Assistant by Day...Husband by Night

Warning: Major Husband Boasting Entry 

Photo by: Connie M. Chung

I don't know many husbands who are willing to give up a Saturday of golfing, tv watching, or just plain sleeping in to come out and do some major manual and mental labor, but guess what...MINE IS!

When I first started se.lah.ve, I felt nervous about hiring assistants I never worked with or asking friends to help out just for the fun of it. And why would I when I had a husband who probably had more experience organizing church events and activities than me. So, although I originally hired Gerry by default he's become a vital part of my team and someone I need by my side...even professionally.

Quite honestly, sometimes I think Gerry loves weddings just as much as I do, maybe even more. When I see the lengths he will go to make the bride and groom happy, it really puts me to shame. I mean, who calls 5 local churches for a brass candle lighter because the candles the mothers are supposed to walk down the aisle with keep blowing out in the wind? And who searches and drives to the nearest Michael's and buys an extra guestbook because a family member is concerned that one might not be enough? And I have to add, I didn't even ask him to do any of these things! (Now, if only this would also apply to the dishes at home).

I just feel so fortunate to be able to do what I love, with the person I love most. I love being able to drive home together after a long day and talk about all the fun (and sometimes not so fun) moments of the day. I truly am lucky to have a husband-assistant-life partner who not only supports me with his words but with his actions as well.

Seriously, I'm a Winner. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!!

Sam & Susan at Franciscan Gardens, San Juan Capistrano

Sam and Susan hold a very special place in my heart because they were one of the first couples I saw throughout the whole planning process from beginning to end. I was there as Susan waivered back and forth from a rustic, vintage styled wedding to a whimsical frenzy. She originally planned on having a traditional church ceremony, but a last minute change in plans made her take it all outdoors! In the end, she ended up with a wedding that was completely a reflection of her bright and cheerful personality and a day that was filled with much celebration, love and laughter. 

Susan was definitely the visionary behind all of the details you are about to see...I was just an extra pair of hands and feet. ;)  I hope you enjoy all the lovely pictures by Gabriel Ryan, who not only captured the day oh-so-perfectly but was also one of the nicest people I've had the opportunity to work with.

Never judge a book by its cover...but shoes can definitely say a lot about a person's character. 

Sam just couldn't keep his eyes off her...

Great job to Joono and Audrey for their yummy creations!

I knew I was meant for this job when making 250+ pinwheels was actually kind of soothing to the soul.

A few of the most adorable things from the wedding: vintage furniture and can't forget the kiddos!

I know most people love watching the bride walk down the aisle, but I always find myself watching the groom look in amazement as his bride approaches him  

Such a happy couple!

Downtown San Juan Capistrano had so many great photo locations and it fit Susan and Sam's style so perfectly.

This bridal party knew how to get the party started!

Nothing is more satisfying than seeing the bride and groom so relaxed and enjoying their day.

I had so much fun working with both Sam and Susan and I am so thankful for the friendship that was born from this whole process. I will never forget the meetings at Coffee Bean and the conversations that were had and the tears that were shed and don't even get me started on the crazy vendor meetings!  I want to thank Sam and Susan for making me a part of not only their wedding day but a part of their life. :) 

If you have any questions about the details from this wedding, please feel free to ask. I'd be more than happy to provide you with more information.

Jane & David

WARNING: Long post ahead! If you'd like to know the latest news on se.lah.ve, continue reading. If not and you're here just for pictures scroll down and enjoy!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

       Long time no blog, I know! I honestly don't know where the time has gone. I know it hasn't been that long since I started this blog but it still feels like just yesterday when I got my first inquiry to officially coordinate a wedding. And now, I'm already in 7 deep, with 7 more on the way! I am dead serious when I say life is FULL of surprises!
      The last 8 months have been a roller coaster of emotions. They have been one of the most challenging, demanding yet incredibly rewarding months of my life. I've had to evaluate my life, my goals, my future and the future of se.lah.ve (which is partially the reason for the break in blogging). 
      After experiencing weddings from the vendor's perspective, I've been completely and utterly exposed to the backstage of the planning process. There have been things I've seen that I've liked and things I've seen that I didn't like; things that have turned me on and off to the industry as a whole. I think the one thing I've observed that sets apart the good vendors from the bad is where they put their focus. I've met vendors where their main priority is helping the bride and groom make their wedding day one of the most memorable days of their life and then I've met vendors that only care about getting exposure and being linked to the latest blog and the hottest photographer. And I'll be the first to admit, it's all very tempting and easy to get sucked into (which again, is another reason for the break in blogging) but I've realized that that's the part that makes it so not enjoyable and so unrewarding.
      I guess what I'm trying to say is, it's been a long road discovering my identity as a "wedding planner" and figuring out what direction I want to take this and although I don't have all of my questions answered, I've decided to take it one day at a time...because hey, "c'est la vie" right? It's not just in the name...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now, to transition into a wedding I did back in August...I don't know what Jane eats for breakfast but it definitely must be one for champions because this girl is the closest thing to Superwoman I know. She planned this insanely beautiful wedding all in the span of three and a half months! And if that weren't enough, 2 of those weeks were dedicated to missions work in Cambodia! One of a kind, I tell ya. And David, what can I say he was just a gentle spirit throughout the whole process. Always so calm, cool and collect. 

Too bad vows don't expire because if I were to ever renew mine, I'd want to do it here at the Craven's Estate in Pasadena

One of my favorite moments in the day is the First Look

Such a sweet moment between the bride and groom...and the photographer :)

The dress fits the venue so well

Next project...tufted wallboard!!!

Jane's a teacher and David's a seminary student so they went with a school theme...very appropriate, I'd say!

It's all in the details

Loved these silhouette frames Jane's friend made through Photoshop!

The mothers' hanboks were so beautiful!

I loved how the Craven's Estate came ready-made with the perfect photobooth backdrop for their theme!

More books!

I honestly don't know whether I liked Jane's wedding dress or her hanbok more...

So simple, sweet and elegant

Top 3 Images of the Day:

I've been so, so blessed to have been able to work with some of the most creative and crafty brides! I can't take credit for the work they've done in their planning/designing. All I have done is taken their plans and brought them to life. And that is what I love to do. 

If you'd like more information regarding this wedding please feel free to email me and I'd be more than happy to provide you with whatever you need! 

Noah's First Birthday

A couple of weeks ago I had the honor of coordinating my first, First Birthday for my friend's son, Noah. I never imagined how a one year old's birthday could be so elaborate, but this mommy was truly dedicated to making her one and only baby boy's birthday truly special!

Enjoy all the juicy, little details.

Disclaimer: I was the Coordinator and not the Designer of this event. All the details you see were envisioned and made by the crazy mother of this child.

Can you say ADORABLE, or what???

Audrey did a WONDERFUL job with the cake!

More juicy details of the head table.

Absolutely LOVED the candy bar! Kudos to iheartsugarbird!

The blue candies totally turned my mouth blue! Not really the professional look I was going for...

Yes, my friend made hats for every child in attendance...and yes the fringe is sewn on. 

Yes, the favors were personalized for each child and yes, she is crazy.

We had a craft station in the patio of the restaurant and I think it was one of the greatest ways to keep kids busy and entertained while the adults enjoyed their meal inside.

It also kind of helped that the craft (wooden sailboat from a kit) was a bit challenging...definitely kept them occupied :)

After all of their hard work building their boats, they had a blast floating it in the kiddie pool!

A year can feel like a long time at times, but when I think back to when Noah was first born and all the growing he's done since then, it truly amazes me that all that could happen within a year. I truly, truly love this kid! It's to the point where I may have to love my own child more than him, but I may end up liking him a little bit more ;) 

I love being part of events where I can truly celebrate along with the guests. It makes the day so much more enjoyable, meaningful, satisfying, rewarding...the list can go on. 

Nobers, if you read this one day...

I just want you to know that Auntie loves you so much! I know Uncle Gerry keeps saying he's going to be the "scary uncle" to you, but just know that he has good intentions and that you'll probably grow to love and appreciate him more when you are 21. (That's if mommy let's him stick around 'til then).  :) 

We hope to celebrate many more birthdays with you and we pray that you continue to be a blessing to all those around you! Make mommy and daddy proud!


Venue: Blue Water Grill
Photographer: John Park Photography
Candy Bar: Joono Choi of iheartsugarbird
Desserts: Audrey's Edible Creations