Monday
Adios!
I will no longer be posting to this blog! Please visit www.aftertheengagement.com for my new BLOGSITE!
Wednesday
Post-nuptial depression :: How to deal with Life After the Wedding
I had an email from one of my newlywed brides today with a question I get asked often... Is it normal to feel a little sad {and maybe even cry} after the wedding? I have often had brides ask me this. It is normal, and you might experience this too!
Below is an article I have kept and passed onto brides in these instances, and I thought I would share it here as well, for my clients with upcoming weddings:
The problem may be that after months consumed by wedding preparations and feeling like the center of attention, the sudden shift back to everyday life can be a shock. You put a lot of time and effort into the wedding-planning process, where do you redirect your energy once it's over? Even couples who co-habitate before the wedding will experience changes in feelings.
The answer, is to direct that energy on yourself and your new marriage. Have a date night every week, without fail. Taking time to be with your partner and to think about each other is always important. Always remind yourself of at least two things: the reasons your partner is the right person for you, and that your beloved's annoying little habits aren't going to disappear at "I do."
After the vows, to defeat the postnuptial blues, doctors say, couples should get adequate rest and exercise; communicate your feelings constantly; focus on the benefits of marriage, like having a built-in support system; and start thinking about the future in terms of family or finance. Women should stop thinking of themselves as "the bride" and throw out those wedding magazines, then plan social events for after the honeymoon, so they have other parties to look forward to.
Taken from/summarized from : Postnuptial Depression: What Happens the Day After, Time Magazine
By Jeninne Lee-St. John
Below is an article I have kept and passed onto brides in these instances, and I thought I would share it here as well, for my clients with upcoming weddings:
The problem may be that after months consumed by wedding preparations and feeling like the center of attention, the sudden shift back to everyday life can be a shock. You put a lot of time and effort into the wedding-planning process, where do you redirect your energy once it's over? Even couples who co-habitate before the wedding will experience changes in feelings.
The answer, is to direct that energy on yourself and your new marriage. Have a date night every week, without fail. Taking time to be with your partner and to think about each other is always important. Always remind yourself of at least two things: the reasons your partner is the right person for you, and that your beloved's annoying little habits aren't going to disappear at "I do."
After the vows, to defeat the postnuptial blues, doctors say, couples should get adequate rest and exercise; communicate your feelings constantly; focus on the benefits of marriage, like having a built-in support system; and start thinking about the future in terms of family or finance. Women should stop thinking of themselves as "the bride" and throw out those wedding magazines, then plan social events for after the honeymoon, so they have other parties to look forward to.
Taken from/summarized from : Postnuptial Depression: What Happens the Day After, Time Magazine
By Jeninne Lee-St. John
Monday
Sheryll ♥ Joey :: San Diego Wedding ::
Sheryll + Joey's Recap from SidebySide Video on Vimeo.
Thank you so very much to Side by Side Video
for sharing Sheryll and Joey's wedding highlight video. Once again, I am so jealous that I do not have an amazing video like this from my own wedding! If it agrees with your wedding budget, I always suggest that clients hire an amazing videography team like Side by Side for their Big Day. Be the star of your own movie :)
Claudette ♥ Cory :: Coronado Wedding :: San Diego Wedding
Cory and Claudette came from Arizona to have their San Diego beach destination wedding on February 18, with family and friends coming in from the East Coast and Arizona. Their full intention was to enjoy every bit of "70 degrees and sunny" as was possible. Every time they came to visit me for a planning meeting, it would pour rain or even hail! We always joked that they brought the bad weather with them, but always had hope that the wedding day would bring that gorgeous SD sun.
Leading up to the wedding day, the weather reports were not good, and I had a very stressed bride on my hands. We waited until the day before to make sure, and ended up ordering a large tent with no side walls. The bride and groom were worried that it would hinder the view and make their "beach wedding" an "indoor wedding". Up until the point she walked down the aisle, the bride was a little disappointed because not only did it rain, it POURED and was windy. As soon as she saw her groom, though, it all disappeared. This was one of the most fun weddings ever, and I think the pictures prove that you don't have to have perfect weather to have a perfect day!
Claudette and Cory had the most beautiful flowers from my fave, Sally at Exquisite Blooms. Dusty pinks, understated blues, and champagne completed the color palette and looked amazing in the candlelit room. Sweet Cheeks Baking Company provided the yummy cake and Viennese table filled with mini desserts like canoli and tiramisu! Loved working with all these amazing pros!!!
Photography- Dapper Images
Hair and Makeup- Gerine Coronado
Ceremony- Coronado Ferry Landing Park
Reception- Candelas on the Bay
DJ- Bill Calhoun
Flowers- Exquisite Blooms
Paperie- Fresh Invitation Studio
Cake and dessert buffet- Sweet Cheeks
Rentals and tent- Platinum Party Rentals
Officiant- Pastor Mike
Tuesday
Under construction
Greetings all! I am currently making some changes to my logo, blog and website {www.aftertheengagement.com}, so please excuse any "dust" during this time!
Cheers,
Courtney
Cheers,
Courtney
Wednesday
:: Riviera Palm Springs :: An amazing destination!
I recently had the extreme pleasure of visiting and being hosted overnight at the Riviera Resort and Spa in Palm Springs, and it was... magnificent! The first thing that is evident from the moment you walk in is that these folks pay attention to detail. Their lobby is very modern and inviting, with breathtaking decor and scenery, and wonderful orange and white floor to ceiling lighting designs.
The entire hotel has amazing lighting. At every turn, there is some creative wall lighting structure, chandelier, sconce, or art piece.
Being that this was our very first time to Palm Springs, we weren't sure what to expect. I just love this town, and I must expand my business to include some Palm Springs weddings and events!
The hotel made us feel like we were in the Rat Pack days with the citrus trees and old "motel" design mixed with modern elegance and good old-fashioned customer service. It's been a long time since we went someplace and were greeted by EVERY employee we passed.
Lynette Fox is the Catering Manager at the Riviera, and she gave me the grand tour of the place, as well as set up our guest room, lunch, drinks, and more. She was extremely hospitable and took the time to point out not only the wedding venues they offer, but the history of each spot in the hotel. And what a history it is!
If you are looking for a wedding venue in Palm Springs, the Riviera is one place you simply must check out. Great food, great customer service, and beautiful event spaces in a fun resort town? Sounds like the perfect party!
I also think the resort would make a superb venue for bachelor/ette parties and bridesmaid getaways to the spa, or even a honeymoon- their guests room are spacious and decorated in a fun retro theme. Plus, they are a short drive or walk from downtown Palm Springs where there are some great bars and nightlife. This place is a must-visit, and I am happy to recommend it to all my clients.
Call Lynette Fox at 760.861.0120 for more information- this resort will NOT disappoint. Click here for the website and take a peek at this lovely place!
Kristina ♥ Jon :: La Jolla Wedding :: La Valencia Wedding
Kristina and Jon's wedding was my first of 2011, on January 8th, at La Valencia. The wedding was so much fun, it just proved to me how wonderful this whole year is going to be!
I could not have asked for better clients this time around. From the first consultation and meeting with Kristina and her Mom, Bianca, we just clicked {I love when that happens!}. The style of the wedding was just what I love too- fun and traditional, with a touch of the unexpected- in this case, some black and red, platform heels, and polka dots.
La Valencia is always a great place to work, and this time was no exception. Their small boutique hotel on Prospect Street provides the perfect space for an intimate and classy La Jolla wedding.
Kenny Grill did an amazing job capturing the love and excitement of the whole day, from getting ready, to the end of the reception.
Huge thanks to the amazing vendors from this one!
Venue: La Valencia Hotel
DJ and lighting: Mike Hogan
Photographer: Kenny and Brianna Grill
Flowers: Hannah, Modern Bouquet
Chair covers and sashes: Diana, Duchess of Chairs
Sunday
Winter Bridal Inspiration ♥
Another amazing inspiration shoot! We had so much fun at the Temecula Farmhouse with this Winter-inspired bridal shoot. Our two bridal looks this time around were Ice Princess and Snow Bunny, and we wanted to carry the looks from hair and makeup through jewelry and flowers. Special thanks to the models, Ali and Brandy!
Photography: Dapper Images
Flowers: Exquisite Blooms
Custom Jewelry: b.mookie
Hair and Makeup: Gerine Coronado
Styling and coordination: Me!
The Temecula Farmhouse is gorgeous and fun, and available for all types of events.
Thanks so much to all who participated!!! Each of the vendors involved are fun, relaxed, creative, and can make any of your wedding ideas come alive.
Monday
♥ Happy Happy 2011 ♥
2010 really treated me well. I completed many amazing weddings, and met great vendors, great couples, and great families. As this year came to a close, I reflected on this and felt SO blessed. How lucky am I to be a part of all these special days? How great is it that I get to be completely responsible for my own business?!? I never dreamed this is where I would end up, but I wouldn't trade it for the WORLD.
I gave myself a really hard task recently. To end (or shall I say, BEGIN) the year with a post containing my FIVE FAVORITE photos from my 2010 weddings. Apparently I'm crazy because this was really hard. I mean really, really ridiculously hard. I saw hundreds of photos this year from some of the most amazing photographers San Diego has to offer. What makes it more hard is that I am still missing some photos from 2010 weddings that I am sure are amazing too! But without further blabbering, below are my Top 5 Favorite Images from 2010 Weddings!
#1
This one was actually an easy one for me. From the moment I saw this picture, I just fell in LOVE with it! In fact, it now sits in prime real estate on my home page of my website, and soon, my new office. Not only is this just a rad image, it perfectly fits the feelings of that day. Carmele and Matt's wedding was just SO much fun with great vendors like Bill Calhoun and Exquisite Blooms, happy guests, and the most awesome, in-love couple. To me, this picture symbolized my 2010 wedding season- Fun and FABULOUS! Thanks so much to Nathaniel Kam for this picture, and for being all around cool.
#2
Where is number 2? Oh, I can't decide! So, below, are #2-#5 or #7 or #8 in no particular order! I can do that, right?
This was another image I immediately fell in love with. So simple, yet so perfect! I love the flowy ribbon with the sandy backdrop. Thanks so much to Reams Photo for this beautiful photo from M and G's wedding day in August, and again, to Sally from Exquisite Blooms for the beautiful florals.
Another one from Paul and Amy Reams from Reams Photo! I think I have looked at the photos from Shin and Ben's wedding maybe 15 times. They are so fantastic! I was so lucky to work with Paul and Amy twice this season :)
I'm a sucker for black and white photos and this one takes the cake! This was during a "First Look" moment (don't know what a First Look is? Look here!) before Ali and Nolan's September wedding. SO special and so emotional! I had always been a fan of waiting until the ceremony to see each other, until I saw images like these- this picture is so intimate and beautiful. Thank you to Melissa from Melissa McClure Photography for this one. And a special shout out for officially being the quickest photog to get me images from our weddings together, and always a plethora of choices!
I love this dipping first dance photo from Susan and Tony's October wedding at MCRD Bayview Restaurant! It's almost like it was choreographed, its just that gorgeous. Sean Walker did such a great job at this wedding- I love all the photos!
Looking at this picture from Kim and Mike's October wedding just makes me happy. This wedding was another favorite from this year- small seaside wedding for just about 50 guests= perfection! Thanks to Acres of Hope Photography for sharing! Again, I shared the day with Bill Calhoun and Exquisite Blooms!
Did I say 5 favorites? Oops!
Another fun one!
Laura and Eric's beautiful bash at the Coronado Community Center! So cute of the bride, groom, and Mother of the Bride!
It was SO fantastic working with Erin and Louis Palos of Palos Studio
One of my very best besties was married this year, too! I couldn't resist adding this image from their reception at Old Poway Park- LOVE IT! Beki from Beki Dawn Photography did such a killer job capturing their big day.
This one isn't even from a wedding, but rather, a recent photo shoot! I die for this picture, it is so gorgeous!!! More pictures are coming from this shoot that I styled.
Hair/Makeup: Beauty by Gerine
Flowers: Exquisite Blooms
Jewelry Design: B. Mookie
Model: Brandi Folts
Thank you thank you thank you to Yasmine and Deshun of Dapper Images ! You guys are amazing and I can't wait to work with you again on Claudette and Cory's wedding in February.
Oops, I lost count. That's all for now, folks. I will be honest, the "top 5" photos is still growing. Maybe a series of blog posts just called "Images from 2010 I love" is in order??? LOL!
I gave myself a really hard task recently. To end (or shall I say, BEGIN) the year with a post containing my FIVE FAVORITE photos from my 2010 weddings. Apparently I'm crazy because this was really hard. I mean really, really ridiculously hard. I saw hundreds of photos this year from some of the most amazing photographers San Diego has to offer. What makes it more hard is that I am still missing some photos from 2010 weddings that I am sure are amazing too! But without further blabbering, below are my Top 5 Favorite Images from 2010 Weddings!
#1
This one was actually an easy one for me. From the moment I saw this picture, I just fell in LOVE with it! In fact, it now sits in prime real estate on my home page of my website, and soon, my new office. Not only is this just a rad image, it perfectly fits the feelings of that day. Carmele and Matt's wedding was just SO much fun with great vendors like Bill Calhoun and Exquisite Blooms, happy guests, and the most awesome, in-love couple. To me, this picture symbolized my 2010 wedding season- Fun and FABULOUS! Thanks so much to Nathaniel Kam for this picture, and for being all around cool.
#2
Where is number 2? Oh, I can't decide! So, below, are #2-#5 or #7 or #8 in no particular order! I can do that, right?
This was another image I immediately fell in love with. So simple, yet so perfect! I love the flowy ribbon with the sandy backdrop. Thanks so much to Reams Photo for this beautiful photo from M and G's wedding day in August, and again, to Sally from Exquisite Blooms for the beautiful florals.
Another one from Paul and Amy Reams from Reams Photo! I think I have looked at the photos from Shin and Ben's wedding maybe 15 times. They are so fantastic! I was so lucky to work with Paul and Amy twice this season :)
I'm a sucker for black and white photos and this one takes the cake! This was during a "First Look" moment (don't know what a First Look is? Look here!) before Ali and Nolan's September wedding. SO special and so emotional! I had always been a fan of waiting until the ceremony to see each other, until I saw images like these- this picture is so intimate and beautiful. Thank you to Melissa from Melissa McClure Photography for this one. And a special shout out for officially being the quickest photog to get me images from our weddings together, and always a plethora of choices!
I love this dipping first dance photo from Susan and Tony's October wedding at MCRD Bayview Restaurant! It's almost like it was choreographed, its just that gorgeous. Sean Walker did such a great job at this wedding- I love all the photos!
Looking at this picture from Kim and Mike's October wedding just makes me happy. This wedding was another favorite from this year- small seaside wedding for just about 50 guests= perfection! Thanks to Acres of Hope Photography for sharing! Again, I shared the day with Bill Calhoun and Exquisite Blooms!
Did I say 5 favorites? Oops!
Another fun one!
Laura and Eric's beautiful bash at the Coronado Community Center! So cute of the bride, groom, and Mother of the Bride!
It was SO fantastic working with Erin and Louis Palos of Palos Studio
One of my very best besties was married this year, too! I couldn't resist adding this image from their reception at Old Poway Park- LOVE IT! Beki from Beki Dawn Photography did such a killer job capturing their big day.
This one isn't even from a wedding, but rather, a recent photo shoot! I die for this picture, it is so gorgeous!!! More pictures are coming from this shoot that I styled.
Hair/Makeup: Beauty by Gerine
Flowers: Exquisite Blooms
Jewelry Design: B. Mookie
Model: Brandi Folts
Thank you thank you thank you to Yasmine and Deshun of Dapper Images ! You guys are amazing and I can't wait to work with you again on Claudette and Cory's wedding in February.
Oops, I lost count. That's all for now, folks. I will be honest, the "top 5" photos is still growing. Maybe a series of blog posts just called "Images from 2010 I love" is in order??? LOL!
Wednesday
Ali ♥ Nolan :: San Diego Wedding :: Marston House Gardens Wedding
Ali and Nolan's wedding was awesome! They are such a fun and laid-back couple, and I really enjoyed working with them AND their kids. This was my first time doing a wedding at either the Marston House Gardens or The Butcher Shop and I can say that both were excellent. The garden was a very serene spot situated in Balboa Park, and Mike and his team at The Butcher Shop made everything run very smoothly. Plus, the food was yummy!
Huge thanks to Melissa McClure for providing these photos- they are just gorgeous... it actually took me quite awhile to whittle down my favorites to an amount appropriate for a blog post. The black and white one {of Ali and Nolan's First Look} is easily one of my favorite photos of the season! So full of emotion, I just love it. I think it makes a good case for having a First Look.
If you have not yet seen their wedding video from Murasaki Media, check it out!
More thanks to the wonderful vendors below:
Ceremony Location: Marston House Gardens
Reception Location: The Butcher Shop
Photographer: Melissa McClure Photography
Assistant: Beki Andreasen
Florist: Lotus Flowers by Thomas
Makeup: Ashley Lowe with AC Makeup
Hair: Mish Mucho
Cake: Sumi’s Oven
Videographer: Murasaki Media
DJ: Dandy DJ
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