our newest assistant

 The major reason (err, excuse) this blog is not updated more often belongs to this precious face.

 

 Vivienne Melan Shlimanoff was born September 30, 2011.

This gem of a being was with me throughout the 2011 wedding season. We made a great team.

I am to thankful to my amazing clients who did not seem to care that the wedding planner they hired ended up being a big ol' pregnant lady. I am also beyond grateful to my H&B team who could not have supported me any more, especially given that miss Vivvy decided to arrive a month early-on one of the busiest weekends of the year.

While I was pregnant, I was foolishly worried that I would not be able to love my 2nd baby as much as I cherished Abby (my first daughter). I am elated to say that is not the case at all. My other fear was that Abby would somehow feel less loved or ignored. I'm so relieved to note that this has not happened either. Abby is actually the best big sister I can imagine. She is incredibly loving & protective (& a little rough) towards Vivvy. I feel truly blessed. Also, as a bonus, Abby has never been one to cuddle. However, I've found that since the arrival of Viv, Abby has become quite the affectionate one, initiating snuggles & hugs - very cool! It's safe to say I am one happy mama! Let's not forget to mention my amazing husband, Mike, too. Let's face it, though, it's all about the baby right now!

with big sister, Abby

2011 also gifted me with some of my most memorable weddings. It saddens me to think they are over & my correspondence with some of my most favorite brides has dwindled. There was just so much more personality infused in the weddings. What a treat for me! This trend is continuing through to 2012, luckily. Many of these events have been or will be published on some of our favorite blogs. What a thrill! I am quite lucky to work with amazing cleints as well as vendors who really have a passion & talent for their craft.

Hustle & Bustle is also growing. I am no longer the sole planner on the team. I have two others on board, now (& a few outstanding assistants!). I am so blessed to have Kaci & Tanya with me on this wedding planning journey. They really stepped up last year & have taken over the bulk of our weddings for this year while I play house with my family.

I apologize for this "diary" style entry. I tend to focus on business & not my personal life on here. I

Just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude & my ecstatic feelings towards life & to acknowledge what a remarkable year 2011 was for me, both personally & professionally.

from the first or second week of her life

Valerie & David married!

What a special wedding. I am a huge fan of Valerie & David.

Just take a look at the gorgeous details of their beautiful wedding. Valerie loves coffee as much as I do so I was in love when she requested a gourmet coffee cart to be on hand at their reception.

They had a large guest count which allowed the use of the entire first floor of the club- which made it feel the entire club belonged to Valerie & David. The main ballroom was romantic in nature with a huge bay window, fireplace, and gorgeous wood floors. We had dinner & the key dances in there. The ballroom across the way lent itself to the major dancing. It had the funky lights, bar, & popcorn machine. Between the two ballrooms was a room we turned into a coy living area for the kids. We stocked up on crayons, books, & such & the kids (& some adults) hunkered down on the couches & had a ball. Each dining table had a small pale of chalk to guests could write on their table # chalk board. Valerie is a tennis enthusiast which makes the tennis court photos extra special. Oh, one of the songs in their ceremony was the "Double Rainbow" song. Google or YouTube it. It was also discretely played in their prelude music. It's just an example of one of the numerous ways Valerie & David personalized their day.

Valerie originally hired me for day-of services but after a while decided the partial package would be more beneficial to her. I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with her & getting to know the both of them.

As always, I love working with Russell & Emily Snider of Snider Photo & Design. We actually first worked with each other at this venue. Also, Tweeny, from the Flower Lab played a huge role in the success of Valerie & David’s wedding day. Terrific Tweeny.

Venue: Altadena Town & Country Club
Florist: The Flower Lab
Photographer: Snider Photo & Design
DJ: PK from Prokreation Productions - Incredible, talented, witty, one of the best!!!
Videographer: At Your Service Videography

We are simply ecstatic to be recognized with this award! Many thanks to The Knot & to our fabulous brides who steal our hearts on a daily basis & help us to continue to love what we do!!

Linda & Jase (heart)

Linda & Jase were married at Calamigos Equestrian Center in Burbank. I think of her as my Anthropology girl because she always had the most stylish outfits. They based their wedding details from the movie "You've Got Mail". You'll notice the mailboxes & mock letters. I still have one of the favors. Linda hand-made these beautiful envelopes & stuffed them with yummy treats. Linda actually made most of her decor, such as the bunting. They also have really talented friends who contributed with the photo booth wall & cake topper. The day began with a beautiful tea ceremony. Afterward,
Carolyn Leal, their officiant, created a spot-on ceremony that depicted their personalities & made everyone smile. Jenny & her team at  Alders Photography provided the beautiful images. Talk about a tremendous photographer to work with....
Thank you, Linda & Jase, for your kindness, amazing style, & allowing me to work with you. I will continue to pester you long after your wedding day :-)...

Photography: Jenny Alders of Alders Photography
Officiant: Ceremonies by Carolyn
Venue: Calimigos Equestrian Center
DJ: Um, one of the BEST ever - Jason Michaels Special Events
Hair/Makeup: Kelly Zhang

brides choice 2012 - Nice!

 During this slower time of year, it feels so wonderful to be recognized for our hard work during the busy season. Thank you to our amazing brides & to WeddingWire for this Bride's Choice award. We are thrilled to receive it.