Wedding 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 Nordstroms Wedding?

Every month I get a Nordstroms catalog in the mail. Most of the time it is laced with new Kate Spade bags, Hunter boots, Michael Kors watches and all the new celebrity perfumes. However, sometimes it is wedding focused…bridal gowns, bridesmaids dresses and even simple elegant suits for the men. Brides have a love-hate relationship with their dress shopping experience, so I played with the idea…what if they ordered it all from a catalog. Here are a few items I found on Nordstroms.com Wedding Suite.

| Tadashi Shoji Gown | Nina ‘Maize’ Veil | Roberto Coin Necklace | Badgley Mishka Pump |  La Perla Lingerie | Burberry London Suit | Dolce&Gabbana Shoes | Burberry London Tie | twobirds Dress |

Single & Planning

Alright. I may get in trouble for this post, however, it is something that is rarely talked about. My single wedding clients. Yes, you read right. Single…wedding…clients.

I have had numerous secret folders over the years tucked away for women who began the planning process well before they found a man to marry. Are these some sort of strange weird women? No, they are young, professional, intelligent, strong women who know what they want.

If we are honest, most women have been secretly planning their wedding since they were probably five or six years old. For almost two years, my daughter has been talking about her orange and gray wedding (she’s now six). We (most women) love weddings. We love flowers and princess gowns and tiaras and romantic lighting, candles and dancing. We love the thought of the day…the thought of being the most beautiful person in the room.

Out of the many secret folders I have started, two are celebrating their wedding anniversaries this year…and a couple are planning their big day (with a fiancé in hand) as I write this.

Now obviously, styles change, sizes change, finances change and sometimes even our outlooks change…so, planning too far in advance could be difficult to say the least. However, there are a few fun ways to make the planning a fun, non-psychotic journey.

1. Don’t get too specific…pick some colors you like, but don’t necessarily pick the exact location and date. Pick some dress styles, but to get hung up on specific designers.

2. Remember to separate dream from reality…dream and dream well, but remember that when the time comes…reality sometimes has a different outlook.

3. Love it, pin it…whether you pin it in a folder at home or online via Pinterest, have fun piecing together all the many trends and ideas you can. Variety is your friend.

4. Keep it under wraps…nothing says commitment on a first date like finding a giant folder with tons of wedding clippings. It’s okay to dream…just don’t scare anyone away. Did I say that nice enough? (hope so)

5. Keep your chin up…being single is not a curse. Enjoy the moment you are in…right now. It will make enjoying the next moments in your life much easier and more beautiful.

The “Day of Wedding” Workshop

This 3-part workshop is held on Wednesdays from 6:00 – 8:30 pm (January 25, February 1 and February 8).  It is $175 and includes all materials. We are meeting at the Mosaic Gallery in Downtown Pomona’s Arts Colony. If you are interested, please complete the form below and we will send you a credit card invoice. Payments must be received by Sunday, 1/22/12. If you have any further questions or wish to pay by cash or check, call us at 909.784.0122 or email imagine@OpenBoxDesigns.com

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Why are you taking the course?(required)

Professional wanting to learn more Getting in the business Just want to do this for fun

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Thank you.  We look forward to seeing you.

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)