Icon Bride: Kate Middleton aka HRH The Duchess of Cambridge and HRH Princess William of Wales

Kate Middleton just got married a few hours ago, but I know there are brides clamoring to get her wedding day look. The new Duchess of Cambridge/Princess William of Wales wore a beautiful A-line ball gown designed by Sarah Burton, creative director of Alexander McQueen had signature McQueen all over it with it's contrast of traditional and modern and stunning beauty. Duchess Silk mixed with Lace and hand embroidery on the skirt transformed a simple gown to a gown fit for the future Queen of England! This is the look of the modern bride - simple elegance, understated beauty, timeless styling, couture, and beaming with joy. HRH The Duchess of Cambridge topped off the ensemble with a Chantilly Lace veil, diamond earrings given to her by her parents, and a borrowed Cartier tiara halo from the Queen.

In capturing this look for the non-royals'...here's my suggestion for getting the "Kate" feel for your own wedding.

Gown: White by Vera Wang for David's Bridal (VW35103) Retails: $1300 Size 0 to 14 in Ivory

Violette Halo Tiara by Halo & Co. Retails $365 (converted from 217 Pounds)

Wide Chantilly Lace Two-Tier Veil by Designs by Kristen. Retails $475

1/3 CT. TW Pear-Shaped Diamond Earrings in 10K White Gold from Zales. Retails $279 on sale for $237.15

For her second gown, for the black tie evening celebration, the Duchess of Cambridge donned another Sarah Burton designed gown, this time, a strapless A-line dress with a diamante waist line and a white angora bolero. She kept it simple and elegant all day long.

Here's my suggestion for achieving this look:

Alvina Valenta A-Line Silk Duchess Satin Gown with Natural Waist (Style #AV9952)

Diamante Sash from onehappygirl on Etsy. Retails $80

Vintage 1950's Saks Fifth Avenue White Angora Shrug/Bolero from leewayshop on Etsy - Sold

  I hope these inspiration pieces brings out your inner princess!

The Royal Wedding of Prince William & Catherine Middleton

Congratulations William and Kate!

For many of us, we have since Prince William literally grow up before our eyes...he's sorta like the true child of the world! On this momentous day, when the Prince marries his Princess, we celebrate with Will and Kate as they share their devotion of love and commitment for one another to the world.

The wedding itself was every brides dream come true. This kind of fanfare and the frenzy doesn't come around too often. I don't remember anticipating a wedding like this since Princess Diana wed Prince Charles...and I am a wedding planner!

From the time that Catherine arrived to Westminster Abbey in the Queen's 1950s Roll Royce...the world waited with bated breath on what she looked like and more importantly what her wedding dress looked like and let me tell you the wait was well worth it!

Kate's dress was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and it perfectly reflected the brides style. It was a modern interpretation of Princess Grace's wedding gown. This gown though is 100% Kate! Nothing over the top but absolutely stunning! The ivory and white Duchess satin A-line ball gown with full skirt and and 8' 10" train, highlighted Kate's look rather than distract from it. The hand-embroidery on the skirt was equally understated but made a beautiful impact. The lace bodice with a v-neck, long sleeves, and collar really made the dress. She topped off the look with a Chantilly Lace veil. Kate's 1936 Cartier halo tiara is borrowed from the Queen. This particular tiara was given to the Queen on her 18th birthday by her mother. The brides diamond pear-shaped drop earrings are a gift from Kate's parents and the only piece of jewelry that adorned her body, besides her engagement ring and later, the Welsh gold wedding band.

Kate carried a simple, yet beautiful bouquet that had Myrtle, a royal tradition, Ivy, Sweet William, Lily-of-the-valley, and Hyacinth.

Pippa, Kate's sister and maid of honor, wore a simple ivory column gown with a cowl neck, cap sleeves, and button detailing on the back, also designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

The bridesmaids wore pleated tea length gowns with puffy capped sleeves. Perfectly appropriate for the royal wedding...very simple. The page boys reflected the look of Prince William/little drummer boys.

The Queen wore yellow! A bright and cheery outfit with matching hat designed by Angela Kelly. She looks great.

The brides mother, Carolyn, wore a simple white dress with a pale blue coat over it and matching pale blue hat by Catherine Walker, a favorite of the late Princess Di...very simple and almost ordinary...though it gave us great insight to the understated elegance we would see in the brides gown as well.

Westminster Abbey was decorated very simply with the additions of trees that brought the outside in...continuing the view that Catherine had on her ride to Westminster Abbey

Prince William was stunning in his red military outfit. What a perfect looking groom! Prince Harry is just as stunning and debonair as his groom brother.

William and Kate, the future King and Queen of England, will now be known to the world as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and will also be known as Prince and Princess William of Wales. Though I am sure the media will still call her Princess Catherine or Princess Kate...but officially she is HRH Princess William of Wales.

For the black tie evening festivities with a guest list of over 300 of their closest friends and family, the Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge donned more manageable attire, that was still stunning. The Duchess wore another Sarah Burton designed gown. This time a strapless A-line white satin gazar gown with circle skirt and diamante embroidered detailing around the waist. She topped it off with a white angora bolero...which again was simple yet elegant and stunning. The Duke stayed with the standard double breasted black tuxedo.

William and Catherine...may your marriage be everlasting and full of joy. Congratulations and many blessings!

Location Love: El Paseo Restaurant, Santa Barbara, CA

I had the pleasure of working with the historic and world famous El Paseo Restaurant this past weekend for a client's wedding. This place is incredible and I forgot how magical this location can be for weddings and events.

El Paseo Restaurant is under new management/ownership (Paul Jakubowski and John Scott co-owners) and has an incredible new chef, Alex Castillo. The food is superb and the service that my clients received were top notch. Guests were raving how accommodating and genuinely nice Paul's staff were throughout the event. Paul, who is also the general manager, has transformed El Paseo Restaurant to its original glory (cuisine and service) and re-establishing it as the place to be in Santa Barbara.

El Paseo Restaurant is set in a Hacienda style courtyard that has a retractable roof, balcony's, and central fountain. The tables and booths are set around the courtyard. There is a large bar area that can accommodate the cocktail hour and the restaurant itself can easily seat 150 people. They have kept the styling true to it's original roots and it really makes this location a gem in Santa Barbara.

El Paseo Restaurant then

El Paseo Restaurant now

If you are looking for a fabulous location, with incredible food, service, and pricing consider El Paseo Restaurant. It truly is a magical place and your guests will leave having a wonderful experience!

El Paseo Restaurant is located at 10 El Paseo (between Anacapa and State at De La Guerra), Santa Barbara, CA (805) 962-6050

Farewell Friday: RIP Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett

Yesterday, June 25, 2009, the world lost two pop icons, Farrah Fawcett (expected) and Michael Jackson (unexpected). Both contributed to the lives of many, Michael with his music and Farrah with her smile and passion for life. I grew up with both of them. I watched Charlies Angels religiously and loved Farrah's, Jill Monroe, character best. Additionally, my passion for dance is attributed to the man and the music, Michael Jackson. Both will be missed but never forgotten.

It's funny, someone said yesterday that they now know what their parents felt like when Elvis died. For some of us we saw Michael Jackson grow up, become a superstar, and went on the roller coaster ride that was Michael Jackson, but his music played such a role in life and is definitely part of my life's soundtrack. I am also saddened for Ryan O'Neal who did not get the chance to marry his lifelong partner. Farrah finally agreed to marry Ryan, but that part was never fulfilled for the couple.

RIP Farrah (1947-2009 and Michael (1958-2009).

-Percy

Photos from the Internet, top photo from Access Hollywood

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

Wacky Wednesdays: Fidelity: Don't Divorce (Courage Campaign)

"Fidelity": Don't Divorce... from Courage Campaign on Vimeo.

Today I am doing a little political blog...because I believe that Love is Love and in Equal Rights.

Tomorrow, my partner/husband and I will be celebrating our 17th anniversary, longer than most of our heterosexual friends. Yet, we have only been legally married since June 17, 2008 (8 months)...the first day that it was legal and recognized that ALL Californians had the right to marry the ONE PERSON THEY LOVE. As of today, our marriage is still intact, but Ken Starr is wanting to have our marriage taken away...basically force us to divorce, even though we were married before the November 4, 2008 passing of Prop 8. I urge all of you who stand on the side of love, support marriage equality, and believe that my marriage should remain valid, to visit www.couragecampaign.org/divorce and sign the petition that will be sent to the Supreme Court of California.

From the Courage Campaign. "On December 19, 2008, Ken Starr and the Prop 8 Legal Defense Fund filed legal briefs defending the constitutionality of Prop 8 and seeking to nullify the marriages of 18,000 devoted same-sex couples solemnized before Prop 8 passed.

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in this case on March 5 2009, with a decision expected within 90 days." People signing the petition are asking, "That the Court enforce the equality promised to each of us by our constitution and invalidate Prop 8. By doing so, it will protect all loving, committed couples in California -– including the 18,000 who said "I do" last year –- and prevent the initiative process from being a tool for stripping vulnerable minorities of precious constitutional rights.

As Americans who believe in the rule of law and fundamental civil rights, we know that Ken Starr and the Prop 8 Legal Defense Fund's shameful attempt to nullify equal protection and all these bonded unions will be condemned in the eyes of history. We know that, ultimately, love will prevail, no matter how hard they try to fight it."

Support Love, Support Equality.

-Percy

P.S. This video was very emotional. We submitted our family photo to this, but unfortunately, we did not make the cut. However, it's still a great video and a wonderful song.

Video from Courage Campaign

Wacky Wednesdays: Michelle Obama's Couture Hits

I have to give props to First Lady, Michelle Obama. Her inauguration couture were just fabulous. From the yellow (pale green) Isabel Toledo dress topped off with gloves by J. Crew and shoes by Jimmy Choo, to the off-white Jason Wu gown. I just wish that the Jason Wu piece could have been a little more tight fitting, showing off more of her figure, but overall it was still youthful, bold, and fresh. To me they were both hits!

The big plus for me is that she used up and coming designers and not established ones. It makes me think that she could contact me at any moment to plan one of her future parties, or one of Sasha or Malia's birthday parties. Thank you Michelle for revitalizing the fashion world and giving us a new icon for great couture or even off the rack stuff...we know you love that stuff too.

So for you ladies out there looking for the right gown, the high end designers that are household names, may not be your only option. Look into up and coming young designers that is willing to work with you on your scene stealing moment! Like the First Lady, you might just make the right fashion choices!

-Percy

Pictures from Yahoo! News

History has been Made

Yes We Did! Congratulations to Barack Obama on winning the US Presidency. What a historic moment in time...and I am so glad that I was able to witness it. Here's to CHANGE and to a future full of HOPE! I know that he will have a tough road ahead of him, but I believe in my heart of hearts that he will get America back on the right track.

With the joyous announcement of our next President, I am also saddened that California Prop 8 has passed (52% Yes, to 48% No...a very close race) and will eliminate the rights of same-sex couples to marry. I am not sure what will happen to my own marriage license, to my partner of 16 years and husband of 4/8 years, but I assure you that the fight for EQUALITY will continue. I am just amazed that Californians voted for the fair treatment and rights of chickens and other farm animals, but voted against protecting the rights of two human beings.

Here's to future hope and for positive change from a now second-class citizen. I am so glad that this is all over too, now I can stop worrying about the elections and get some real sleep! Thank you all for getting out your vote. I know that we all may disagree about what's right for this country, but I respect that everyone voted for their truth and proved that the process of democracy is alive and well, even though some of us wish the outcome could have been different.

-Percy

Photo from the NPR

Write To Marry Day - October 29, 2009

The elections are just around the corner and here in California, we have a Proposition that would eliminate the rights of same-sex couples to marry. I know I have been blogging about Prop 8 a lot lately, but it is very near and dear to my heart, because it affects my family.

Here's my story. I met my partner (now husband) in 1992. We have been together for 16 years, we have a 4-year old son, and we just want the same rights that any loving and committed opposite-sex couple has. We want to be legally recognized as a "couple" under the eyes of the law. We never imagined that as a gay couple we would ever have the opportunity to marry legally in the State of California. In May 2008, that all changed. The California Supreme Court overturned Prop 22's Family Code definition of marriage as being between a man and woman, because the judges saw that it violated the Equal Protection Clause of the California Constitution. So on June 17, 2008 a month after it was overturned, my partner and I were able to legally wed in California, giving us equality and the ability to be full citizens of the State of California.

Now proponents of Prop 8 want to overturn EQUALITY and put discrimination into the California Constitution. The California Constitution is suppose to protect rights of all its citizens, not take them away. So, I encourage all Californians to Vote No on 8, and keep all Californians Equal. This proposition is not about Religious Freedoms, Children, or Tax Exemptions. Proponents of Prop 8 are spreading lies and stating that it would affect their rights, well their rights are already protected under the California Constitution's Free Exercise of Religion clause. Well the truth of the matter is that Prop 8 is about "eliminating the rights of same-sex couples to marry (Period)." To learn the facts vs. the fiction, please visit the Vote No on 8 Website.

Regardless of how you feel about same-sex marriage or the LGBT community, passing Prop 8 would deprive certain CIVIL RIGHTS to a group of people, lowering them to the status of second class citizens. Additionally, it would add discriminatory language in the California Constitution. How would you feel if your rights were taken away?

I encourage all bloggers to blog about Write To Marry Day, today or tomorrow and encourage your California Readers to Vote No on Prop 8.

DON'T STOP AT THE TOP, VOTE ALL THE WAY DOWN THE BALLOT!
NO ON PROP 8!

-Percy

Logo from Mombian

NO on CA Prop 8 - YES to Equality

It's my political statement for the month and this one is very close to my heart. If you are a Californian, I urge you to VOTE NO on CA Prop 8, which would eliminate the rights of same-sex couples to marry. I also ask that you tell your friends, family and loved ones to do the same. The proponents of CA Prop 8 have put out ads that lie about what Prop 8 is and I just want to put the facts in front of all of you.

Fiction: Teaching children about same-sex marriage will happen here unless we pass Prop 8.

Fact: Not one word in Prop 8 mentions education, and no child can be forced, against the will of their parents, to be taught anything about health and family issues at school. California law prohibits it, and the Yes on 8 campaign knows they are lying. Sacramento Superior Court Judge Timothy Frawley has already ruled that this claim by Prop 8 proponents is “false and misleading.”

Fiction: Churches could lose their tax-exemption status.

Fact: Nothing in Prop 8 would force churches to do anything. In fact, the court decision regarding marriage specifically says “no religion will be required to change its religious policies or practices with regard to same-sex couples, and no religious officiant will be required to solemnize a marriage in contravention of his or her religious beliefs.”

Fiction: A Massachusetts case about a parent's objection to the school curriculum will happen here.

Fact: Unlike Massachusetts, California gives parents an absolute right to remove their kids and opt-out of teaching on health and family instruction they don't agree with. The opponents know that California law already covers this and Prop 8 won't affect it, so they bring up an irrelevant case in Massachusetts.

Fiction: Four Activist Judges in San Francisco…

Fact: Prop 8 is not about courts and judges, it's about eliminating a fundamental right. Judges didn't grant the right, the constitution guarantees the right. Proponents of Prop 8 use an outdated and stale argument that judges aren't supposed to protect rights and freedoms. This campaign is about whether Californians, right now, in 2008 are willing to amend the constitution for the sole purpose of eliminating a fundamental right for one group of citizens.

Fiction: People can be sued over personal beliefs.

Fact: California’s laws already prohibit discrimination against anyone based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. This has nothing to do with marriage.

Fiction: Pepperdine University supports the Yes on 8 campaign.

Fact: The university has publicly disassociated itself from Professor Richard Peterson of Pepperdine University, who is featured in the ad, and has asked to not be identified in the Yes on 8 advertisements.

Fiction: Unless Prop 8 passes, CA parents won't have the right to object to what their children are taught in school.

Fact: California law clearly gives parents and guardians broad authority to remove their children from any health instruction if it conflicts with their religious beliefs or moral convictions.

Regardless of how you feel about same-sex marriage, we should not eliminate fundamental rights for ANY Californians. Please vote NO on Prop 8.

PS: Congrats to the State of Connecticut choosing EQUALITY and allowing to legalize same-sex marriages!

-Percy

Facts and Fiction from No On Prop 8
Photo by the Santa Barbara Independent (Wedding Day of Percy Sales and Ross Beardsley) 06/17/08 - Santa Barbara, California

Location Location Location - Casa Barranca in Ojai, CA

I'm giving props to a local estate and vacation rental in my hometown of Ojai, California. This 54 acre craftsman home nestled in the hills of the Ojai Valley is probably one of my favorite rental homes ever! It's called Casa Barranca.

Casa Barranca is surrounded with lush landscaping, incredible views and is the perfect backdrop for a wedding or event. It offers so many options for your event and guests. Additionally, the jaw dropping architecture and furnishings are sure to amaze. If you are staying in the home, you will be pampered not only by the staff but by the location. Talk about a time to relax!

The main house is called the Pratt House and "Architectural Digest notes that in the grace of the Pratt House "...the sun translates the Greenes' structural poetry into ever-shifting patterns of light against polished wood. At night... the silhouette of live oaks is framed against the Milky Way. A closer approximation to Shangri-La is hard to imagine."

Additionally, Casa Barranca also has their own organic vineyard and their wines are fabulous! Accoridng to the Casa Barranca Organic Wine Website, "Our boutique wines are handcrafted in our century old underground stone winery where we use gravity to rack our wines. We are committed to employing winemaking practices without the use of toxic solvents and cleaners. Our winery is powered by solar electricity and we grow and purchase grapes that are farmed without the use of any pesticides or herbicides. This is in keeping with the most time honored traditions of old world winemaking."

Visit the Casa Barranca Website for a virtual tour of the house. If you are interested in checking out this home and other retreat homes in the Ojai Valley, contact Judy Gabriel with Retreats of Ojai and she will be happy to show you what great estates and retreats Ojai has to offer.

-Percy

Photo from Casa Barranca

Real Weddings: Cesar & John

Here is a PhotoStory of Cesar & John's Wedding, held on June 21, 2008, at Chase Palm Park Center in Santa Barbara, California. The photos are by the incomparable Gloria Plunkett Photography. This is the first time I have posted client photos on my blog...I usually just put it on my Website, but thought I would test it out to see what people thought.

A little background on the couple...Cesar & John have been together for 14 years and have an 18-month old son. On May 15, 2008, the State of California made it legal for gay and lesbian couples to get married. The weekend after the ruling, the couple and their friends, including me, were sitting around and we persuaded them to have a ceremony and reception, since they have never had a commitment ceremony. So after talking it through, they asked me to plan a wedding for 100 of their family and friends the Saturday after gender neutral marriage licenses would be handed out. They had to wait 30 days from the court ruling to be able to get their license, so we planned it for June 21st, though they got their license on the first day they were able to on June 17, 2008...a historic day in California.

So in a month's time, I was able to plan their long awaited wedding and reception. Thank you to all my vendors who worked so diligently to make this day happen for them.

The ceremony was held on the green behind Chase Palm Park Center with gorgeous views of the Santa Barbara Harbor as well as the Channel Islands. Their colors were Tiffany Blue and Chocolate. They had a cocktail hour with passed hors d'oeuvres and a gourmet buffet dinner with an open bar catered by CP Catering by Chef Ledesma (new website currently under construction). Their ceremony flowers were a mixture of green and white gladiolas (unfortunately right before the ceremony, the wind picked up and knocked over the flowers on the stand...so we had to improvise with something smaller). The reception flowers were a mixture of hydrangeas, lilies, and orchids, all created by Gina Morales. Their first dance song was to David Cook's - Time of My Life. Their cake was two flavors...the bottom was chocolate with chocolate ganache filling and the middle and top tier was a white cake with passion fruit and toasted coconut filling, made by the amazing Christine Dahl. They gave their guests picture frames that also served as the seating cards. They threw a bouquet together on the insistence of the single guests, which was pretty funny to see (men and women fighting for a bouquet).

The best part of the wedding was the mixture of cultures and also the mixture of hearing and deaf people. John is deaf and about half of the guests were also deaf. So we hired an interpreter for the ceremony and reception. It was so wonderful to see deaf people dancing the night away to DJ Luke and seeing the interaction between the two groups. Additionally, their wedding coincided with the "Summer Solstice," the longest day of the year...and it was amazing that we had sunlight until almost 9pm that evening. It was truly a magical evening, one that I will treasure a lifetime. In the words of Cesar and John, "We had the wedding of our dreams...you made it a platinum affair on a beer budget." So I hope you will enjoy having a glimpse to their special day.

- Percy

All photos by Gloria Plunkett Photography
Music: I Sing for You from the movie Camp, Kiss by Prince, Groove Is In The Heart by Dee-Lite

Back and Legally Married!

Well you have been probably wondering why I haven't blogged since last Friday. Well I have been in the midst of planning my wedding, as well as clients, who are getting married on June 21st. I had guests arrive on Sunday and have been entertaining as well.

As of June 17, 2008 at 10:00am (well a few minutes after), my partner, Ross, and I were legally married in the State of California, well actually we got our license around 8am, but the Mayor of Santa Barbara, Marty Blum, officially signed the document and sealed our legal marriage just after 10.

We were married in the Santa Barbara Courthouse Bell Tower that has amazing 360 degree views of the City of Santa Barbara. Along with about 30 friends and family and a slew of media, we said our vows to one another and made it official. There was so much emotion in the bell tower that it's hard to explain the feeling, except for extreme Joy.

We would like to thank Mama's Voices, a local gospel choir, for singing at our ceremony, they sang "Oh Happy Day" as we were pronounced husband and husband and released balloons from the bell tower. Thank you also to Christine Dahl for providing a beautiful wedding cake, our friends who hosted our wonderful and yummy luncheon reception at their home, and our family and friends for supporting our 16-year relationship and for being part of this historical day.

We had our commitment ceremony in 2005 and thought that this would just be a topper to that, but I have to tell you, it was just as fun and emotional. So as I continue to bask in marital bliss, I will end my blog for today on my own wedding.

If you would like to see some coverage of our historic wedding day, please visit the links below (make sure to watch the videos too):

KEYT Channel 3 Santa Barbara (June 16, 2008)
KEYT Channel 3 Santa Barbara (June 17, 2008)
KSBY Channel 6 Santa Barbara (June 17, 2008)
MSNBC (June 17, 2008)
Santa Barbara Independent (June 19, 2008)

-Percy

Photo by Cesar Juarez

Finally Over the Rainbow...Gay Marriages Gets the Green Light

Today the California Supreme Court gave the final green light to gay/same-sex marriages to begin on Tuesday, June 17, 2008, turning down requests for a stay until the November 3rd elections. This is very exciting news not only for me, but gays and lesbians throughout California. For more information regarding today's news, please visit the following link.

For same-sex couples who are looking at last minute nuptials this summer and need assistance in planning your special and legal day, please do not hesitate to contact me at Percy Sales Events. My team can plan your last minute wedding with no problems. We have a handful of vendors who have openings and can provide you the dream wedding day as you have always envisioned it.

Additionally, in celebration of this momentous occasion, I will donate 10% of my fees to Equality California, Ventura County Rainbow Alliance or The Pacific Pride Foundation to any couple who mentions these organizations specifically.

Let Percy Sales Events be your "Fairy Godmother" for your wedding day and leave all the details to us. We can plan your dream day in a short amount of time throughout California, thanks to our accommodating and dedicated associates. For more information please visit the Percy Sales Events Website or call us at (805) 637-7984 to discuss your wedding needs.

-Percy

Photo of Ross and Percy at their commitment ceremony, Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara, 2.12.05 by Don Earl

Marriage Equality in California - FINALLY!

SAN FRANCISCO: In an historic decision today, the California Supreme Court ruled that same-gender couples deserve the freedom to marry under California law. The landmark ruling makes California the first state in the nation to give lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people full equality. (From Equality California)

This is very exciting news, not just because it provides all couples the freedom to marry, but it shows that all couples in love have the ability to marry legally if they chose to.

For my partner, Ross, and me, we have been together 16 years; now we have the opportunity to legally wed. In 2005, in celebration of our 13th anniversary, we had a commitment ceremony and celebration that was attended by 170 of our closest friends and family. This act of commitment came with no license and no legal protections. We are registered domestic partners...which do not have the same benefits and safeguards that a legal marriage provides.

Now in a smaller ceremony, Ross and I will take the plunge to be one of many same-gender, committed, and dedicated couples to marry in California within the next 30 days. I feel so happy that our partnership will now be legally recognized as a solemn marriage in the State of California. Now we are hoping that one day it will be recognized on a National/Federal level.

This is definitely one small step to marriage equality; we still have a lot of work to get it recognized on a Federal level. California is the second state, next to Massachusetts, to recognize same-sex marriages as legal, but the first to recognize same-sex marriages regardless of residency.

For all you other same-sex couples, if you need a wedding planner...look no further and call me! I am ready to plan the most memorable wedding for you...I know, you're gay and you can create the "fabulousness" yourself, but trust me you want someone to manage your day, so that you can enjoy it.

For more information about my services, please visit my Website Percy Sales Events. I have many venues/vendors that can accommodate your wedding this summer and on a short notice, so please feel free to call me and we can work out the details. Additionally, in celebration of this momentous occasion, I will donate 5% of my fees for same-sex couple bookings between May 2008 and November 2008 to Equality California, Let California Ring, or Human Rights Campaign (you choose where it goes) in your name. Additionally I will donate 10% of my fees to Ventura County Rainbow Alliance or The Pacific Pride Foundation to any couple who mentions these two organizations specifically.

Here's to marriage equality and the freedom to marry the one you love!

-Percy

Photo of Ross and Percy during their first dance 02.12.05 by Joya Thomas