January 16, 2012 – 10:42 pm
The popularity of candy bars has every bride asking for apothecary jars filled with miniature snicker bars and color-coordinated jelly bellies. I empathize with bride’s enthusiasm as I designed my first candy bar with the help of Dylan’s Candy Bar at Nas and Kelis’ 2005 nuptials. Lauren Dylan created custom chocolate molds of music inspired that included musical notes, miniature microphones and CD’s. In addition, she brought in white chocolate and milk chocolate fountains along with a few classic childhood favorites consisting of milk chocolate and almond candy bars, chocolate kisses and yes personalized M&M’s. As I’ve watched this trend grow in popularity and become more conventional, I have been eagerly anticipating its next incarnation.
December 31, 2011 – 4:11 pm
This year has passed faster than any other year in my career. Maybe it was because I traveled more this year than any previous years or maybe it was because I finally reached the goal of hosting my own show? I’m not sure but I’m absolutely certain that I worked harder this year with more focus and tenacity than ever before. I once believed that success meant conquering some far off goal or arriving at a magical destination. However, this year has taught me that success lies only in the journey of living my dreams and what a journey it has been. From the very early morning call times to the hysterical crying spells I experienced some morning while riding to the set of I Do Over to traveling the world with my husband and daughter because I begged them to experience every moment with me…this is called enjoying the journey. The time has come for me to review the goals I set for last year and identify new goals for the coming year but it would be blasphemous not to acknowledge all the good works that God has completed in my life and my immense gratitude. So as this year ends, I share with you my most memorable moments of 2011 with hopes that you may catch a glimpse of yourself inside my journey because I believe that we are all more alike than not -different paths but all taking the same ride!
December 26, 2011 – 11:32 pm
I first met Mike Colon when he photographed Usher’s wedding for me a few years ago. After reaching out to the ‘one and only’ Joe Buissink and discovering his unavailability, he told me that Mike was at the top of his recommendation list and that was good enough for me. I confirmed Mike at about 2:30am on the morning of the wedding and told him he had to make a 6:30am flight in order to arrive on time. After a hectic morning, he arrived calm, cool, reassuring and ready to go to work. However, my lasting memories are the spirit of the man that showed up to shoot this critically important client. Now with years of friendship under our belt, I am still in awe and impressed with his inner man. I know that his personal conviction and acknowledgement of his enormous responsibility will never allow him to show up in the wrong state of mind. You see, his gifts and his calling outweighs whatever may be in disarray in his private world. Mike Colon wears his heart on his sleeve and shoots from the soul – a quality that is admirable but also scarce. Mike shot 4 of the 6 episodes of I Do Over and blessed our couples with incredible memories. With this year coming to an end, I’ve finally been able to slow down a bit and had a chance to chat with Mike discuss some of the qualities that can only be found in a person whose life is called for greatness!
December 19, 2011 – 1:02 am
Tracey and Jason Carstensen shared such a precious love story. Since a near death disaster ruined their first wedding, these two knew immediately into their marriage just how important it was to love each other to the fullest with every day that they shared together. Their genuine love for each other made me want to work so much harder to ensure that their ‘Do Over’ was everything they dreamed and so much more. They were passionate and emotional and inspired me to realize that ‘today’ is all we have. I learned so much from them and the greatest lesson was that we all have imperfect hearts but our blessings lie in our ability to find the imperfect perfect heart that loves us just as much as we love them!
December 16, 2011 – 1:46 am
Rrivre Davies and I have been friends and colleagues for years. We have worked hand in hand on events both in Southern California and around the world. One of the qualities that keeps me coming back – other than his expansive inventory of décor and furnishings is his attitude. He is pleasant, gracious, humble and a joy to work with. In our industry, talent seems to lead the reputation of the leaders in our industry but I prefer to allow the inner man to lead my choice in collaborations and Rrivre remains at the top of my list. For the Carstensen’s episode, I needed lots of great, clean, modern furnishings as well as a special element that would help to remind them of the special heart that brought them together and I knew that only Rrive had just what I needed. With the Carstensen’s episode airing this Sunday night, I sat down with Rrivre to dig a little deeper and to give you all a glimpse of the man behind some of the biggest Hollywood mega-weddings!
