Happy 1 Year Anniversary Anh and Dung!

Kelly Duprat — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:49:29 +0000

Happy 1 Year Anniversary Anh and Dung!!

I’m so happy I can call you guys my friends now

Wishing you many more years to come and lots of traveling ahead of you!

Our Wedding 9.10.11 – Part 2

Kelly Duprat — Fri, 18 May 2012 18:53:29 +0000

Welcome back everyone to Part 2 of our wedding. Let’s jump right into it!

First I have to say I am so glad I had a meeting with the bridal party the night before to go over the packed timeline. The guys knew they had a little bit of time before meeting us girls at the reception and get into the limo for the bridal party portraits, so they took that opportunity to drive to the tuxedo warehouse in Anaheim to remedy the tuxedo fiasco.

Early that morning, I was very worried because it was raining and wondered if we would be able to take pictures as planned. Thankfully, the skies cleared right on time for us to take beautiful photos at a magnificent location.

Renrick, the coordinator, photographers and videographers headed out first to Mission at San Juan Capistrano for some groom’s portraits.

I posted so many pictures of myself in Part 1, it’s only fair that I post a few of my husband in Part 2 right?

Of course I pinned the boutonniere…who else?

The next 2 photos are probably my favorites of Renrick’s. Handsome, smiling and excited to see me?

We decided to do a First Look simply because I am all for it! Some might think it takes away from the emotion of the ceremony but it really doesn’t. The feelings are completely different since it is more intimate between the bride and groom instead of sharing it with everyone else around at the ceremony.

Setting up for the perfect shot for the First Look. I was so excited to see his expression!

I looked down a lot because I was trying not to trip on my dress. It kept falling on each side since I lost even more weight 2 days before the wedding!

I was trying really hard to hold it in but as soon as he held me, the water works just started flowing. Although I was very conscious that my makeup might be running

Tissue anyone??

After all of the emotions, it was time for some portraits with the bridal party.

Our beautiful bridesmaids!!!

My Maid of Honor and friend…

My cousin…

My sister…

My cousin…

My friend…

Our handsome groomsmen!!!

Renrick’s Best Man and brother…

Renrick’s cousins…

Renrick’s friends…

My brother…

Our turn!!!

This might look like an easy pose but it was actually a bit difficult to lean back for me especially with the heavy dress.

Alumiq had a little bit of fun with us for the same day edit.

One of my favorites!

Having some fun with each of my girls.

Now the guys’ turn to have some fun.

Siblings love…and my brother the comedian.

I’ve always loved veiled shots so requested to have a few

Paparazzi

Some silhouette shots…

The Mission at San Juan Capistrano is such an amazing and beautiful location. We wanted to hit all the spots for photos as much as possible.

I absolutely L.O.V.E this spot! It reminds me of Europe, which seemed very appropriate for me

Taking instructions from Anthony of Alumiq. Obviously, it took a while because some of us couldn’t figure out their right from their left. It was super fun!

Being silly with the boys…

Now it is time for Renrick and the girls to show what they have!

More photos of the girls and me. Sorry but the wedding day is more for the bride than the groom…I’m just being honest

A few more photos of Renrick and I before wrapping the shoot!

So happy how all the colors complemented each other….Good job to me!

And it’s a wrap!!! Heading to the church to make it official in the eyes of God!

TO BE CONTINUED….

The wedding wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing team of vendors. This is probably the longest list of vendors ever! I just want to make sure everyone gets the credit that they deserve

Ceremony: St. Callistus Catholic Church

Reception: Mon Cheri Restaurant

Florals: Cyndie Style

Videography: Alumiq Production

Photography: Thao Vu Photography

Photobooth: Instant Party Pix

DJ: DJZ Productions

Cake: Intricakes

Bride Hair & Makeup: Katie B

Bridesmaids Hair & Makeup: Anha Does Makeup

Mother of the bride hair and makeup: Gordon Banh

Ao Dai: Silk Image

Bride custom 3rd dress: Bride Culture

Transportation: American Parking & Limousine Services

Invitation, program, menu, table number: Beautiful & Creative Weddings

Photo album, sign-in scroll, crystal cube: Unique Photography

Monogram Lighting: AVM Entertainment

Chocolate Fountain: Chocolate Fountain 4 You

Cream puffs: Sweet Nothings

Wedding Coordinator: Christine Luong

Happy 1 Year Anniversary Wendy and Brandon!

Kelly Duprat — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:50:33 +0000

Happy 1 Year Anniversary Brandon and Wendy!!!

Wishing you many many more to come! Have a fantastic time celebrating it today!

Love always! Kelly

Our Wedding 9.10.11 – Part 1

Kelly Duprat — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:00:42 +0000

Many of you have been waiting patiently for me to blog about our own wedding. It took me about 7 months but as wedding planner I wanted to make sure I blogged about all of 2011 weddings before I jumped into our own. It took the hubby and I a very long time to go over 4000+ photos and pick the best ones. Since there are so many photos (we cut down to ~2000), I will break our wedding down to 4 separate blogs – Part1: Getting ready, Part 2: Bridal party photos, Part 3: Ceremony and Part 4: Reception. These blogs will be quite long since each of them will be pretty detailed.

Obviously, I couldn’t let go of being in control even on my own wedding day so you will see how a wedding planner behaves as a bride. To tell you the truth, I had to gather myself before blogging on our wedding because I was so focus on things getting done that day that there are parts I don’t remember much. Thank God for photos and video!

*All photos courtesy of Thao Vu Photography*

Since hair and makeup for the bridesmaids started at 7am, I woke up bright and early at about 6:30am to support them and making sure they arrive on time. With all the anticipation bubbling inside of me, I had a hard time sleeping the night before anyway.

This was our gift to the groomsmen.

They were to switch into them at the reception.

We also presented them with these socks to wear with their dress shoes.

I spent almost 2 months hand sticking these pocket squares for the groom and each of the groomsmen.

One and half year of planning, savings and stress and the day has finally come.

While the men were probably still sleeping, I had hair and makeup extraordinaire Katie B working on me. Honestly, I wouldn’t have trusted anyone else but Katie to beautify me on my special day

I was constantly on my phone either updating my Facebook status, texting my coordinator to buy umbrellas (because it was raining that morning) or making sure each of my bridesmaid arrives on time for their hair and makeup schedule.

Katie B tools.

Katie and I get along very well since I coordinated her wedding the previous year.

My pretty hairpiece purchased from Etsy.

That’s right! No one messes with me on my wedding day.

I went a bit overboard with my own custom hangers. I had 3…1 for each dress!

The boys getting ready. Pay attention to Renrick’s suit color…of course it wouldn’t be a wedding without a little crisis. I will go into detail a bit later.

I think this is the moment when Renrick found out about the suit crisis. Apparently, 1 of the groomsman suit color didn’t match everyone else’s. His suit was a lighter grey! They decided to switch suit while trying to call the tuxedo place to resolve it. In the end, it worked out for me because I’ve wanted Renrick to wear a light grey suit to begin with while the groomsmen were to be in the dark grey.

Tools that Anha Does Makeup used on the bridesmaids.

I love my bridesmaids for being so cheerful and waking up early to get ready for our wedding. I think somehow they were a bit afraid of me because of how controlling I get. When they were done with their hair and makeup, each of them came to me for approval. I gave them each a hairpiece to match mine also.

There’s not much privacy while getting ready. Look at all these people in the room while I was getting hair and makeup.

All done by the talented Katie B! I loved the end result!

I couldn’t wait to see Renrick’s reaction when he sees me all dolled up!

And here is Katie’s amazing before and after!

Because we were having a same day edit that night, Alumiq Productions made us act a little here and there.

The bridesmaids dresses…each with their own personalized hanger.

My Badgley Mischka wedding shoes

My Ao Dai.

The girls were so apprehensive telling me about the suit situation. They were scared I would freak out but I was actually very calm and told them to bring me his pants so I can steam and fix the hem. You can tell I was in my wedding planner mode bubble…

Then I had to have 1 of the girls cover Renrick’s eyes while I fixed the hem on his pants.

After the crisis was averted, the guys went back to getting ready.

I was so preoccupied and in my own zone that I didn’t even get to read Renrick’s card to me.

Some deep thinking Mr. was doing right there.

Each groomsman came into my room so I can pin their boutonnieres. As for Renrick’s, I had 1 of the guys wear his jacket so I can pin his boutonniere

My husband and my brother.

With all the commotion, Renrick completely forgot to wear the cufflinks I got him.

Here are the cufflinks he was supposed to wear. I wished these were captured on camera

Renrick’s interview to go on the same day edit.

Stay tuned for Part 4 of our wedding blog, I will put a link to our same day edit for your enjoyment!

I told Tammy, my bridesmaid, to use safety pins on the pocket squares so they can stay in place.

My custom 3rd dress!

All of our shoes! Well…of course I had 2 pairs!

Finally!! My wedding gown by Maggie Sottero style Jenna.

I have to apologize in advance. There were so many great shots of the dress, I can’t pick just a couple so I’m going to post all them!

In LOVE with the ruffles and layers!

The girls putting their finishing touches before helping me in my gown. I gave them each a jewelry set of pearls with their birthstone.

Trying to stay standing while they tie me in the back.

I was really excited to finally be in my wedding gown.

This is my Zen face…thinking what needs to be done next.

A little more acting…I was supposed to cry or at least have tears in my eyes. Major fail!

Almost done!

It takes an army of bridesmaids to get you ready! That’s why I had 6 of them!

You can tell who has been a bridesmaid before and who hasn’t…

Let’s make the dress even puffier!

Alright ladies..up next, let’s put the jewelries on.

The necklace and earrings were custom designed on Etsy to look similar to my engagement ring.

The last touch before some close up shots.

I just adore my bouquet with the vibrant purple colors!

Felling like a princess in this long train…

And then, we were off to San Juan Capistrano for bridal photo shoot…

TO BE CONTINUED….

The wedding wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing team of vendors. This is probably the longest list of vendors ever! I just want to make sure everyone gets the credit that they deserve

Ceremony: St. Callistus Catholic Church

Reception: Mon Cheri Restaurant

Florals: Cyndie Style

Videography: Alumiq Production

Photography: Thao Vu Photography

Photobooth: Instant Party Pix

DJ: DJZ Productions

Cake: Intricakes

Bride Hair & Makeup: Katie B

Bridesmaids Hair & Makeup: Anha Does Makeup

Mother of the bride hair and makeup: Gordon Banh

Ao Dai: Silk Image

Bride custom 3rd dress: Bride Culture

Transportation: American Parking & Limousine Services

Invitation, program, menu, table number: Beautiful & Creative Weddings

Photo album, sign-in scroll, crystal cube: Unique Photography

Monogram Lighting: AVM Entertainment

Chocolate Fountain: Chocolate Fountain 4 You

Cream puffs: Sweet Nothings

Wedding Coordinator: Christine Luong

Rose and Tony’s wedding – 9.17.11

Kelly Duprat — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 15:30:50 +0000

Rose and Tony are such a fun, goofy, loving couple. And I am so glad I was there to coordinate their wedding (even with the little hiccups).

When Rose contacted me to coordinate and help her along the way with her wedding, again I was a bit worried, not because I couldn’t do it but because I knew I would be burnt out 1 week after my own wedding. But that thought quickly left my mind when I met them in person. They were so nice and they even invited me to eat hot pot dinner! I was sold! Besides, Rose and Tony are so mellow and laid-back, it was easy and such a pleasure to work with them.

*All photos courtesy of Thao Vu Photography*

Tony and his mom are so cute!

Tea ceremony at the bride’s parents first.

Introducing the beautiful bride…

Then to the groom’s parents for the tea ceremony.

So much love!

Rose getting ready for the church ceremony.

Timeless!

The priest did a pretty funny homily for Rose and Tony.

After the ceremony, the bridal party traveled to Costa Mesa for some portraits.

You can totally see Rose and Tony goofiness in their portraits. So much fun!

Groom’s boutonniere.

Groomsmen boutonniere.

Who knew there was such a beautiful place in Costa Mesa!

Onto the reception!!

I’m not usually one to complain and I really do get along with all vendors I work with but Seafood Palace 2 was quite difficult to work with. This is the reason why I ALWAYS advise all bride and groom to have EVERYTHING in writing with locations/vendors and not just via conversation.

Asides from the chaos here and there with the location, the most important thing is that Rose and Tony had a good time during their reception.

Beautiful cake from Taylor Cake Creations.

The beautiful bridesmaids!

Rose changed into her ao dai for the table greetings.

Rose’s nephew, Justin, surprised Rose and Tony with a great performance and it was a HIT!

The cake cutting was 1 memorable part of the night. And….I absolutely LOVE Rose’s 3rd dress!

First dance as husband and wife.

The single ladies were so excited for the bouquet toss!

As were the single men for the garter toss!

At the end of the night, Rose surprised Tony with a beautiful piece on the piano.

Rose and Tony!!! Thank you so much for letting me and my team be part of your beautiful wedding day! You guys are so much fun and I wish you both all the happiness in the world and a beautiful future together. Love you both!

A little behind the scene from KDWP team who are always willing to save the day with a smile!

Ceremony: St. Barbara Parish

Reception: Seafood Palace 2

Florals: KC Floral Designs

Videography: 8 Kinds of Smile

Photography: Thao Vu Photography

DJ: DJ Heavy Hits

Cake: Taylor Cake Creations

Dance Floor: Vigen’s Rentals

Bridal hair & Makeup: Duy Ly

Transportation: GTS Charter

Seat Cushions: Elegant Chiavari Chairs Rentals

Assistant Wedding Coordinator: Lily Luong with the help of My-Dzung Hoang, Renrick Hidalgo, Sylvie Huynh and Charles Nguyen.

Vy and Brian’s Wedding 9.4.11

Kelly Duprat — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:54:05 +0000

When Vy and Brian approached me on coordinating their wedding, I was a little bit hesitant because their wedding was 1 week before our wedding. But, seeing how much love they have for each other easily persuaded me on coordinating their special day. Besides, Vy sold me when she said the idea for the wedding is floral vintage and D.I.Y!

*Special thanks to Kim Le Photography for all the photos*

As usual…pinning boutonnieres.

The bride getting ready.

While everyone was still getting and taking bridal party photos, my team and I set up all of the bride D.I.Y for the ceremony.

Old school typewriter…

Their backdrop for guests pictures.

It isn’t vintage if all the old pictures aren’t out!

They had old school games and candies around the area for guests to enjoy. Reminded me of my childhood

Helen from Flowers by Helen did an amazing job on the ceremony floral decorations. I am swooning over all the soft colors!

Love the bouquets!

All the programs and fan are D.I.Y from the bride! So talented!

Bridal Party photos.

Vy wore her ao dai for a few photos. Aren’t she such a beautiful bride?

So much love!

And then it was time for the ceremony as guests arrived.

The ring bearer and the flower girl were too cute!

Brian’s anticipation to see his bride walk down the aisle.

Here comes the bride!

Married!!! Congratulations Mr & Mrs. Alcalde!

During the ceremony, KDWP team set up the drink and food station.

Before heading over to the reception, the bride and groom had a bit of fun in front of their D.I.Y backdrop.

I did not coordinate the reception as Brian and Vy didn’t want to overwhelm me too much 1 week before my own wedding

Furiwa did an awesome job as setting up everything to Brian and Vy’s vision.

The cake and the groom’s cake.

Brian and Vy, thank you so much for including me in your wedding day. It was such a pleasure seeing the love that emanate from the both of you. I wish you all the happiness in the world and I can’t wait to see your family grow. Love, KDWP!

Ceremony: Newland Barn

Ceremony Rentals: Anar Party Rental

Reception: Furiwa

Photobooth: Pixel Photobooth

Florals: Flowers by Helen

Officiant: Christopher Torres

Photography: Kim Le Photography

Assistant Wedding Coordinator: Renrick Hidalgo, Tammy Dang, Sylvie Huynh, Charles Nguyen

Trash The Dress – Anh and Dung

Kelly Duprat — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:00:39 +0000

Remember Anh and Dung, the sweet couple from their wedding back in May? Well, they were kind enough to let me hang with them while they did their Trash The Dress session a couple of months after their wedding. I remember when Anh approached me on the thought of a Trash The Dress and I told her “GO for it!” then she mentioned paint and I was worried getting it off her gown since it is all lace. I can’t believe they went with paint after all…I have to admit, it was really fun and totally worth it! Thanks again to the formidable Peter Tran from Icons Photography for all the colorful photos!

The Props.

Ready to do some damage…

First, a portrait of each other.

Dung’s version of Anh!

Anh’s turn!

Anh and Dung’s artwork!

Now…the FUN begins!

After Anh let go of her fear of ruining her dress…there was no turning back.

The aftermath of it all…

Good Times!!! Hanh of Hanh Nguyen Photography also joined us in this fun Trash the Dress.

L.O.V.E everyone in this picture!

Michelle and Kevin’s Wedding 6.18.11

Kelly Duprat — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 16:00:54 +0000

On the initial consultation, Michelle and I instantly bonded over our love for the color purple and so many other things we have in common! We got along so well on our first meeting that it lasted 3 hours!!! I think we spent about 45 min talking about wedding and the rest of the time, we just chit chatted about random things and became instant friends! I call Michelle my long lost purple sister!!! She is the sweetest, nicest, most lovable person ever! I didn’t get to meet Kevin on the initial meeting but I knew that he must be a sweetheart since Michelle was so lovable and easy to talk to. Over the course of the year, Michelle and I were constantly keeping in touch about the wedding and our everyday life. We even had a double date a month or so before their wedding! We felt so special when they invited Renrick and I to their rehearsal dinner after I conducted the rehearsal! I am so glad that I was part of their special, loving, memorable wedding and meeting all of their nice and welcoming family members. They really made me feel like I was part of the family and not just the coordinator. I am so thankful to call Michelle and Kevin my friends and to see their family blossom in the future.

I had the honor to work with the incomparable Henry Chen Photography on Michelle and Kevin’s wedding. I have been an avid follower of a handful of photographers and Henry was 1 of the top photographers I followed since even before I became a wedding planner. I was a bit nervous working with him at first but he is the kindest, sweetest person ever! I am truly blessed working with such amazing vendors. I am slowly but surely crossing off names on my list of “Vendors I would LOVE to work with”

All photos courtesy of Henry Chen Photography.

I headed first to the hotel to meet Kevin and his groomsmen to make sure everything was OK.

Kevin’s suit was custom-made in China! Love the shiny-ness!

A little gift to Kevin from his wife to be!

Love this part! The guys were all viewing a YouTube video on how to tie a tie

Meanwhile, the ladies were getting all dolled up…

The Bride!!!

Isn’t Michelle the cutest???

A mother/daughter moment….I can’t believe how young Michelle’s mom look! They look like they could be sisters!

While all the bridal party was still getting ready, KDWP headed to the Bowers Museum for the ceremony setup.

It was such a beautiful June day.

Before picture of the ceremony site….

During setup….Cards are all D.I.Y from the bride!

KDWP D.I.Y!

The end result of the ceremony site!!!

THE gown!

Michelle’s shoes were her something blue.

There were too many good ring shots! I Couldn’t pick just 1 so I’m putting them all!

The ring box/pillow is D.I.Y from the Bride!

The Bridesmaids putting the final finishing touches on the Bride before the first look.

A little one on one with the Matron of Honor.

Love these next First Look sequence!

Henry Chen Photography was able to squeeze a few portraits of Michelle and Kevin before the ceremony.

I really like Michelle’s cascading bouquet…there’s like an old-schooled feel to it.

Reflection shot…my favorite!

Soooooo ROMANTIC!!!

I had to resolve a little crisis before the ceremony starts. The florist forgot to leave the 2 stem of roses for the mothers so, I had to ~~pick~~ borrow some roses from the museum garden to avoid disaster. I was instructing the boys how to hold the rose without touching the thorns.

And…it all worked out! Pffuuiiii…

Michelle and her father before walking down. Yes, that’s her father! Can you believe it? I totally thought he was her brother when I first met him!

Here comes the beautiful bride!

The look of love and anticipation!

Michelle had a male attendant as part of her bridesmaids and Kevin had a female attendant as part of his groomsmen! This was so cool and modern!

So much tears of joy for the happy couple!

Married Mr. & Mrs. Jones!!!

A few more formal portraits before KDWP heads to the reception.

Reception setup.

Sweetheart table.

More Details!

Yup! Michelle and Kevin are both Doctors! Couple of Smarties

I have to say that the food at S Fine Dining is really good!

The Cake!!!

Time for the reception to start!

Grand Entrance!

The speeches brought tears and laughter to the sweet couple.

Kevin made a small speech in Vietnamese. He was really good! The whole room cheered for him!

Traditional round of tables with Vietnamese Ao Dai.

While the couple was greeting tables, KDWP was setting up the dessert station!

All cake stands are D.I.Y by the talented bride!

Michelle and Kevin’s first dance as husband and wife.

Father Daughter dance.

Mother Son Dance. The look on Michelle’s face is so touching and genuine.

Cake Cutting!

The night ended on a high note with all the guests partying until the wee hours.

Michelle and Kevin! Thank you so much for having me be part of your wedding and making me feel like family! I am so happy for the both of you and so excited that I can call you my friends. You truly are 2 of the best people that I have had the pleasure to meet. I wish you both many many years of happiness and unconditional love for each other. Love – Kelly.

KDWP having some fun!

Annh and I manning the guests seating assignment table.

Henry’s assistant, Jove from Jovanni Photography and I posing for Henry’s test lighting before guests entered.

Good times!

Ceremony: Bowers Museum

Reception: S Fine Dining

Hair and Makeup: Le Brian Salon

Cake: Final Touch Bakery

Florals: KC Floral Designs

Officiant: Reverend Ken

Photography: Henry Chen Photography

Assistant Wedding Coordinator: Annh Vo and Elise Tang

Happy 1 Year Anniversary Vivian and Kenny!

Kelly Duprat — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 15:45:17 +0000

Happy Anniversary Vivian and Kenny!!!

I wish you many many more years of celebration together and with the little one coming soon! I am so happy for the two of you !

I’m glad to call you my friends. Kenny must be one of the most romantic guy that I know! Enjoy and celebrate!

Happy 1 Year Anniversary Katie B and Shaun B!

Kelly Duprat — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 14:45:44 +0000

Happy 1 year anniversary Mr. & Mrs. B! I can’t believe 1 year has gone by so fast and now, you are celebrating your anniversary with little B! How precious!

I am so glad and thankful to call both of you my friends. I wish the both of you many many more years of happiness and with many more little Bs! Love you!