Northern California Wedding Planner | Planning Your Wedding During a Disaster

A week ago today, the world as our little community knew it changed. The amount of loss in from the #campfire is devastating, and unprecedented. With each press briefing and community meeting we learn more details and updated numbers of lives lost, and damaged homes and structures. Our couples, “friendors”, neighbors and friends all are touched by this fire and our own experience of being evacuated was surreal in itself.

While we are working to assist our couples who are affected, and offer support to vendors who have lost their homes or businesses we also want to offer support to couples who aren’t sure how to proceed. Who can you talk to about your wedding plans in a time like this, when everyone around you is in disaster mode? We are here for you with a shoulder, an ear, and a clip board of to-do lists on how we can help you.

Maybe originally you felt that you could plan your wedding with family and friends but now feel like you aren’t sure what life around you will look like a few months from now or even a year. Please give us a call and let us know your situation, as many venues and vendors have offered to help couples with making changes to their existing plans or easing the process for those going forward.

Planning a wedding is an exciting time, one that you want to share with your friends and family and we still want you to be able to have that amazing day!

Northern California Wedding Planner | The Secret About Your Wedding Vendors

You'll never guess what your wedding vendors are doing.  When you find out what is going on in the backend of wedding planning you might be surprised. 

Your wedding vendors are sharing information, timelines, rental lists, questions and ideas all to make sure your wedding is not only beautiful but seamless.  It might not be shocking per say, but over the last two years we have seen a big shift to collaboration and team-work; we couldn't be happier.  

We are happy to be a part of local groups like the Chico Wedding Collective!

A big catalyst for this change is the management and communication tool that is sweeping the event world called Honeybook.  This is where we can create a project (your wedding) and add vendors to a virtual workspace in order to share your details and communicate throughout the process.  You can login to your wedding and see the exchanges of emails and files among your vendors, they are working hard as a team!

There are many great ways that technology has improved the planning process for couples, for example we use a virtual dashboard system for our couples to have 24/7 access to their timeline, budget, contracts and design boards.  We love interacting with our couples and being there every step of the way.  

What tools or systems have you started using to plan your wedding? Still a paper & pen kind of gal? That works too!

~ Happy Planning~

Wedding films and happy tears

By Christina Rafael

Much like my love for all things Nicholas Sparks and Adele, I love a good cry.

Though my fiance makes fun of my ability to shed tears at the start of a sad song (or really good Google commercial), wedding films are the icing on the cake to my cry sessions.

Something about the combination of music to the happiness of vows, change of family dynamics and new beginnings always guarantees a lunge for the tissue box.

So grab a Kleenex and take a look at my top 3 favorite wedding films:

Wiley & Mallory -  lifestagefilms.com

I mean, come on…this man's vows win every award! The way he looks at her during her vow reading, the soft "baby" as she finishes and that crying break at 1:27 had me in tears immediately.

I think what I like most about this film is that the love these two have for one another is apparent in every action captured. Their story wasn't convenient and lacked storybook effortlessness but the couple worked hard to stay together, despite all odds, and had their happy ending. His vows were the structure this film needs to pull the best kinds of heart strings.

Jake & Jordan - www.alealovely.com

I think what really gets me in this film is the family dynamics. From the family members featured on her bouquet to the dad/ bride moment, it's all Hallmark gold. I also loved the idea of writing a letter to your bride/ groom to be read before you see each other and might steal it. ;)

As Jordan reads the lines referencing "the mother to my children" and "the grandmother to my grandchildren" I can't help but wipe away some happy tears. What a sweet idea, great groom and amazing words to capture.

Brandon & Stacey - trecreative.com

I'm a bit partial when it comes to this one because it hits so close to home. From the smile she has when she talks about her groom to cry-heavy vows she uses, it's a mirror image of myself. It also doesn't help that this couple's film was shot by a videographer team from Chico (who just got married, congrats Stephen & Chelsey!).

I lose my cool when she tells her groom that when he told her she was beautiful, she finally believed it. It's such an honest sentiment to spill in a vow and really lets the viewer in on their relationship dynamic. The groom's vows are also highlighted when he reveals the best decision he's made: her.

Book a Videographer If you can swing it budget wise, having a wedding film is definitely something to consider for any couple. In addition to being unique each time, a videographer can capture fast-paced wedding day details and emotions in first-person way, so you (and family members who could or could not attend) can revisit your special day as if it was happening again.

Though trecreative.com was highlighted, there are many more local options to explore.

Research online or book us for an hourly consultation to find the best videographer for your special day!

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day from The 530 Bride! Take this time to celebrate the ones you love, and enjoy all of the candy that comes along with this fun holiday! Cupid works his magic around this time of year, so we aren't suprised we have already seen several couples get engaged this week! While every couple celebrates differently, we believe you can show you care in simple ways and you don't have to go over the top.  Whether you are a new couple or have been married for years consider some of the fun gift ideas and activities available in our area. 1. If your sweetie has a sweet tooth pick up some goodies that you both will enjoy Cupcake Crusader, Chico Sublime Cake Design, Redding Upper Crust, Chico CocoAmatrice Artisan Chocolates, Paradise Shuberts Ice Cream & Candy, Chico Powell's Sweet Shoppe, Chico The Cookie Tree, Yuba City

2. Suprise your sweetie with lunch or his/her favorite coffee Stop by his/her work with some lunch or maybe a coffee, we bet you will get a smile from ear to ear!  Guys: throw in a single stem flower to add a simple and romantic detail to her suprise. 3. Confess Your Love If cards aren't your style and you have a smartphone or camera phone, confess your love in a short video. Be yourself, if you aren't comfortable in front of the camera consider making a slide show including some of your favorite photos together. Add some music as a finishing touch, and your sweetie is sure to keep it forever. Check out some of these links to create a free slideshow: http://www.kizoa.com/ http://www.photoshow.com/home/start http://animoto.com/create#tab-valentines 4. Dine-In Dinner at home may not sound like Valentine's Day material, but turn off your cell phones, computer and tv so that you can catch up and focus on each other.  Make the extra effort and find a new recipe to make together while enjoying some wine and great conversation.

5.  Say Cheese Valentines Day is a great excuse to get dressed up and snap some pictures, why not have a professional take them for you? Call around to some of the local photographers for a casual photoshoot to capture this romantic day.  If you already have photos, choose your favorite and find a beautiful frame.

Last but not least, you can't go wrong with a beautiful bouquet of flowers! Chico Florist Salvagno's Events Marshall's Floral & Fine Gifts The Garden Gate The Country Florist

Post your favorite Valentines Day Memories here!

WeDo Designs Showcase August 19th 2011

If you were one of the many brides who attended the WeDo Designs showcase at The Palms Pavilion, this will be a fun recap for you! If you weren't able to make it to the event we will let you know what you missed!  WeDo Designs offers affordable decor including luxury linens, centerpieces, dishes & flatware rentals, chair covers, uplighting, wall paneling and more.  For brides still in their planning stages, visiting a showroom that displays many different colors, textures, table settings and centerpieces will give you an idea of what you are drawn to. When guests arrived at the showcase they signed up to be entered into a drawing for luxury linens for up to 100 guests, provided by WeDo Designs.  There were also photo albums full of beautiful photos of designs and decor by WeDo Designs, that really shows the creativity and versatility of this company.  Guests enjoyed tasty treats by Bacio Catering and some refreshing punch provided by Holiday Inn.

Peacock feathers and deep blue tones grabbed the attention of guests right away! Every inch of the room had something interesting for your eyes, and I couldn't count how many times I heard brides say "Oh, I love that!"

[gallery columns="2" orderby="rand"]

When it comes to linens, WeDo Designs carrries a multitude of colors and textures that can fit perfectly with any decor and color scheme.  One lucky showcase guest will win a set of luxury linens for up to 100 guests for their bridal shower or other event, so ladies and gentlemen make sure to stop by WeDo Design's Facebook page tomorrow evening at 5pm to find out who won! (Click here to visit the WeDo Designs Facebook page.)  The 530 Bride will keep you posted on other local events, and other chances to win great prizes and services.

Which table setting was your favorite? Let us know by leaving a comment here!

Cocoon ~ A Resale Boutique

If you are looking for a nice addition to your closet like a cute pair of heels, jeans or maybe even some summer dresses, Cocoon is the place to go.

Shopping on a budget doesn't mean you can't splurge!  Set your own trends and find unique jewelry and accessories that can blend perfectly into your wardrobe.  Brides, find gifts for your bridesmaids here and give them something with character, history and charm just like your friendship!

The owner Summer O'Neil is someone who has passion for the community that she lives and works in, and she donates 10 percent of the stores profits to local charities.  On top of donating to charities, Summer also supports local Artists & Non-Profit Organizations, which is part of the appeal of the store. You will see the work of local artists, and other small vendors who each have something unique to bring to the table.

Kodo Fragrances is one of the local names you will find at Cocoon, they offer local, unique, hand-made perfumes.

We aren't the only ones who think Cocoon is doing something right, as they were featured in an article in The Upstate Business Journal, published in June of this year. (Click Here to Read Article)

Summer Dresses, Skirts, Jeans, Vests, Heels & Sandals are fashionable and affordable so you can keep up with the seasons and trends without breaking the bank.

Cocoon is located at 1431 Park Avenue, in Chico and is the place to go to Buy, Sell & Trade your clothes, accessories, furniture, household items, and other goods. Make sure to stop in during these business hours: Tuesday - Thursday 10am - 2pm Friday - 10am - 5pm Saturday - 11am - 6pm

You can find Cocoon on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Cocoon.ResaleBoutique or call (530) 343-5440 to find out more!

On the road to 'I Do' Lisa and Justin

Lisa and Justin are one those fun couples that are always up for an adventure and they are definitely the life of the party.  That’s why we know their wedding will be no exception, and we know the couple will be dancing the night away. Did we mention that the groom can do the worm? Just ask him and he will show you! Justin literally proposed to Lisa under a waterfall in Burney Falls and of course she said yes! So after 5 years of dating, this couple is on their way down the altar.   They have set their date to August 13, 2011 and will be getting married in Chico, CA.

The ceremony will be held outdoors at the beautiful private Miller Mansion in Chico, followed by the reception at the nearby Arroyo Room, flowers will be arranged by Chico Florists.

Her bridal party will be wearing black tea-length Alfred Angelo gowns with pink accents,  and the groomsmen will be wearing black tux’s with a pink accent to follow her theme.

We will be highlighting Lisa’s progress in her wedding plans so check back for updates!

Update: Lisa's Bridal Shower had a black and pink theme with zebra print & feather accents.

Her cake was made by Christy's Creations, and matched her theme perfectly.

Lisa and her sister Kelly who is her Maid of Honor, each with a Star Gazer Lily which is Lisa's Wedding Flower.

*Update* Lisa had her Bachelorette Party in San Francisco, CA the weekend before her wedding and The Holiday Inn on the Wharf was the perfect spot! With a light up Bachelorette Sash, a very cute little white dress from Forever 21 and her entourage of ladies, Lisa was ready to hit the town. Ruby Skye was the destination for Saturday night, and this club exceeded expectations, look out Las Vegas!