20 Must-Haves for the Big Day

While hoping that everything will go as planned, a bride can sometimes get a little nervous for her big day.  However, like anything else in life, it’s important to be prepared for any situation that could unexpectedly arise.  Before I started my internship with Seasons of Life Events, I never really thought about carrying emergency items with me for the bridal party.  Then I realized that brides don’t often have pockets in their dresses, nor do they have the time to be worrying about carrying emergency items.  Not to worry, we’ve got you covered! 

Here are some great essentials that you can include in your mini emergency kit, just like the wedding coordinators of Season of Life Events do, whether you choose to do it yourself or purchase your own…

20 Must-Haves for the Big Day

 Hairspray

 Clear nail polish

 Nail polish remover

 Emery board

 Earring backs

 Clear elastics

 Sewing kit

 Double-sided tape

 Stain remover

 Pain reliever

Tampons

Deodorant towelette

 Breath freshener

 Dental floss

 Adhesive bandages

 Facial tissue

 Blotting tissues

 Bobby pins

 Antacid

 Extra costume wedding bands

If you don’t have time to look for these items, emergency kits are available for all occasions including weddings.  All of these items come in a cute little stress-reliever that can fit in the palm of your hand, whether you prefer silver, gold, aquamarine or pink.  These little kits also make great bridal party gifts as well!

Find here

With Love,

Tracyn

Eco-Beautiful Weddings Magazine Shoot

This photo shoot was a collaboration with Brenda of Best Wedding Sites and Brenda's Wedding Blog, now an online e-zine. We started with the idea of using the color lime and were challenged to come up with an eco-friendly bridal luncheon table.

I came up with the idea of a garden-to-table theme. Lemon leaves, succulents, limes and potted plants created not only an eco-friendly, but a cost-effective, budget-friendly table top design. Potted herbs wrapped in unbleached cotton muslin and tied with twine also doubled as guest favors. I found the yellow retro dishes at a thrift store, and the napkin holders were made out of pages of old bridal magazines. Photographer Kricia Morris not only took some amazing photos, but as a former caterer, created a delicious spread – perfect for a lunch party

We had a wonderful time designing this event, and are excited to share that this shoot was featured in the premier issue of Eco-Beautiful Weddings magazine.

Sunset Ranch- Rustic Elegance Unbridled

I was asked to design and coordinate the launch of Sunset Ranch as an event venue. My first task was to come up with a theme, and from there the overall layout, design and color scape for the event. After drafting several options I came up with the theme of “Rustic Elegance Unbridled”.

Based on the inspiration of a photo of a flower I found online, I choose an ivory, soft blush and plum color palette. I wanted to embrace that fact that the venue is a ranch, but showcase it in an elegant way.

Cocktail tables were draped with luxurious plum satin linens and unexpectedly sashed with rope. The barn is an amazing space and I wanted to show how an elegant and sophisticated reception could coexist with the rough bones of the barn. It's the unexpected that catches guests in an "awe" moment and leaves an impression on them.

Working with extraordinary professionals like Shilhi of Passion Roots and Kristin of A Cake Life, was a pleasure as we married our thoughts and ideas for a truly inspirational design. I love how Shilhi thought that adding the frothy chair covers would mimic a horse tail that grazed in the pasture below, and how she honored the hard work that goes into farming, and the “fruits of their labor” by using grapes and plums in the centerpieces.

The privately owned ranch has recently opened the property up for weddings and other events. I especially love that there are so many different venues (both outdoor and indoor) and there are gorgeous views everywhere.

Vendors:

Venue: Sunset Ranch

Floral and Event Styling: Passion Roots

Cake: A Cake Life

Rentals: REA

Pacific Party Rentals

Tent: Hawaii Tents and Events

Photography: What a Day Photography

Kelsey and Evan-Loulu Palm Estate

I started working with Kelsey and Evan almost a year before their wedding. Because they live on the East Coast most of our planning took place by email and phone other then a brief trip to Oahu by Kelsey. It was so rewarding to see everything come together on their wedding day. Rachel Robertson captured their wedding beautifully.


Gorgeous flowers by Passion Roots.A brief afternoon shower is normal on the North Shore. It somehow always seems to drizzle when dinner has begun and everyone is safe and dry under the tent. My team was prepared with towels to dry off the dance floor just in time for Kelsey and Evan to have their first dance.
The benefits of a little drizzle is quite often a stunning rainbow!The party continued into the night. Guests were treated to a whole suckling pig, Polynesian dancers and every sweet tooth was satisfied with cupcakes, shave ice and a chocolate fountain.

A few sweet words from Kelsey... "Karine was enthusiastic, organized and supportive from the day I hired her. She always made me feel like my wedding was just as important to her as it was to me.
From a styling background, I can honestly say that Karine has an eye for design. She was able to assist me with additional details, resources and new ideas of inspiration.
I can truly say that my wedding day was PERFECT! Everything from the tent design, to the table settings, and the coordination of events, were perfect."

love.joy.laughter

Stress Free Wedding Day-Getting Ready Tips

Even the most laid-back brides can feel a little anxious as they get ready on their wedding day. I’ve put together a few simple tips to help you stay calm as you prepare to walk down the aisle.

Don’t be the last to have your hair styled and makeup applied. You might think that being the bride you should be the last in line to get into the beauty seat so you are fresh for your walk down the aisle. Rather then going last, I suggest you place yourself higher up on the list. By going, say next to last, you’ll have time to relax with your bridal party and leisurely make your way into your wedding dress. When the stylist is done with the last bridesmaid, you can have your hair touched up and your lipstick applied without feeling rushed.

Photo by SarahQ

Schedule a massage for your wedding day. I don’t recommend an oil-filled full body massage because as much as they are absolutely delightful, having oily hair on your wedding day is not. Instead consider reflexology or better yet, have a masseuse come to the location where you’ll be getting ready. For one wedding I brought in a massage therapist to massage the bride’s hands and feet while she sat in a comfortable chair with her makeup applied and her hair done. It was a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for the bride and the perfect way to calm any nerves.

Bring along a scented candle. The power of aromatherapy is amazing. Certain smells can evoke memories and provide relaxation. Pick your favorite scent in a travel size (lavender is especially calming), don’t forget a lighter and smell your way to a stress-free day.

Turn up the music. Create a playlist on your IPod that will put you in your happy place. For some brides it may be classical music for others it may be Madonna classics. You know what you like best so whatever puts a smile on your face, turn it on and turn it up.

Eat, drink and get married. Plan ahead and either have food delivered to you or arrange to have someone pick-up a nutritious breakfast or lunch. Healthy food will keep your blood sugars level and water will help you to stay hydrated, a good combination for a happy and relaxed bride.

Photo by Pinky Photography

Hire a wedding planner. I had to put that in there but really, when someone else is running around with the timeline and checklist, you can mentally relax. Turning over the responsibility to a professional planner will be a priceless gift of peace of mind you give yourself.

Be flexible and stay positive. We all know that we make our own choices. What better choice on your wedding day then to choose to remain positive and be flexible. You’ve done all of the hard work and now is your time to enjoy the day.

Photo by SarahQ

love.joy.laughter

November In A Nutshell

November has been a whirlwind of activity and thus my blog entries have suffered. I didn't want to close out November without a few updates.

My sister participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and successfully walked THREE days and 60 miles to help stomp out breast cancer. I'm so proud of her and forever grateful for her sacrifice and determination!

We pulled off a successful launch of the Beachfront Oasis Estate. It was an amazing event and I can't wait to share the pictures with you as they come in.

Photo by:Taryn Reid Photography

I'm putting on my "Fashion Shoot Coordinator" hat and in a couple of weeks numerous photographers, models and a glam squad will pull their talents together for a day long "Vintage Glam" photo shoot. The shoot will be featured in a two-part series for Model Search TV. I am headed off to the clothing designer's studio tomorrow to snap photos of all of the looks.

Found here

And of course we are working on weddings. We'll finish off 2009 with a wedding for a couple with a sweet story of long awaited love. Planning for 2010 weddings is in full force with requests flowing in. So there you have November in a nutshell. December blog posts promise to be full of a lot of eye candy and inspiration. Come back soon!

love.joy.laughter