Workshop

Interested in the wedding planning industry and starting your own business? Maybe you’ve already started your wedding planning business and looking for more training and answers.

In my years of teaching the Wedding Planner Certification Course at Cal Poly Pomona, I’m asked frequently to provide more training specifically on the actual day of the wedding. Many new planners want to focus just on running the last few weeks of planning. Many DJs, Photographers and even DIY Brides have asked about this training as well. This is for anyone looking to gain more insight and detailed training.

The Day of Wedding Workshop is a unique learning experience created just for you, focusing specifically on the day of the wedding. Join us on April 27 for a day of learning, guidance, and networking with other potential planners or established planners. We will be holding the one day workshop in our LOFT in the Downtown Pomona’s historic Arts Colony.

Registration closes April 24

Swag Bag for early registrants by March 31

Materials & Refreshments included

A New Years Gift…for you.

I love this time of year. New beginnings. New hopes. New expectations. Its a time for looking forward and reflecting on the dreams you want to see come true.

My desire is to see your dream for the “perfect” wedding become tangible. To see you walk the aisle…with your eyes locked on your sweetheart, heart racing and full of wonder. To listen intently as you whisper “I do”. To watch you swept off your feet as the room begins to move to the rhythm of a delicate melody and then wist away to an undisclosed hideaway and begin your new life together. All the while, not burdened with seating arrangements for unannounced guests, maintaining smooth event transitions, vendor payments and corkage fees.

My part in this is to work tirelessly behind the scenes, while you embrace the beauty of the moment. To manage the vendors, the guests, the timelines and the oodles of unnoticed details that go into creating your “dream” wedding.

Through the month of January, I am offering the following promotions to you for your 2012 wedding:

The Designer for 12%, starting at $2012* (normally 15% of estimated budget, starting at $3000) Complete guidance and management from Now until your Grand Exit.  Ensuring an enjoyable planning process and seamless event.

Design My Day for $1200* (normally starting at $1500) We begin 2-3 months from your Big Day to ensure no detail is missed and you enjoy the wedding you have envisioned. Includes rehearsal.

Don’t leave your special day up to chance, we’re here to support you, making this celebration and the moments leading up to it, everything you hoped it to be.

Call 909.784.0122 or email imagine@openboxdesigns.com to set a design meeting.

*Discount applies to new contracts signed between January 1, 2012 and January 31, 2012.  Additional fees may apply for travel, accommodations, additional meetings, etc.

First dance songs that haven’t been done to death

I am a fan of the site Offbeat Bride. Last month they posted this amazing list of wedding “first dance” songs that have been not completely been played out. Yes, Etta Jame’s “At Last” or Michael Buble‘s “Everything” are beautiful songs, however if you’re looking for something a bit more unique, then this list if for you. Enjoy.

Oldies but Goodies — along the same lines of “At Last”

• The Beach Boys “God Only Knows” (hear it)
• Shuggie Otis‘ “Strawberry Letter 23” (hear it)
• Marvin Gaye‘s “Let’s Get it On” (hear it)
• Otis Redding’s “That’s How Strong My Love Is” (hear it)
• Van Morrison‘s “Sweet Thing” (hear it)
• The Zombies’ “This Will Be Our Year” (hear it)
• The Kinks “Waterloo Sunset” (hear it)
• Toussaint McCall’s “Nothing Takes The Place Of You” (hear it)
• Al Green‘s “Love and Happiness” (hear it)

Sexy Romantic

• (Ariel’s) Me’Shell Ndegéocello’s “Love Song #1″ (hear it)
• Ben Folds‘ “The Luckiest” (hear it)
• Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” (hear it)
• Massive Attack’s “One Love” (hear it)
• Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You” (hear it)
• Portishead’s “All Mine” (hear it)
• Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day” (hear it)

Wonky ‘n Fun

• Adam Sandler’s “I Wanna Grow Old With You” (hear it)
• The “Family Matters” theme song “As Days Go By” (hear it)
• Doris Day’s “A Bushel And A Peck” (hear it)
• The Velvet Underground’s “I’m Sticking with You” (hear it)
• The Band’s “Cripple Creek” (hear it)
• Toto’s “Africa” (hear it)
• Sam Hart’s “Mario Kart Love Song” (hear it)

Indie

• (Megan’s) Pavement’s “We Dance” (hear it)
• Jon Brion’s “Here We Go” (hear it)
• Neko Case’s “This Tornado Loves You” (hear it)
• Sufan Stevens’ “The Dress Looks Nice On You” (hear it)
• Wilco “I’m the Man Who Loves You” (hear it)
• The Cure’s “Friday I’m in Love” (hear it)
• Bright Eyes’ “First Day of my Life” (hear it)
• Nick Drake’s “Northern Sky” (hear it)
• The Pixie’s “La La Love You” (hear it)

SUPER Indie

• Bird and the Bee “My Love” (hear it)
• Obi Best “Nothing Can Come Between Us” (you can get a free mp3 here)
• The Moldy Peaches’ “Anyone Else but You” (hear it)
• The Mountain Goats’ “No Children” (hear it) — yes, some people find this song controversial!
• Neutral Milk Hotel’s “I Love How You Love Me” (hear it)
• She & Him’s “I Was Made For You” (hear it)
• Captain Beefheart’s “I’m Glad” (hear it)

Jazzin’ — along the same lines of Michael Buble

• Sara Gazarek’s “Makes Me Feel This Way” (hear it) or her version of “You Are My Sunshine” (hear it)
• Harry Connick Jr.’s “Come By Me” (hear it)
• Kurt Elling’s “I Feel So Smoochie” (hear it)
• Jamie Cullum’s “I Think, I Love” (hear it)
• Renee Olstead’s ” A Love That Will Last” (hear it)

Upbeat Swingin’

• (Shrie’s) Chuck Barry’s “You Never Can Tell” (hear it)
• Barry Louis Polisar’s “All I Want Is You” (hear it)
• Sly & the Family Stone’s “You Can Make It If You Try” (hear it)
• Huey “Piano” Smith’s “Little Liza Jane” (hear it)

Laidback Easy-Peasy

• Mayer Hawthorne’s “Make Her Mine” (hear it)
• Cat Power’s version of “Sea of Love” (hear it)
• Peter Gabriel’s “Book of Love” (hear it)
• Air’s “Playground Love” (hear it)
• The Fruit Bat’s “When U Love Somebody” (hear it)

Dark and Romantic

• Judas Priest’s “Angel” (hear it)
• Rammstein’s “Ohne Dich” (hear it with English translation)
• Type O Negative’s “Love You to Death” (hear it)
• Stone Temple Pilots’ “Still Remains” (hear it)
• Incubus’ “Monuments and Melodies” (hear it)
• Killswitch Engage’s “My Curse” (hear it)
• HIM’s “Join Me In Death” (hear it)