Valerie + Khoi’s wedding 5.2.09

I know, I know…It’s been a while since I have blogged but I needed to make sure both weddings were done before I can start blogging.

Valerie and Khoi’s wedding went amazingly well. Apart from the cold weather, things went off as planned. I had the location put a batch behind the canopy to block the wind and heat lamps around the area. There were quite a few old people so I had to make sure to move the timeline along well…I even was 1 hr AHEAD of the timeline because it was cold and people wanted to leave early. Things were a little chaotic at first because guests were arriving very early and wanted to take pictures with the bride and groom but we were still taking bridal party pictures. Valerie wanted to hide of course because she didn’t want the guests to see her in her dress. Frankly, I can’t blame her.  The photographer really was annoying! He didn’t want to listen to my instructions!!!

Several damage control needed to be taken care of: 1. the caterer arrived late so we didn’t have the linen to put on the table to lay down the signature canvas and the bar tables; 2. I completely forgot to put the cameras on the tables for guests to take pictures but we caught it on time! Thanks to my amazing assistant Lily who was very quick on her feet to help me out or I would have never made it.

Being a planner is hectic especially before the ceremony because of the coordination of the groomsmen and bridesmaids. I had to make sure that Lily had everything under control before we could start the ceremony. Then, after the ceremony, I had to talk to the guests and greet them (part of my bridesmaid duty), in addition to looking out that the place cards were set and the table numbers were layed out appropriately. Some guests were lost and didn’t know where they were seating so it was my duty to seat them at the designated seat.

During the reception, Lily and I went to place the candy bar for the guests departure. In the midst of everything, I managed to help Valerie change into her other dress, make the round of tables, get the bride and groom to cut the cake and run to get their champagne glass filled for the toast. Pffuuiiii……I’m tired just listing everything.

And with no further delays, here below are photos of the wedding decorations.

The bride and the bridesmaids’ flowers. Colors were very soft and romantic.

Decoration for the tree area.

Tree for the picture area. The florist really did a great job!

The reception area. All the lanterns were hung about 1 hour before the ceremony starts.

About 30 min before the ceremony, we passed guests flower cones so they can throw at the bride and groom once they become man and wife. A few days before, the bride, her family and myself made the cones.

The ceremony arch decoration. I loved the flower balls!!!

The sign in table. Caterer was a little late so we didn’t have any linen until about 45 min before the ceremony.

The place cards table. Lily had to place them during the ceremony.

The sand signifying the unity of life between the bride and groom.

The place had to flip into the reception area after the ceremony so all guests mingled on a nearby area for hors d’oeuvres and drinks.

The table setting. Each table had a picture of the bride and groom with “I Love You” in different languages.

The Cake looked amazing and was very yummy.

Lily and I placed the candy bar during the wedding. Each candy had to be in its own vase. We were missing a vase at some point so I had to be creative and run around looking for a vase for the candy.

Khoi and Valerie….Thank you very much for letting me be part of your wedding day from being a bridesmaid to keeping up with my 10,000 emails a day (part of a wedding planner). I wish the both of you many years of happiness and am glad to have you Khoi as my cousin! Now go make babies!!! Love you both!

Venue: Puddingstone Resort San Dimas

Hair and Make-up: Platform Color Style Salon San Dimas

Cake: Givral Bakery

Florals: Cyndie Chu

Catering: Seafood Palace in Stanton

Officiant: Peter Otto

Photography and Videography: Unique Photography