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

The Women - The New Girls of Fashion

I finally saw the remake of The Women last night at the Ojai Playhouse with Mary Steenburgen sitting one row in front of me; she is an Ojai resident along with hubby Ted Danson. At any rate, this movie is a must see for you fashionistas, I am not sure why it got bad ratings because I found it thoroughly enjoyable, just as Tanya's (Debi Mazar) Jungle Red nail polish.

Saks (Fifth Avenue) was the store focus, but you got an eyeful of fashions from Chanel, Christian Laboutin, Prada, Marc Jacobs, and other noted designers.

The acting was superb, especially Annette Bening's character, Sylvie. Jada Pinkett Smith (Alex Fisher) and the cameo by Bette Midler (Leah Miller) were also very memorable. Meg Ryan was outstanding in her role as Mary Haines. It was nice to see Debra Messing (Edie Cohen) not play a "Grace" character and Eva Mendez, in the Joan Crawford part as Crystal Allen, was diva-ish to the max.

The only thing missing was a wedding scene, but overall, there were some outstanding moments and even more fabulous everyday fashions! I laughed so hard in some parts that I almost peed in my pants. So if you have not had the opportunity to see it...go do so ASAP. Being a big Sex and the City fan, I have to say that this is what SATC could have been if they did it right...did I just say that out load? Hit me with your Manolo's and call me Mary.

So ladies, or even gentlemen into "chick" flicks, this is a winner...even as good if not better than the original 1939 version. I also have to say kudos to Cloris Leachman (Maggie) and Candice Bergen (Catherine Frazier) for their contributions to this remake. It was also nice that they kept the concept of not having any men in the movie, just like the original.

-Percy

Photo from IMDb

My Top Five Best Wedding Movies Ever

As a wedding planner, movies offer inspiration and a dose of comic relief for my much beloved career. It also offers an opportunity to cry...yeah okay so I am a guy who cries at chick flicks...call me a sap, but I just do. I just love wedding themed movies and now I am going to name off my Top Five Best Wedding Themed Movies ever...here they are:

1) Muriel's Wedding (1994): Set in Porpoise Spit and Sydney, Australia, this movie starring Toni Collette and Rachel Griffiths was an indie sleeper. It gives a look to the trial and tribulations of Muriel Heslop who is looking for love and the ultimate wedding day. She is obsessed with ABBA so the movie has a lot of ABBA music...sounds like Mama Mia, but trust me it's much better. Such a fun movie. I can watch it over and over again.

Favorite Quote from the movie: "My life is as good as an ABBA song. It's as good as Dancing Queen. "

2) My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002): Who doesn't love watching the love affair between Toula and Ian. This is a great movie to relate to if you have a huge family. Nia Vardalos gives a wonderful performance and so does her dad Gus, played by Michael Constantine. Additionally, John Corbett is perfect in the role of the "gringo love interest." Plus it gives you insight on the type of dresses not to buy!

Favorite Quote from the movie: "There's a hole in this cake!"

3) Father of the Bride (1950) & (1991): I love both versions of the movie. The original starring Elizabeth Taylor and Spencer Tracy and the more recent version with Steve Martin and Diane Keaton. Gives an insight to the father's perspective of the wedding day. Great wedding and planning scenes and both Spencer and Steve give off great comic relief to the movie.

Favorite Quote from the movie: "Armani don't make polyester."

4) Sex and The City (2008): I love this movie because I have become attached to the characters in the TV Show. I love them girls. Additionally, this movie has some great gown inspiration and other fashions. It also shows that true love can conquer all.

Favorite Quote from the movie: "Charlotte has pudding in her Prada."

5) The Wedding Banquet aka Xi Yan (1993): Ang Lee's story of a gay Taiwanese-American who has a marriage of convenience to a woman who needs a green card. He has been getting pressure from his parents to marry...so this marriage is a good cover-up to his true life as a gay man living with his true love, Simon. Well everything gets really complicated when the parents decide they are coming to witness the wedding and throw a lavish reception. A wonderful cross-cultural story of love, convenience, and family.

Favorite Quote from the movie: "Better and richer, no poorer."

Let me know what your favorite wedding movies are and if you have not seen the ones on my list...I highly recommend that you run out and go to your local video store and rent them today.

-Percy

Photo from IMDb