling a rare type of cancerous lymphoma, and Jay suffered from Multiple Sclerosis.

Please help Wish Upon a Wedding continue to do great things.

And help them spread the word, by sharing this article with your friends, family, co-workers and acquaintances.

You CAN make a difference in someone's life today!

Attend a Gala or Donate to or bid in the auctions

Going Up...

The movie Up was a summer blockbuster that was enjoyed by both kids and adults. It was a love story and an adventure all wrapped in one animated movie! The characters were definitely the star of the show, but the take away to everyday life were the balloons!

With wedding season just about ending we have seen balloons used in almost every aspect of the wedding adventure. We are not talking about the old school balloon arches, pillars, or centerpieces either. We are talking simple and elegant use of the balloon!

Here are some of the trends we have seen using the balloon this year.

Engagement Photos

Room Decor

Balloon Drops


Bridal Photos

I see the use of balloons as an early trend that we will see more and more of in coming years. I even used balloons for my wedding in 2008 (we did a balloon release) after we said "I Do." The simplicity of these childhood favorites just brings a joyous touch to photos and decor. Use the balloon wisely though, because it can come off cheesy rather than classy if not used in the right way. Try to stick with one color and if you must use a variety of colors...use it in a balloon drop or balloon launch!

The plus with balloons...you get a lot of UMPH for very little moola!

Go and Celebrate!

-Percy

Photos Credits: Sarah K. Chen, Caroline Tran, Max Wanger, Wishpot, Gifts and Decorative Accessories, Clowns Unlimited, Travel Webshots, Martha Stewart Weddings, Kate Headley, Boutwell Studio; Up Logo from Disney

Creative Ceremony Entrance

Don't have to say much. This was such a creative way to celebrate their wedding. I'm not sure all churches would approve of this, but it was awesome none the less. Weddings should always be this joyous. It had me in tears. After seeing this I wonder what the rest of their wedding was like...especially the reception. I am sure they were dancing all night!

Would any of my clients like to do this? Just let me know.

Great song too - Forever (unfortunately it's sung by Chris Brown)

Enjoy.

-Percy

Video from YouTube

Love is Love, Period. The Best Love Songs Ever Written.

In celebration of the 18,000 same-sex couples who legally got married in California between 6/16/08 at 5:01pm and 11/5/08 12:00pm, and to the thousands of other couples who love but are denied the right to marry...I have compiled a list of the best love songs ever written. This list was made by asking my monthly question to my friends on Facebook and Twitter.

Happy Anniversary to the same-sex couples, like myself, who legally got married on this date last year (06/17/08), the first day GLBT couples could legally get married in California. Here's to hoping that marriage equality will be restored in the future to California...and throughout this nation.

Now, the 100 best love songs ever written (according to me and my friends and in no particular order):

1. One in a Million You - Larry Graham
2. I Could Fall in Love - Selena
3. I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
4. You're My First, My Last, My Everything - Barry White
   
5. I Don't Want To Miss A Thing - Aerosmith
6. Always and Forever - Heatwave
7. You Are So Beautiful - Joe Cocker
8. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Roberta Flack
   
9. Hero - Enrique Inglesias
10. At Last - Etta James
11. Something - The Beatles
12. Have You Ever - Brandy
13. Baby, Baby - Amy Grant
14. Someone To Watch Over Me - Michael Feinstein
15. How Do I Live - LeAnn Rimes
    
16. Baby I Love Your Way - Peter Frampton
17. All I Want is You - U2
18. By Your Side - Sade
19. Maybe I'm Amazed - Paul McCartney
    
20. Everything - Michael Buble
21. When You Say You Love Me - Josh Groban
22. All My Life - K.C. and JoJo
23. When I Fall in Love - Nat King Cole
24. Your Song - Elton John
25. My Love - Justin Timberlake
    
26. Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O'Connor
27. I'll Be - Edwin McCain
28. Amazed - Lone Star
29. Leather and Lace - Stevie Nicks
    
30. Body and Soul - Tony Bennett
31. Ikaw (Translated from Tagalog, You) - Regine Velasquez
32. Back at One - Brian McKnight
33. What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
34. Wonderful Together - Eric Clapton
35. Have I Told You Lately - Rod Stewart
36. Open Arms - Journey
37. Just the Way You Are - Billy Joel
38. I Melt With You - Modern English
    
39. Crazy For You - Madonna
40. Come What May - Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor
41. Lovin' You - Minnie Ripperton
    
42. Your Body is Wonderland - John Mayer
43. Fields of Gold - Sting/Eva Casssidy
44. Unforgettable - Nat King Cole
45. Why - Annie Lennox
    
46. Time and Tide - Basia
47. Always - Atlantic Starr
    
48. If - Bread
    
49. Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
50. My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion
    
51. Truly Madly Deeply - Savage Gardens
52. The Greatest Love of All - Whitney Houston
53. Faithfully - Journey
54. Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley
55. I Do (Cherish You) - 98 Degrees
56. Endless Love - Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
57. Everything I Do - Bryan Adams
58. Sweet Love - Anita Baker
    
59. Suddenly - Billy Ocean
60. Inna Godda Divida - Iron Butterfly
61. You've Got A Friend - Carole King/James Taylor
62. Breathe - Faith Hill
63. Wahine 'Ilikea - Dennis Kamakahi
64. I Wanna Grown Old With You - Adam Sandler
65. We've Only Just Begun - The Carpenters
66. Power of Two - Indigo Girls
67. More Than Words - Extreme
68. Fly Me to the Moon - Frank Sinatra
69. Time in a Bottle - Jim Croce
70. Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
71. When I Think of You - Janet Jackson
    
72. Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon and Garfunkel
73. The Closer I Get To You - Roberta Flack and Donnie Hathaway
    
74. Love Song - The Cure
    
75. Wicked Games - Chris Isaak
76. I Honestly Love You - Olivia Newton John
    
77. Beautiful - James Blunt
78. Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers
79. Save The Best For Last - Vanessa Williams
80. I Will Always Love You - Dolly Parton/Whitney Houston
    
81. Now and Forever - Richard Marx
82. Here and Now - Luther Vandross
83. Always on my Mind - Elvis Presley/Willie Nelson
    
84. (I've Had) The Time of My Life - Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
85. You Are The Sunshine of My Life - Stevie Wonder
86. Vision of Love - Mariah Carey
87. On Bended Knee - Boyz II Men
88. Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
    
89. No One - Alicia Keys
90. Lucky - Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
91. In My Life - The Beatles
    
92. Let's Stay Together - Al Green
93. Hey There Delilah - The Plain White T's
94. Angel of Mine - Monica
95. Get Here - Oleta Adams
96. Never Tear Us Apart - INXS
97. Come Away With Me - Norah Jones
98. Head Over Heels - Tears for Fears
99. Kissing A Fool - George Michael
100. All Out of Love - Air Supply
     

Just like these songs about love, we all have our own love story, and no one's love is better than the other. Love is Love and we should all be lucky to experience it (and marry as two consenting adults if we so chose)...it's definitely the greatest thing of all.

If I've forgotten your favorite love song, please add them in the comments.

-Percy

Photo of John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney by Bella Pictures taken on 06/17/08, San Francisco, California

Photo of Ross and Percy by Cesar Juarez taken on 06/17/08, Santa Barbara, California

Trend Thursday: Equality Rings

In celebration of Gay (LGBT) Pride Month and to all the states, like Iowa and New Hampshire who have passed laws allowing same-sex couples to legally get married, I am highlighting a very special designer who designs with equality in mind, David Jason Taylor.

David's designs are geared towards the men in your life, but his designs are unisex enough that women who love them can also wear them. Currently he has two lines on his Website, the Tribeca Silver Collection and the Venetian Gold Collection. Both lines are FABULOUS.

Who would have thought to design jeweled stackable rings for me the guys? Sure Tiffany's has been doing it for the ladies, but now multi-colored gem bling for guys...OUTSTANDING! Not only does he use diamonds, but he also uses such gems as linen quartz, lemon or green citrine, blue topaz, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires...OH MY. The big plus is all of his pieces are handmade and handcrafted the day they are ordered! In addition to his rings, David has made some outstanding necklaces that would be great gifts for your groomsmen, best woman, or anyone special in your lives.

These rings are not only perfect as wedding rings, but they make great engagement rings too. Additionally, if you don't plan to marry, they are just a perfect accessory to have. I'm personally eyeing the Tribeca Band Ring as a replacement to my own nonchalant wedding band.

So, in celebration of diversity and equality, show your pride and your support by supporting those who give back towards the fight for equal rights, such as David Jason Taylor. Additionally, when you place your order on the David Jason Taylor Website and use the following code: percysales, you will receive free shipping and 10% of your purchase will be donated to organizations that support marriage equality.

Visit the world of David Jason Taylor today, you will love his pieces.

-Percy

Photos from David Jason Taylor

Trend Thursday: The Multi-Day Soiree

Multi-Day Soirees are the hottest and latest trends in bridal extravaganza. No longer is a one-day event sufficient. The more parties' one has the better...because having just a ceremony and reception is so passe. Sure, in some cultures, multi-day events have been a standard, but more over we are seeing that aspect being hybridized into something totally new.

Couples are treating local weddings as if they are on a destination wedding and really making it a week of pure enjoyment, ending it with one spectacular "I DO!" Here's a sample itinerary of a multi-day wedding that I just completed for a local couple:

Tuesday - Cocktail Party for Bridal Party and Immediate Family.

Wednesday - Welcome Crab and Clam Bake for all guests.

Thursday - Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties at different locals.

Friday: Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner for Bridal Party, Immediate Family and Out-of-Town Guests.

Saturday: Ceremony and Reception

Sunday: After Wedding Brunch for all guests.

Seriously, there were at least 100 people at each event and the party pulse just carried over to the ceremony and reception making it one of the best weddings I have ever been too. Everyone was so at ease with each other because they got to know each other throughout the week. It was a great and grand celebration.

Not every couple can afford to do a week-long event at this caliper, but one can incorporate this idea and make it more intimate, with just a handful of people. The great thing about doing something like this is that it takes your mind off things and gives you the opportunity to relax and enjoy the people you love. It's the thought that the busier you are, the less you are to worry about things.

Regardless if you celebrate all week long or just for one day, the one thing that you have to remember is that this is a celebration...CELEBRATE, Have Fun, and Enjoy EVERYTHING that is unfolding before your eyes. Don't sweat the small stuff...it's really not worth it.

Here's to celebrations that last for multiple days and to a trend that surely will just continue to grow.

-Percy

Photo by Phase4Photography

Inspiration Monday: Gumballs

I was inspired by gumballs today, because my son loves them. Every time we walk into a store that he thinks may have a gumball machine in it...he starts chanting, "Can I have a quarter?" I don't know what attracts people to these multicolored phenomenon's, but who can deny that the gumball has been part of all of our childhoods. So...in celebration and in respect of the mighty gumball, I have come up with an inspiration board fitting of these chewable sensations.

Clockwise from top left (click on above photo to enlarge): Invitations: Invitations by Nature; Bubble Wedding Gown: Christos; Floral Balls: The Velvet Garden; Candy Bar: Inspiration from Amy Atlas Events; Tiffany Bubbles Ring: Tiffany & Co.; Printed Silk Chiffon Whitney Long Dress: J. Crew; Turquoise Three-Strand Chunky Necklace: Blue Earth Jewelry; Polka Dot Tower Wedding Cake: Sugar, Oklahoma; Carnival Midway Vendor for the Cocktail Reception or After Party: Inspiration Photo from David's Digits on Flickr; Balenciaga Lego Shoes: Balenciaga; Mini Classic Gumball Dispenser used for Escort Cards or Favors: Estilo Weddings; Balloon Drop: Inspired by Gifts & Decorative Accessories Photo.

I hope this inspiration board gets you chewing on some great vibrant ideas too!

-Percy

Photos from above mentioned sites. Center Bubblegum maching photo by Michael Weinberg Photography.

TIPsy Tuesday: What Would I Change About My Wedding?

Every month, I am going to be featuring a question to people on both my Facebook and Twitter accounts that relates to weddings or events. Once I have gathered some answers, I will post it on my blog.

April's question is, "What is the one thing you would change about your wedding day?"

Here are some of the responses I received:

I would do away with the dog-n-pony show and make the wedding smaller and more intimate. I would save the money to feed distant relatives who we'll never see again and use it on more high end touches for a smaller group such as an extra romantic location/flowers/food/photos, that would bring more joy to the couple themselves than to just "show off" and "please" the crowd." - Kelly, Fremont, CA

Not invited so many people to the reception. The best thing we did was only inviting close family to our wedding ceremony, that was about 20 people. Our reception was about 100 people that took place right after our ceremony. Having less people at the ceremony made the moment very special to us. - Salvador, Dublin, CA

As a wedding planner, I should have hired a day of coordinator, so I didn't have to worry about managing vendors, set-up, and clean-up myself...allowing me to enjoy more. Don't get me wrong I had a blast at my wedding, it would have been nice to not have to worry about all the "day of" details myself. The other thing I would have done differently is taken the time to eat. I did not even get to eat my wedding meal because we were talking to so many people, we had 170 guests, and I never got to eat our delicious food, maybe I got two bites. Eating is one thing that I make sure happens for for all my clients. I would have also hired a videographer, because I hardly remembered the evening, except for how fun it was. - Percy, Ojai, CA

I would have probably spent less on the things that didn't matter as much and more on the things that do - and what's important is different for every bride/groom. For me, it was the location/venue for the ceremony, reception area, and the photographer. In retrospect, I feel like we did most everything we wanted to do within our budget, but I think that spending less and saving the money for the stuff that counts...like putting a down payment on a house and getting our new life started together might have been a better investment! A big party is a good way to get you in debt. - Clarissa, San Diego, CA

We got married at the Justice o' the Peace in New York City. Just the two of us and one witness. I think people need to focus on who they want at their wedding and not how much they want to spend. Any time I hear about someones wedding, it's always they should have made it smaller, not bigger. Have a small wedding and get a great photographer and videographer. You will see more of your wedding in the photos and videos than you ever will at the event. They will last a lifetime. - Darrin, Pollock Pines, CA

Who I married! - Lynnette, San Francsico, CA

Make it smaller and less "traditional" (no cake which i don't like, typical music, etc...) - Jules, Wilsonville, OR

It would have been less traditional, and I would have not worried so much about the food and spending lots of money on top shelf alcohol. - Lilia, San Francisco, CA

I wouldn't have changed anything. We decided that the whole goal was to wake up single, and go to bed married. That took a ton of pressure off, and we didn't "sweat the small stuff" as it were. If anything, I wished the day had lasted longer! It was magical. - Kristin, Santa Barbara, CA

I'm actually pretty happy with how ours turned out. It was exactly what we wanted, where we wanted, and it was just a big party—fun for us and for the guests. I do wish I got more of my dinner though. And I heard the dessert that was served before the cake was amazing (never got it). - Maureen, Santa Clarita, CA

Not a thing. Maybe that Bret didn't get so sunburned. Other than that not a thing. Everything people say, "don't spend so much, don't invite a zillion people, etc." well we did that. It works. We didn't even hire a photographer and we have the most beautiful and candid wedding pictures I've ever seen. - Carl, Santa Barbara, CA

Our wedding was very low budget - I wouldn't change that, we were poor at the time. But we couldn't afford a photographer so I'd change that. - Nancy, Ft. Worth, TX

This may sound odd, but adding a dancefloor. - Tim, San Francisco, CA

First I wish i hadn't, secondly, I wish I had more cake, expensive cake for just one bite! - Angela, Monterey, CA

Don't ask me why, but we chose not to hire a videographer for our wedding. We had a beautiful garden wedding in Cambria, and our ceremony had sweet moments that I wish were captured on film. - Kathy, Dallas, TX

I wouldn't change a thing, except for hire a videographer. I should have listened to my wedding planners suggestion on that. - Leslie, Englewood, NJ

I hope this helps couples who are in the midst of planning your own great event. If you are married and have anything else to add, please make a comment. Your suggestions and thoughts are appreciated and a great way to advise others.

-Percy

Photo from Cake Wrecks, hopefully that cake is one thing that bride would have done differently.

Trend Thursday: Off Celebrating My 17th Anniversary

Hi All,

I am taking the day off from blogging to celebrate my 17th anniversary to my partner (day we started dating 2/12/92), 4th anniversary of our commitment ceremony (not legal 2/12/05), and 8 month anniversary of our legal same sex marriage (6/17/08).

Keep our marriage legal go to www.couragecampaign.org/divorce and sign the petition to invalidate Prop 8 in California.

-Percy

Photo taken at our commitment ceremony on 2/12/05 by our friend Don Earl