When this couple approached my company, A Day Like No Other, for help with planning their wedding, they had already done a lot of venue search and identified a number of constraints. No wedding in Fall, out in nature, preferably under towering Redwood trees, with sufficient shade against the California sun, a polished event venue, close-by accommodations for their numerous out-of-town guests, not too far away from Silicon valley… and if that wasn’t tricky enough, their respective parents had overlapping date conflicts. In short, this was not easy! Until… enter River House, a fairly new event venue in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It checked most of the couple’s requirements, AND it had suitable event dates still available. BOOKED!
With just under nine months to go (and demanding work schedules for both bride and groom), we had our work cut out for us. The wedding planner provided by the venue helped with local connections and vendors. After a whirlwind of sourcing, comparing and booking vendors, food and cake tastings, showroom visits and lounge furniture selection, organizing a Tea Ceremony preceding the Western festivities and an afterparty close to the wedding venue…. the Big Day had finally arrived!
Given the mid-morning Tea Ceremony to start the day, the bride and her bridesmaids and the mothers had to get up VERY early to have their hair and makeup done (DesignHerImage).
The traditional Tea Ceremony was held at the Hilton Scotts Valley hotel which served as the “home base” for the couple, their family members and many of their guests.
After that, the Western part of their wedding day started… with transit to River House, the local wedding planner taking over and bride and groom getting into Western wedding attire.
Beautiful romantic bouquets in pastel Spring colors (Laurel Canyon Farms) were waiting for the bride (and her bridesmaids…)
… who were themselves wearing assorted pastel Spring colors.
The groom and groomsmen were dressed up for the celebration as well:
Ready for their First Look – all captured by the One Love photo team and Curio videographers.
Always such an emotional moment…
This should be their official wedding photo, don’t you think?!
… for her romantic wedding ceremony in the outdoor pavilion, serenaded by Innocenti Strings.
Just married!
YESSSS!!
And while guests got to enjoy not only the usual cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (by Love Creek Catering), but also ice cream and a veritable British High Tea (!), lounging on vintage furniture pieces by White Rabbit Event Rentals, the newlyweds went off to take even more photos.
Isn’t that pretty?! Guests were then invited to dinner in the lavishly decorated Barn with tables, chairs and tabletop items from Alexis Party Rental...
… where they also had their choreographed First Dance to tunes by Santa Cruz DJ …
Andrea and Alexander had found their absolute dream venue – the historic Kohl Mansion in Burlingame – and then they realized that a lot more had to be done to actually host their wedding there… so they turned to my company, A Day Like No Other, to help them fill in all the myriad details that, in the end, come together to a great wedding celebration.
We had eight months to make it happen – and this time went by very quickly. On a breezy, sunny Friday in April, the Big Day had finally come!
For bride Andrea and her bridesmaids, it began with hair and makeup services (Beauty by Cherie); then, with the help from her bridesmaids, she stepped into her elegant wedding dress… and look how radiant she is!
What’s missing? Her bridal bouquet, of course! (All flowers by Narose).
Now she’s ready for her First Look…
… on the main staircase of the Mansion.
Every single time, this is such a special, intimate moment between bride and groom. Truly priceless.
And now, it’s couple’s portrait time! Having fun …
Peekaboo!
On to more official wedding photos…
… like this…
… or this…
… or that one!
Soon enough, guests were arriving (all 200 of them!!)…
… and the ceremony began in the elegant Green Room of Kohl Mansion, with a friend of the couple officiating.
The Kohl Mansion staff under the leadership of Events Director Denise Severi had done the complete setup – not only for the ceremony, but for cocktails and dinner as well, florist Narose had prepared impressive altar arrangements, and our DJ/MC Paul Burchfield of Big Fun Disc Jockeys provided beautiful music – while photographer Frank Lee and videographer Martin Meyer of martinFILMS captured it all.
Meanwhile, Lucia’s Bar Company had set up the bar in the Courtyard, ready to serve guests right after the ceremony, and Ginger Cafe Catering was ready to serve hors d’oeuvres.
The newlyweds had, of course, even more photos to take:
Time for dinner in the double-height Great Hall at Kohl Mansion!
The dinner table centerpieces by florist Narose were literally glowing in fresh Spring colors, and the Sweetheart Table got special treatment.
What’s happening after dinner? Cake Cutting! The cake and an impressive dessert buffet had been provided by Always Your Bakery Cafe – look, how pretty!
There was one more highlight of the celebration, of course: dancing – and for those who’d take a break, a photobooth.
One thing’s for sure: Andrea and Alexander GOT their dream wedding! Congratulations!
Catherine’s and Jacob’s one-of-a-kind wedding at Kohl Mansion
A bagpipe band for the processional? Check.
A Scottish Highland dance performance to entertain the guests? Check.
Authentic Scottish-only flowers for all bouquets? Check.
All the gentlemen in kilts? Of course!
And so on, and so forth. This wedding was “one for the ages!” Bride Catherine, of Scottish-Danish heritage, and an accomplished professional Scottish Highland dance instructor, pulled all the stops for her authentic, traditional nuptials – and historic Kohl Mansion in Burlingame, with its double-height Great Room and dark wood paneling, was the perfect setting for her vision. And Jacob, her groom, was fully onboard with this vision from Day One!
So we (at A Day Like No Other) got started, with nine months to go. Selecting authentic Scottish Highland flowers took intense, deep research (by Laurel & Vine) – sourcing these flowers (or their closest substitutes) in California was yet another story… Bride Catherine took responsibility for all other things Scottish, especially the gentlemen’s traditional attire (kilts in the bride’s family tartan!), a bagpipe band (complete with kettledrums!), a Scottish Highland dance performance … AND a traditional Danish wedding cake (to honor the “other side” of her cultural heritage). Suffice it to say that planning this wedding was very intense and involved, and we just made it to the finish line!
Finally, the big day had arrived, and Catherine began the day with hair and makeup services by Tiffany Chiang of Design HER Image, then getting into her classic, very feminine wedding dress.
Here she is, at Kohl Mansion, in timeless beauty – and poise:
She could easily be royalty, don’t you think? Time for a very emotional First Look with her Dad…
… followed by a First Look with her groom, Jacob.
Had you told me that this was the wedding of a Scottish duchess at her castle – I would have believed it!
Of course, there were also photos of the bridal party…
… and of the radiant bride with her flowers!
Soon enough, guests were about to arrive, and they were greeted in style by the Macintosh Pipe band:
… something definitely so far unheard-of at this venue! As the wedding fell in the colder season in California, Catherine and Jacob held their wedding ceremony indoors, again accompanied by bagpipe tunes.
“With this ring, I thee wed…”
The mandatory signing of the marriage license literally “sealed the deal…”
… and the newlyweds had more photos to take…
… while their guests enjoyed Cocktail Hour outdoors, protected by a tent (from Hensley Event Resources)…
… and entertained by more bagpipe music!
All the while, dinner preparations were underway behind the scenes – fast and furious! The team of Continental Caterers had the dining room set up (with beautiful rental items from Hensley Event Resources) and the kitchen going; florist Marie of Laurel & Vine set the long rows of dining tables with green garlands and a profusion of candlelight; DJ Paul of Big Fun Disc Jockeys was setting up sound and light both for speeches over dinner and then, of course, for dancing; and my production team of A Day Like No Other orchestrated it all.
It was a feast of epic proportions, hearkening back to times long past… and utterly romantic!
But the highlights of the celebration just kept coming – the next one being the authentic Danish wedding cake, a “kransekage” (from Copenhagen Bakery) – a delicious tower of marzipan-like layers, topped with a heart-shaped cookie for the newlyweds.
Having cut and shared this gorgeous cake, the newlyweds went on to what they love most: dancing.
Of course, their First Dance was a highly choreographed routine (by the bride – who else?!), and the same held true for the Father-Daughter Dance.
Guests were invited to join in the fun with a traditional ceilidh…
… and they left the dance floor ONLY to help themselves from the huge dessert buffet (also from Copenhagen Bakery)!
The rest of the night was spent just dancing, dancing, dancing – and celebrating!
So – one thing is for sure: this was unforgettable. Keep dancing, Catherine and Jacob, and celebrating your happiness for many, many years to come!
Two super-busy young professionals, living out of state, planning an elaborate wedding at Nestldown Estate just outside Silicon Valley – it’s clear they needed assistance! I was so honored that they chose my company, A Day Like No Other, to help with the planning and design, and the bride’s parents took over the tasks of site visits and tastings that had to be done in-person. After a year of planning and designing, everything finally came together beautifully under blue skies and a warming May sunshine.
For Sally and her friends, her sister, mother and mother-in-law, the day began at the elegant Hotel Los Gatos…
… where they all received beauty services by Felicia Wei and assistants of Bun Bun Bridal Lab – and look how gorgeous the results were! Photographer Gavin Farrington with second shooter Paula captured the whole day from start to finish – however, for the time being, all we have to show are my cellphone shots. Just wait until you see the professional photos!
At Nestldown, meanwhile, several vendor teams (including myself and my associate Stephanie Hui) were hard at work to get everything ready for the celebration; Ephraim of Apis Florals and his crew put up gorgeous floral arrangements…
…. a gilded circular arch, decorated with a profusion of flowers, and a sofreh-aghd, the traditional Persian wedding spread (the bride is of Persian heritage), in the “Chapel,” a natural clearing in the Redwoods at Nestldown, where all ceremonies are held.
Guests were arriving via convenient shuttle service (by Corinthian Ground Transportation) and making their way to the lavishly decorated ceremony area.
Time for the ceremony!
Here comes the bride, with her parents, serenaded by the Corelli Strings trio. The unique Persian-American ceremony was officiated by Sally’s best friend from college, together with Sally’s sister, with participation from her uncle, nephews and nieces, and a friend of the couple. This was a very personal, heartfelt moment for all.
The sofreh was a labor of love by the bride’s parents – her father built the table himself, her mother supplied all the symbolic items that are displayed on the sofreh, and her sister contributed to the ceremony with explanations for all guests who might not be familiar with the Persian wedding customs.
As part of the wedding ceremony, female family members shower the couple with sugar, rubbed over their heads, symbolizing the sweetness of marriage.
Just married!!
While Chris and Sally had to take more romantic photos – and video by Two4Tea – on the beautiful grounds of Nestldown…
…their guests enjoyed cocktails (by Bacchus Wine and Spirits) and hors d’oeuvres by Wylder Space Catering at the “Apple Knoll” event space – under a pergola hung with crystal chandeliers!
Another personal touch: Chris’ and Sally’s beloved canine Neville was cheering guests from the cocktail napkins…
… and Corelli Strings again provided the elegant musical background.
A truly elegant affair! Come dinner time, guests were invited to Nestldown’s Main Lawn …
… where tables with elegant floral centerpieces…
… a seating chart arranged on a huge mirror….
…..and place settings with individual leather name tags awaited them.
After a delicious dinner (by Wylder Space Catering) and heartfelt speeches by their parents, everyone moved inside the “Barn”, the central event space at Nestldown, for cutting the wedding cake and enjoying Persian desserts (by C’est Si Bon Bakery)…
… and for a huge surprise for the couple: a saxophonist whom the bride’s sister had secretly hired to play alongside DJ Woody Miraglia (of Big Fun Disc Jockeys) – a dream come true for Sally and Chris! Saxophonist Justin Ward, a musician through and through, accompanied the newlyweds’ First Dance under the giant crystal chandelier…
… and from that moment on, it was only “dance, dance, dance” for the rest of the evening. A Grand Send-off with shimmering bubbles was the last high point of this incredible celebration, before the couple was whisked away in the authentic vintage London taxi which is one of the special perks at Nestldown.
Keep celebrating and dancing, Sally and Chris – wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!
Never heard of it? You should! The Arlo is a brand-new, super-modern, hyper-chic wedding venue in the countryside just outside of Austin, TX, and living proof that YES, you can have urban elegance AND romantic rolling hills!
It’s all white with huge windows all around, and that way, bright daylight floods the expansive interior spaces.
There is a double-height Great Room for dinner and dancing, accommodating up to 300 (!) guests; there is even a stunning indoor ceremony space with massive ceiling beams – that are meant to be decorated with suspended greenery, florals or swags.
There is a white-on-white flight of stairs for unforgettable send-offs…
There is a bridal suite right out of “ELLE Decor” – so beautifully designed and decorated! – and a whole cottage for groom and groomsmen; there are covered, shaded patios for Cocktail Hour…
… and of course, a ceremony lawn, with the ceremony spot anchored on an outdoor fireplace.
Not to forget, there are endless views, and heavenly peace and quiet – less than an hour from the city, yet truly a world apart.
To me, the Arlo was a huge discovery, and I can’t wait to create “wedding magic” there!
Jira and I go back many years. I hardly know anyone as hardworking as her. We have collaborated on countless weddings… not only because she is extremely experienced, professional and so good at what she does – she can also bring a whole army of qualified assistants to any wedding, so styling a dozen bridesmaids in time is absolutely no problem for her.
“How long have you been in business, and what brought you to hair/makeup styling?“
My passion for beauty began in childhood, as I loved making my friends and family look beautiful. By now, with Jira Salon and Wowpretty Makeup and Hair Agency, I look back on over 25 years of experience and more than 5,000 successful clients.
What is your specific style – natural, elegant, glamorous…? What is your ideal bride/bridesmaid/mother?
My team and I specialize in various styles, including natural, elegant, and glamorous looks. We understand that everyone has unique facial features, personalities, and personal styles. As experts in beauty, we take the time to understand each client’s vision, ensuring they achieve the look they love the most.
Are you specializing in a particular technique? If so, why – what is unique about it?
Yes, I specialize in creating customized bridal looks that enhance each bride’s natural beauty while complementing their unique facial features, personality, and wedding style.
Jira at work at one of my brides
What is the difference between DIY hair/makeup and professional makeup?
Professional makeup artists and hairstylists have extensive training and experience in working with different skin types, facial features, and hair textures. They understand how to create looks that enhance natural beauty, complement individual styles, and last all day—especially crucial for weddings and special events.
Professionals use high-quality, long-wearing products and advanced techniques, such as airbrush makeup for a flawless, lightweight finish and precision hairstyling for lasting volume and elegance. They also know how to ensure that makeup looks stunning both in person and in high-definition photography, which is often a challenge with DIY applications.
While DIY makeup can be fun for everyday looks, professional artistry ensures a polished, camera-ready, and long-lasting result that brings out the best version of you on your special day.
What is the difference between great and not-so-great hair and makeup?
“The difference between great and not-so-great hair and makeup comes down to technique, product quality, and how well the look is tailored to the individual.
Great hair and makeup enhance natural beauty, complement facial features, and suit the occasion, personality, and style of the person wearing it. The application is seamless, blending effortlessly into the skin, with makeup that looks flawless both in person and in photos. High-quality products ensure long-lasting wear, and hairstyling maintains its shape and elegance throughout the event.
On the other hand, not-so-great hair and makeup can appear cakey, uneven, or unblended, failing to enhance the individual’s features. Poor-quality products may cause the makeup to fade, smudge, or oxidize, while improper hairstyling techniques can lead to flat or overly stiff hair that doesn’t hold up. Additionally, if the look doesn’t match the person’s style, skin tone, or event setting, it may feel unnatural or uncomfortable.
A skilled professional ensures that hair and makeup are expertly applied, flattering, and long-lasting, giving confidence and elegance to every client.
Again – Jira at work at one of my brides
When choosing a stylist, which questions should a bride ask? What are “red flags” to avoid?
Questions to ask:
What is your experience with bridal hair and makeup? – Ensures the stylist has expertise in wedding beauty.
Can I see your portfolio or client reviews? – Helps assess their style, quality of work, and consistency.
Do you offer a trial session? – A trial is crucial to test the look before the wedding day.
What products do you use? – High-quality, long-lasting products are essential for durability and a flawless finish.
Do you offer airbrush makeup? – Airbrush can provide a lightweight, long-lasting, and HD-ready look.
How do you customize the look for different skin tones, textures, and hair types? – Ensures the stylist can work with diverse features.
What is your pricing and what does it include? – Helps clarify costs, potential add-ons, and travel fees.
How do you handle last-minute changes or emergencies? – Professional stylists should have a backup plan.
How long will the styling process take on the wedding day? – Timing is key to avoid delays.
Do you stay for touch-ups or offer additional services for the bridal party? – Some stylists provide extended services for a flawless look throughout the event.
2. Red Flags to Avoid:
Lack of a portfolio or inconsistent work – A professional should have clear examples of past bridal work. No trial session or refusal to do one – A trial is essential for ensuring satisfaction with the final look. Poor hygiene or expired products – Clean tools and fresh products are critical for skin and hair health. Limited knowledge of different skin tones and hair textures – A stylist should be experienced in working with diverse clients. Unclear pricing or hidden fees – A professional should provide a detailed breakdown of costs. Negative reviews or complaints about professionalism – Check for patterns in feedback regarding punctuality, communication, or reliability. Unwillingness to listen or customize the look – A great stylist should tailor the look to the bride’s preferences. Lack of a contract – A contract protects both parties and ensures clarity on services provided. Overbooking on the wedding day – If a stylist juggles too many clients, they may be rushed or unavailable for touch-ups. Unreliable communication – Slow responses or lack of professionalism in communication can be a red flag for potential issues.
Not on time, forgot equipment – Being late or forgetting equipment is not acceptable. It’s very important to make sure you bring everything on the day, even products and colors you may not use but know you might need. In 80% of the cases, the bride may change her mind at the last minute and want a different look, so as a good stylist, we need to be prepared for those changes – just in case.”
A professional stylist should be experienced, communicative, and committed to making the bride feel confident and beautiful on her big day.
How much time do you reserve for each service? And do you recommend touch-ups during the wedding day?
I typically reserve around 2 hours for the bride and 1 to 1.5 hours for each additional woman, for a comfortable experience and a flawless finish
Yes, we do recommend touch-ups during the wedding day, especially for the bride, as it ensures she looks fresh and flawless throughout the event. However, we understand that weddings can be costly, and touch-up services can add to the expense.
To help with this, we always suggest that brides consider doing their own touch-ups themselves if they prefer to keep costs down. During the trial or pre-wedding consultation, we take the time to show and teach each bride how to touch up their makeup and hair so they feel confident doing it themselves. This way, they can maintain their look without the added cost while still looking great throughout the day.”
Why is professional hair/makeup so expensive?
“Professional hair and makeup services may seem expensive, but there are several factors that contribute to the cost.
Experience and Expertise: Skilled professionals bring years of training, practice, and specialized knowledge to ensure that your hair and makeup not only look flawless but also last throughout the entire day. They know the best techniques, products, and tools to create a look that enhances your natural beauty and is suited to your unique features.
Quality Products and Tools: Professionals use high-quality, long-lasting products that are designed for special occasions, ensuring a flawless finish that stays in place through photos, emotions, and all-day wear. This also includes premium tools, such as brushes, tools for airbrushing, and high-end styling tools, which all come with additional costs.
Personalized Service: Each service is tailored specifically to the client, whether it’s creating a unique bridal look, understanding different skin tones, hair textures, or catering to specific requests. This level of customization requires additional time and expertise.
Time Commitment: On the wedding day, a stylist will spend several hours preparing the bride, bridal party, and others. Beyond the actual styling, there’s time for consultation, trial sessions, and any last-minute adjustments, as well as preparation time for the artist to ensure they’re equipped for the event.
Travel and On-Site Services: Many professionals offer on-site services, meaning they travel to your location on the wedding day, which adds travel time, transportation costs, and sometimes overnight accommodations for destination weddings.
Specialized Skillset: Bridal hair and makeup artists have expertise in creating looks that photograph beautifully, last all day, and stand up to the emotional rollercoaster of a wedding. They also have the ability to quickly adjust to changing conditions, whether it’s the weather or specific requests from the bride or bridal party.
Ultimately, the cost reflects the value of the professional’s time, skill, quality, and the overall experience they provide to make the bride feel confident and beautiful on her special day.”
Anything else you’d like to add
Yes! HOW WE ARE DIFFERENT!
Expertise and Experience: Our team of licensed cosmetologists boasts a minimum of 10 years of experience in the industry, with unique talents and skills.
Cutting-Edge Techniques: Our makeup artists are at the forefront of the industry, utilizing the newest airbrushing techniques to achieve flawless, long-lasting results and any look desired.
Personalized Service: With our large staff, we offer tiered pricing for different levels of expertise, and we include airbrushing and lashes at no additional cost.
Convenience and Flexibility: Visit us at our salon in Burlingame, CA, or let us come to you, anywhere in the world. In the rare event of an emergency, rest assured that we always have additional stylists on call to save the day.
Trial Sessions and Guarantee: If for any reason you’re not satisfied with your trial, you can choose another stylist at no additional cost.
Attention to Detail: Our consultations include trial makeup and hair sessions, allowing for feedback and adjustments to ensure there are no surprises on your wedding day.
Professional Connections: With our extensive network of professional vendors in the Bay Area, we can coordinate with your wedding planner and other vendors to ensure that every aspect of your wedding is flawless and perfect.
At Wowpretty, we promise seamless coordination with you and your planner; we develop a well-planned timeline, and we have high attention to detail, a personalized approach, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Your wedding day is a celebration of love, joy, and new beginnings.
Let Wowpretty Team be a part of your special day, and together, we’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.
All you need to know about great (wedding) hair and makeup!
Cherise and I go back to the first years we both had our businesses, and even back then it was obvious how talented and experienced Cherise is – and also, how much enthusiasm she brings to her craft. If anyone is knowledgeable about all things (wedding) hair and makeup, it’s someone like her!
“How long have you been in business, and what brought you to hair/makeup styling?“ I have been a hair and makeup artist for 20+ years. I am also a “behind-the-chair” hairstylist specializing in color, cuts and extensions. I was very young when I started doing hair and makeup on myself and my friends, and I was blessed to know that this was my calling at a young age. I was born with a disfiguring facial birth defect that was finally surgically corrected when I was 14 years old. The experience of being ridiculed for my appearance in school cemented my goal to make others look at feel beautiful from the inside out. I attended cosmetology school at age 17, received my license and started my business at 18 1/2 years old.
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“What is your specific style – natural, elegant, glamorous…? What is your ideal bride/bridesmaid/mother?“ My most requested style is “natural glam.” I strongly believe in accentuating my clients’ natural beauty, all while making them look amazing for their photos. My ideal brides are the ones who are kind and who are excited to collaborate with me!
BRD
“Are you specializing in a particular technique? If so, why – what is unique about it?“ My specialty and what sets me apart from other artists is actually not a particular technique, but my hunger to learn and serve. After all these years I’m still constantly taking classes and learning!
“What is the difference between DIY hair/makeup and professional makeup?“
Professional hair and makeup will be the least expensive part of your wedding day. I believe that if you’re paying so much money for professional photography/videography, you want to look your best! Having done literally thousands of weddings as a longtime hair and makeup artist, I know exactly what to do to make your wedding photos those of your dreams, with the appropriate hair and makeup. I also invest a significant amount of time and money into the best products for my clients.
“What is the difference between great and not-so-great hair and makeup?“ I believe there is an artist for everyone, and everyone has his/her own unique style.
“When choosing a stylist, which questions should a bride ask? What are “red flags” to avoid?“ I always suggest doing your research online; also, word of mouth is one of the best tools. Look to your friends’ or family members’ recommendations. Also be sure to ask how much experience the artist has in doing weddings. I always develop (AND strictly follow!) a day-of timeline, hire experienced assistants and, most of all, myself and my team NEVER run late! The last thing you want is to have a hair and makeup artist holding up the flow of the day.
Screenshot
“How much time do you reserve for each service? And do you recommend touch-ups during the wedding day?“ Every artist has his/her own timing. I am VERY experienced, and I use assistants who have been working with me for years, so I can say with confidence that we are like a well-oiled machine. Generally, for the bride I take an hour and a half total for hair and makeup. Bridesmaids take 30 minutes or so for hair and 25-30 minutes for makeup. I have in the past had brides/wedding coordinators really question my timing, but then they are always blown away on the day of the wedding when I finish on time, and usually early! I do offer touch-ups at an hourly rate. Of course, you hope they aren’t necessary, and that all you really need for touch-ups is some powder and (for sure) lipstick!
BRD
“Why is professional hair/makeup so expensive?“
As I mentioned before – hair and makeup will be the least expensive endeavor of your big day. On that note, I take extensive time beforehand to communicate with the bride; I spend time setting up a contract and formulating a timeline. I also have to coordinate my assistants for the wedding day. In addition to those details, I take much pride in my hair and makeup kits, which means a significant time investment for ordering, restocking and purchasing the best products I can get! But the most important factor of all is that you are paying for my expertise, experience AND my calm, friendly and understanding demeanor on a day that can be very stressful. I make sure to not be the cause of any sort of stress on your wedding day!
“Anything else you’d like to add?“ I am so happy to meet so many amazing people in my career. And I look forward to many more years!
A little extra about me. I have been married to Patrick for 12 years; I have two daughters – Ireland James (11) and Golden Summer (4). When I’m not at work or having fun with my girls, I am OBSESSED with working out; I have lost 50 pounds over the last four years. What else? Having worked at Starbucks during high school and cosmetology school, I am still a fan of their Iced Americanos, and my favorite food is taco salad. I love to travel; my most-visited travel spots are Newport Beach, San Diego and Ko’olina/Hawaii. I am also a Disney Lover and frequent Disneyland visitor. Country music is another love of mine! I am very passionate about my clients and my business. I have been doing hair and makeup more than half my life and I am so blessed to have a career where I get to make others feel good about themselves!
Marie and I have collaborated on numerous wedding projects for more than a decade, some modest in size, and some requiring a whole army of florists for installation. No matter the scope, Marie is always prepared, having everything planned out meticulously ahead of time. But aside from that, she is also flexible and able to change plans in the moment – a vital skill in the events business!
What is your specific strength as a florist?
I am good at thinking on my feet. There are so many unforeseen circumstances that come up on wedding days, and I have always been able to accommodate my couples’ “wedding day emergencies” with some quick “flower thinking.”
Photo credit: Sandra Fazzino
Photo credit: Sandra Fazzino
Photo credit: Sandra Fazzino
– What is your style? Your approach to your work?
My signature style is “garden with a touch of wild whimsy.” My approach is to stay very organized on the back end. I plan exactly how many stems of each variety will be going into each design months before the wedding. This allows for efficient, elegant, and confident designing.
– What does it take to deliver stunning wedding flowers?
Understanding each variety and its unique needs is key. Some roses need just one day outside of the cooler to open to perfection. Others need four. Some varieties shouldn’t be in the cooler at all. Knowing how to time the care and handling of each flower makes for stunning wedding flowers.
Photo credit: Kreate Photography
What is the difference between low-quality and high-quality floral decor?
Low quality florals aren’t given “love.” They aren’t trimmed, misted with water, or kept at the correct temperature and therefore may not hold up on a wedding day. They’re also poorly designed by someone who was most likely rushing or simply didn’t have the knowledge of basic design principles that would enable them to impart the “wow factor.”
Photo credit: Danny Dong
Photo credit: Danny Dong
Why are wedding flowers so expensive?
Flowers in general are considered a luxury. But most couples want more than just “everyday” flowers. They want special varieties such as garden roses, Icelandic poppies, and butterfly ranunculus. These more “special” varieties usually cost more than flowers you would find in a typical grocery store.
Most couples are also looking for well-designed flowers. This means that they’re hiring a florist for his/her time and expertise beyond just the physical blooms. And if the wedding day includes numerous large flower installations, the florist needs to bring a team to help him/her set it up. That labor gets expensive, especially if your florist (hopefully) is paying a fair wage to his/her employees.
Photo credit: Danny Dong
Photo credit: Danny Dong
Photo credit: Danny Dong
What else would you like to add?
If couples are wanting to get the most “bang” for their buck, I recommend focusing on putting larger and more impressive floral designs where guests will be looking and spending time the most. Think: altar design, bar flowers, sweetheart table, etc. Put the bulk of your budget in these places, and then you can cut back in other areas if needed.
I have collaborated with Saida and Chantal, the charismatic owners of Nouvelle Vogue Bridal Salon, on many wedding projects and styled photoshoots. These two were the first ones to bring French/European bridal couture to the US two decades ago, and their style, taste and commitment to their brides is simply unmatched. Here are their expert insights in how to choose your wedding dress.
Photo credit: Vicens Forns
Photo credit: Vicens Forns
Photo credit: Vicens Forns
Photo credit: Danny Dong – A Savin of London Dress
Nancy and I are going back more than a decade… and I have come to highly appreciate her very elegant approach to wedding flowers. For example, she is not using any “fillers” – and that, of course, makes her arrangements more beautiful (but also more expensive). It’s true – she is a luxury wedding florist! Just admire the stunning floral decor she creates… and learn from her insights!
Behind the Blooms: A Florist’s Approach to Luxury Wedding Flowers
Ever wonder what goes into creating breathtaking wedding florals? Here’s a little insight into my world as a florist!
“What is your specific strength as a florist?“
What sets me apart is that I don’t just design as a floral designer—I design as an event designer. My work isn’t just about making arrangements look beautiful; it’s about crafting a full guest experience. Every floral element is placed with intention—how it looks, feels, photographs, and enhances the atmosphere for both the couple and their guests.
I’m also too practical to design just for a trend. Trends come and go, but a well-designed event is timeless. Our design philosophy is rooted in my instantly recognizable belief that florals should complement, not compete with the space, the setting, and the guest experience. I approach every event with this mindset, ensuring that the floral design elevates the event in a way that feels intentional and seamlessly integrated.
“What does it take to deliver stunning wedding flowers?“
Beyond beautiful blooms, it takes: Designing with Purpose – Every arrangement is curated for its aesthetic, functionality, and impact on the event flow. Expert Curation – Sourcing the freshest, most stunning blooms to create the perfect palette and texture. Seamless Collaboration – Working closely with planners, venues, and other vendors to ensure every detail aligns. Flexibility & Quick Thinking – No event goes 100% as planned, so adapting without sacrificing design integrity is key.
Real-Life Solution: One of the most complex installations I ever tackled was designing an orchid chandelier where the rigging point was on the 2nd floor, but guests were entering from the Mezzanine. The strands had to hang 27 feet down, so I had to engineer a way to suspend a grid from the 2nd floor opening that extended all the way to the Mezzanine.
On top of that, each strand had to be prepped in advance to avoid tangling—one wrong move, and we’d have a massive floral mess before the event even started! It took careful planning, precision rigging, and an eye for both aesthetics and logistics.
That’s the level of detail we go to—designing florals that not only look breathtaking but are also executed flawlessly.
“Why are wedding flowers so expensive?
Great question! The cost isn’t just about the flowers—it’s about everything that goes into creating a flawless execution:
Premium Blooms – Many wedding flowers are imported, seasonal, or require careful handling. Expert Design & Labor – Designing, processing, arranging, and installing florals takes skilled professionals and hours of work. Logistics & Setup – Transporting fragile blooms, setting up installations, and ensuring everything looks perfect under a tight timeline. Event-Day Execution – Unlike home flowers, wedding florals must be flawless for one day only, requiring meticulous planning.
A wedding is a one-shot production—and florals are a critical part of that visual storytelling.
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“What’s the Difference Between Low-Quality and High-Quality Floral Décor?“
It all starts with the artisan’s mission, execution, and service.
Low-quality florals feel like an afterthought—generic, uninspired, and poorly executed. They lack careful sourcing, handling, and attention to detail, often arriving wilted, misplaced, or unfinished.
High-quality florals aren’t just about expensive blooms—it’s about how even a simple carnation is cared for, how a bunch of sweet peas is watched for days, and how upon delivery, wilting flowers are replaced, glass is wiped, and centerpieces are placed perfectly.
Luxury floral design is about craftsmanship and precision—but also having enough skilled hands on site to ensure everything is installed on time, adjusted, and perfected. It’s about going beyond expectations, so the final product feels effortless, polished, and truly extraordinary.
“What else do you want to add?”
Great floral design is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about how it makes people feel. It’s about creating an atmosphere, a memory, an experience. When done right, florals don’t just decorate a space—they transform it.
Our design is intended to reflect my instantly recognizable belief that wedding florals should be more than just pretty arrangements—they should be part of the guest experience, an extension of the event design, and a defining element of the celebration.
For me, florals are never just about flowers. They’re about elevating the event, enhancing the guest experience, and making a moment unforgettable.
Ever wonder what goes into creating breathtaking wedding florals? Here’s a little insight into my world as a florist!
Designing with Purpose – Every arrangement is curated for its aesthetic, functionality, and impact on the event flow.
Real-Life Solution:
Premium Blooms – Many wedding flowers are imported, seasonal, or require careful handling.
Expert Design & Labor – Designing, processing, arranging, and installing florals takes skilled professionals and hours of work.
Logistics & Setup – Transporting fragile blooms, setting up installations, and ensuring everything looks perfect under a tight timeline.
Event-Day Execution – Unlike home flowers, wedding florals must be flawless for one day only, requiring meticulous planning.
