Fun First Looks!

 As much as I appreciate tradition & respect my couples' decisions when they opt not to see each other before their ceremony, there is something about "first looks" that captivate me.

Many couples prefer to capture the moment they first see each other prior to the ceremony on camera because it's so intimate & the photos are guaranteed to be amazing. It also takes the edge off when the bride walks down the aisle. It's still extremely special even thought it's technically the second look but the guests do not have to know this. When couples opt in favor of shooting the first look, it allows for more time to take many, many photos together ~ rather than squeezing in all of the shots before the reception begins. 

A new trend perfect for couples who prefer not to see each other before the ceremony is to take pictures together while NOT looking at each other. We had 2 couples in November do this. One couple, at Vibiana, sat on either side of a confessional & held hands without sneaking a peak of each other. The other couple had help with their wedding party. They strategically passed each other by on the street while being captured in the same image. Both the "first looks" & the "un-first looks" take a lot of coordination (that's what your coordinators & photographers are there for) but they are tons of fun! Whether a couple decides to go through with a first look or not, is completely dependent on their personalities & wishes. There is not a right or wrong decision.

Below are some of our favorites ~ okay all of the ones we have witnessed can easily be named our favorite ~ but here are some of the images that were easy to retrieve!

OMG the emotion!

Photos by The Youngrens

Photo by Lily Stein Photography

Photo by Atelier Pictures

The bridesmaids were nearby loving the view!

Photos by Snider Photo & Design

Photo by Phoebe Joy Photography

Photo by Love Bucket Photo

So cute! Photo by Corinne Krogh Photography

image by peace montessori

As much as I would love to write about a gorgeous past wedding or upcoming ceremony trends, blogs for grooms, or unique favors - my mind has been focused primarily on Sandy Hook Elementary. Nothing else is as important as the families dealing with the loss of their little ones. My devastated heart is wishing for a smooth healing process in Connecticut. Although we are thousands of miles away, this feels like it happened right down the street.

photo shoot!

Nicole Greeenberg contacted me a few weeks ago to see if I would like to take her up on an offer to do a photo shoot. Uh - let me think about that....OF COURSE!

It was perfect timing because my plan was to get photos of Kaci & Tanya on here & give readers & potential clients an opportunity to learn more about their spectacularness.  Even though I love the process of getting my picture taken I am rarely overjoyed with the actual photo - but what woman is, right?

I am so incredibly thrilled with the results of Nicole's images! What a true talent. Besides being so grateful to Nicole, I am beyond thankful toTheresa Huang's team for making us look far better than we normally do. We felt like princesses! Below, are a couple of fun shots that will not be used on the website but I wanted to showcase how much fun we had with Nicole!

LA is OUR town!

Yeah, right!

Love this!!

Isn't Tanya cute?

I need a think bubble for Kaci on here!

Hustlin' & Bustlin', baby!

 Thank you, Nicole Greenberg Photography! 

What a blast!

Thank you, TH Makeup Design!

Thank you, Dress My Party, for the chairs!

Tantalizing Tablescapes

I find myself getting lost in by computer's files of past weddings....

There are more to add to this collection so visit this post again in a couple weeks, if you desire additional table decor inspiration!

photo by Love & Lemonade

photo by Jillian Modern Photography

photo by Jillian Modern Photography

photo by Michael Segal Weddings

photo by Michael Segal Weddings

photo by Liz Huston

photo by Lily Stein Photography

photo by Corinne Krogh Photography

photo by Snider Photo & Design

photo by Karen Leah Photography

Burbank Loves Us!

I love living (& working) in Burbank, CA.

After all, my husband (Mike) & I just took our daughters to the city's tree lighting ceremony tonight. Notice the above photo. Where else can you celebrate the holiday season at the local city hall & have guest appearances by not only Mr. & Mrs. Claus, but also Mr. & Mrs. Mouse (Mickey & Minnie)? Well, perhaps Orlando...

In any case, I am simply smitten that Burbank.com contacted me to feature H&B on the city's site. I am one proud mama.

Check it out here!

playing in the (machine-made) snow

Sarah & Joe's Wedding Day

A perfect depiction of an affair bursting with personality, fun, respect, gorgeous details, & most of all - a couple utterly in love with each other.  We miss this day & absolutely adore these two & their families. Thank you, Paperback Weddings for this video.

Venue - Skirball Cultural Center

Flowers - Blossom Floral

DJ - Shammy Dee

Cake - Cake Crumbs

Photo booth - Shutter Box Photo Booth

Musicians - Greg Ruby

Photography - EP Love Photography

busy, busy!

The past month, H&B has had events on board the Queen Mary, at the W Hollywood, Bel-Air Bay Club, Carondolet House, & the Westlake Village Inn! There is something special about the option of venues we have in southern California. We cannot wait to share all of the glorious photos with you!

In the meantime, here are some beautiful images from our last wedding at Annenberg Community Beach House. What a combination of old Hollywood history & modern luxury. I encourage you to learn more about the beach house. It really is fascinating. The view & proximity to the beach is a wow factor for guests in itself. These wonderful shots were captured by Snider Photo & Design. This husband/wife photojournalism team could possibly be the best kept secret/bargain in town.

Now, back to the couple of the hour, Eileen & Patrick.

These two were married at St. Martin of Tours in Brentwood. The celebration continued to the annex at the beach house in Santa Monica. We had the privilege to work with some of our favorite wedding pros! This wedding was planned in eight fun months. We adore Eileen & since she booked our full wedding package, we got to know each other really well. After the reception was said & done, there was some feeling of devastation because she no longer needed our services. Congratulations, you two!!

It looks as if they are deep in a magical garden yet they are merely steps from the ocean.

Daddy's first look!

We incorporated simple arrangements of white tulips, roses, lilies (separately) fpr an easy, elegant feel. Thank you, Commerce Flowers!

The bridesmaids sneaking a peak of the first look.

The first look was taken at the Huntley, where they got ready.

There it is.

Eileen had her bouquet wrapped with a vintage hanky that belonged to her grandmother.

a bridesmaid bouquet

gorgeous beach house in the background

Eileen has serious style. The cocktail hour was chartreuse, black, & gold while the reception was almost all white w/ hints of those colors. For the lounge area, we added colorful pillows to the furniture provided by the venue. The ceremony was all white.

These arrangements engulfed the sweetheart table & were also used at the ceremony at the top of the aisle. The mirrors are from Dress My Party.

Their rehearsal dinner was on the top floor of Hotel Angeleno, another terrific location for parties! Many guests stayed there, as well. The staff is superb & were a huge help with the delivery of OOT gift bags.

Thank you to all of our terrific vendor friends!