A proposal is SO special. Each one is even more so unique than a wedding, because you really have no idea how, where, and what is going to happen. A Proposal is so suited to an individual’s personality and a couple’s unique and personal character that NO two proposals are ever the same. ::sigh::

Alright, I’m swooning again already. Congratulations to Tim and Chris! Enjoy the beginning of the most amazing journey together. And savor this engagement time!

When planning the color palette we would use, I asked for favorite colors and Tim said Chris’ favorite was red and so was his. So, RED we went! Not only was it perfect (since red is the color of love and passion, and good luck in Chinese…!), it made it romantic as well.Tim didn’t have much to say in the way of how it all “looked”. This guy only had his eyes on the prize… getting down on one knee to ask the girl he loved most to marry him. So he just said he wanted the room to be “romantic” and include “sunflowers (Chris’ favorite color), candles and other nice girly things”. Ok, romantic here we come! Nothing beats romantic than soft candle and twinkle lights.

THE RING was buried inside a jar of sand and hidden under Chris’ seat. A throw-back to their first date,  I LOVED this as I’m truly a sentimental girl at heart

And after all is said and done… the magic is truly when she said.. YES!

Surrounded by family and friends, we got to surprise Chris – and it looks like she was still surprised too!

Congratulations Chris and Tim. What a beautiful day it was. And what a beautiful couple you two are.

And for those of you who hung tight throughout this entire post, the best is yet to come! Pictures say a thousand words but moving video says millions!!! Here’s the proposal video shot by Lawrence Hui. Thanks to everyone for all of the folding, hanging, blacking-outing, cooking and helping!

I had the chance to head out to the Anza Borrego Desert, just about 2 hours east of San Diego and visit Borrego Springs Resort. Being a girl who usually likes to be surrounded by lush green trees, ocean and rivers, the desert was a unique experience. Its landscape is in a world all of its own – sandy hills, oasis in the most unexpected places, and a sky so black that when you look at the stars in the night, you wonder if you’re looking at diamonds scattered across velvet above us.

Needless to say, it’s a breathtaking view at times, and a beautiful place if you’re looking for a wedding venue that is unique. So here I am to share ….

My visit to Borrego Springs began with grapefruit trees greeting me upon my arrival! I was so surprised that these trees were scattered around the resort. The desert landscape was beautiful and made us feel like we were so far away from the hustle-and-bustle of every day life. *sigh, time to breathe and relax*

The best time to have a wedding in the desert is in the early Fall – September, October and November are perfect times. It’s a great temperature in Borrego, while everywhere else is starting to cool down. Of course, Borrego Springs has two pools (a main one and a spa-guests adult only pool) that are great for cooling down any time of the year!

Before wedding festivities, spa time at the Borrego spa on the resort is a must for any bridal party! Sign me up for a massage, facial or mani/pedi any day, please. I loved the plush bathrobes as well, also in each guest room to use during your stay

A ceremony at Borrego Springs Resort can be held inside their ballroom or outdoors in their patio overlooking their golf course, or on the golf course. Don’t think you’ll just be looking at sand-colored desert dunes here, there’s plenty of landscaped greenery and palm trees for your eyes to feast on while you tie the knot.

Party away during your reception in the ballroom, grand dining room (with grand piano) or outdoors enjoying the desert fresh air. And last but not least, remember to take in the view of the night sky when the stars come out. If you’ve never seen a desert night sky – you’re in for a treat! It still takes my breath away when I see the amount of stars sparkling in the pitch black night.

A perfect setting to eat, drink, be married and be in love.

What do you think? – Are you a desert destination kind of bride?

But after the dress, the royals, and all the pomp and circumstance…. did you actually listen to the message during the ceremony? Because, I did – and I really liked it

The sermon was given by the Bishop of London, Richard Chartres. You can find the entire sermon here or watch it on Hulu (minutes 31:40 – 38:50) but I pulled out a few sound-bites that I really liked.

Chartres started with:

“Marriage is intended to be a way in which man and woman help each other to become what God meant each one to be, their deepest and truest selves.”

I love this because he reminds us that God really intended for men and women to compliment each other through marriage. Throw away any notions of testosterone male chauvinism or feminist aggression – many people take the “head of household” thought overboard and in the wrong way, but this reminds us that it truly is a partnership and that both sides are intended to bring out the best in each other.

“A spiritual life grows as love finds its centre beyond ourselves. Faithful and committed relationships offer a door into the mystery of spiritual life in which we discover this; the more we give of self, the richer we become in soul; the more we go beyond ourselves in love, the more we become our true selves and our spiritual beauty is more fully revealed. In marriage we are seeking to bring one another into fuller life.”

Isn’t that just so the truth? I often fall into conversations with others that if you want to get into a relationship to make yourself happy, well .. just don’t. Because you probably won’t be happy. Because a real, committed relationship isn’t about making yourself happy. Being selfish is just about the last thing you can really do in marriage. It just won’t work out. I’ve found out through experience and observation that the happiest of marriages and relationships are those where self-sacrifice and selflessness are practiced daily.

“Marriage should transform, as husband and wife make one another their work of art. It is possible to transform as long as we do not harbour ambitions to reform our partner. There must be no coercion if the Spirit is to flow; each must give the other space and freedom.”

A good friend of mine once told me some wisdom she received in pre-marital counseling. She had said that she was worried – (as many of us who are married or brides-to-be are, I bet) – that she was afraid that some many years down the line, she’d wake up and look at her husband next to her in bed and think “I don’t know you. You are not the man I married “x” number of years ago”. The wisdom she received is one I still remember today – and which Chartres’ quote on transformation reminded me of. She was told, “You WILL wake up one day and say that the man (or woman) you are next to is not the same man/woman you married years ago. But you shouldn’t be afraid of that. Because if you are truly allowing the work of the Spirit happen to transform you, you are going to continually grow and change – for the better. So the person you and your spouse will be years from now will be different people then the two of you that were at the altar. But hopefully, it will be for the better.”

I love that we’re reminded to allow your partner to grow to who he or she is. We fell in love with who they were, why do we get married and try to change them to something they are not or who we think they should be? Allow the transformation to happen… like art.

“As the reality of God has faded from so many lives in the West, there has been a corresponding inflation of expectations that personal relations alone will supply meaning and happiness in life. This is to load our partner with too great a burden. We are all incomplete: we all need the love which is secure, rather than oppressive, we need mutual forgiveness, to thrive. As we move towards our partner in love, following the example of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is quickened within us and can increasingly fill our lives with light. This leads to a family life which offers the best conditions in which the next generation can practise and exchange those gifts which can overcome fear and division and incubate the coming world of the Spirit, whose fruits are love and joy and peace.”

Isn’t it so true? That to rely on our partner alone to provide us with ‘all meaning and happiness in life’ is ‘to great a burden’ for them alone. It’s not fair to them.

I applaud the Bishop for his sermon, knowing that billions of people world-wide would be watching. Whether they were listening, however, is another question. But I think he stayed true to faith, personal to the royal couple and encouraging and hopeful for a wedding. Or, THE wedding of the decade, at least. What do you think?

Better late than never, so I wanted to share with you spring decor that is gracing my fireplace mantle currently. I love the lightness of all the elements with just a touch of color to give it some life and depth.

It’s all in the details….

I loved putting this together because of the details. It easily translates into a tablescape for a spring meal or even a vintage themed wedding! Scrabble tiles, brown-paper wrapped books or titles which you love, vintage library check-out slips… doesn’t it make you fall in love with spring? Just looking at this makes me want to bask in the sunshine in a window seat and curl up with a cup of tea and a great book, with freshly picked flowers at my side.

Happy Easter & spring, everyone!

Needless to say, many stress out about the dress looking for just the right one.

So here are a few of a lil’ wedding planner’s tips I’ve found along the way to help with your wedding dress shopping:

• First time’s a charm. Believe it or not, a large percentage of brides actually choose to go with the first dress that they do try on. You might be one of those brides and if that’s the case – don’t stress or second guess yourself! You might have already spent hours pouring over bridal magazines and online photos and know exactly what you want. Your heart might already be set on a style, and if you know your body then you know it works well with your shape. If that’s you, then first time is a charm! Don’t feel the pressure to keep trying on other dresses “just to make sure”. One or two might be enough, your heart will know!
• Sit, stand, walk. Do all three things while trying on your dress. We know, sometimes you feel like a deer caught in headlights staring at your reflection in the mirror. But take a moment to inhale, take in the moment, and then walk to a chair and sit down! You need to know how your dress will feel since a large portion of your day will include walking in your dress and sitting for the reception. Don’t be surprised on your wedding day. If something doesn’t feel right, alterations can adjust it for you before the big event. And go ahead – throw in a little twirl while you’re at it
• Complete the look. Throw on a veil, grab a bouquet in the store, choose some jewelry and put it on! It might sound like common sense but sometimes brides don’t complete the look until they’ve bought all the pieces and realize that something doesn’t look right. Your dress shape and size will often guide you in what your veil, jewelry, and bouquet should look like so that it compliments the dress and works with your entire look. So do it at the beginning in the store and remember what you’re looking for as you shop for the rest of your pieces!
• Beware numerous opinions. I know you love your mother and grandmother and bridesmaids, and they are there to give you their support and honest opinions, but remember that they have their own fashion tastes as well – which might be different from yours. So take in what they have to say if a dress makes your butt look big or shows too much cleavage (and thank them for their loving honesty) but also remember that you know your body and your style, and don’t let their voices crowd out yours – which is the one that knows you best.

Have fun shopping! Be courageous and throw in a dress you normal wouldn’t go for into the mix to see how it looks on you (and at the least, confirm what style you think you want). The experience should be fun and full of giggles, not clouded with stress or doubts. And remember to start shopping early – so you can have more time to look if you haven’t quite yet found the dress.

So… with no further ado I bring you a few snapshots of the dresses I saw…!

Belle. From Beauty and the Beast .. “tale as old as time” just played throughout my head as I saw this dress! Simple yet so elegant, it is a slight yellow color (like Belle’s dress) and the pick-ups and sweetheart neckline give it a little bit of its own unique flavor.

One word: Muff. Let’s just say it again: Muff. ! I love the accessory for a winter bride – it’s unique and modern, and evokes images of snuggling up with a loved one in a winter chalet with a warm cup of hot cocoa in hand. If you want to add flowers, I would suggest a handing pomander from the muff!

And moving on to spring… this is a fun, playful look. I love it for the bride that wants something different and short, but if you’re more of a traditional girl – I would recommend this for your “exit dress”! Put it on after the cake is cut and bouquet is tossed… do a few boogie movies in it as you get down on the dance floor and then run out into the night with your loved one as you head off to your honeymoon. Perfect ending, perfect dress.

Rosettes, rosettes, rosettes! I spotted floral details on more than a few dresses, so keep your eyes out for this feminine detail in dresses this year. This dress makes a statement and might not be for every girl out there, but it’s a unique pick for the right bride-to-be!

Whether the dresses inspire or seduce you… “the right dress” is so specific for each unique bride. (Coming from this wedding planner who’s shopped for her own dress and also shopped with girlfriends for theirs!). Later this week I’ll share a few tips I’ve learned along the way about choosing the right wedding dress for you

Stacks and stacks of books… filled with romance epics, love stories, classic tales…. oooo the imagination is just endless! What a perfect place to get a little cozy I love how this couple has fun with books! It was exactly like I was imagining it when I  blogged the idea. How fun… now doesn’t it just make  you want to hang out in the library..?!

** All photos from this post are courtesy of Michelle Chiu Photography

So for this lil’ wedding planner, it’s a natural progression to do a few baby showers here and there as well. Which, as I hinted last week – this Monday (today), the forecast is: showers!!!

It was really exciting to do the decorations for this baby shower, especially because the couple – Michelle and Eric – were new to our church and were just starting to get to know all of us. A great group of us volunteered our talents… some for food, some for games, others for favors. The result was an afternoon filled with wonderful love for the new family.

The theme was jungle animals… and who wouldn’t fall in love with cute baby elephants and giraffes and hippos? To give the multitude of bright colors a common connection, we used pink (for the baby girl!) to draw a common thread.

I love finding new ways to spice up a room and add some fun decor with inexpensive materials and things you might already have around the house! So with just a bit of twine and construction paper, we have jungle animals ‘hanging out’ around the house! The tried and true brown paper bag also gets a face-lift when you roll down the top, add a few paper animals and top it for a baby shower with.. baby’s breath!

The mommy and daddy-to-be had special pins for the day… and brought home this beautiful diaper cake (handmade by Karen). There should be enough diapers for the newborn for a bit… there’s 100 diapers in the “cake”!

Speaking of cake… no party is complete without food, so many hands chipped in for wonderful meats, cheeses, sandwiches, sushi rolls and for the sweet tooth – treats from around the world and homemade rubber ducky cookies. Chocolate favors handmade by Sharon … you can take home a friendly hippo or an elephant

Congratulations Eric and Michelle! We are all so excited for you.. !

… you’ll just have to wait until next Monday to find out!

~ A Lil’ Wedding Planner ~

Here are 5 ideas for your next e-sesh… or anniversary sesh?… or trash the dress sesh… or family sesh?? Any occasion to take photos or throw a celebration is fine by me!

1. The Library or a Bookstore - I don’t know about you, but I think of all sorts of sweet, dreamy romantic thoughts when I imagine stacks of old books and cushy library couches and a mr & mrs to-be among it all! What I love about the library is that even if you aren’t into reading, you can always find at least ONE book that describes your personality (kid’s books, anyone? sports illustrated – the hardcover? travel? self help – getting ready for the first year of marriage?). I can just imagine the photos…!
2. Amusement Park – Seaworld, LegoLand, the Zoo or somewhere fun that’s special to you - I don’t think we ever outgrow the “kid” inside of us. That includes Shamu, dolphins, building little towns out of lego blocks, and growling at tigers. Take a fun day off with your fiancée and your photographer and head to one of your favorite amusement parks. Think what fun Legoland photos would be like, or how magical a photo of you and your honey smooching with Shamu in the background would be!
3. Train Tracks/Train station - A friend and I were once talking that airports can be the saddest or the happiest places to be. You’re either coming home to a loved one or leaving the ones you care about. Train stations can capture that same feeling as well – with a bit more drama. Union Station in Los Angeles is rich with history. Train stations in San Diego have an ocean backdrop. A stolen kiss with the blur of the train rushing by behind you? Priceless!
   

   *Photo courtesy of Jihan Abdalla Photography

4. Bowling Alley - Here’s your chance to finally make those dorky bowling shoes something cute! But seriously, colorful bowling balls… his and hers alley-ways, bowling pins, and the arcade and diner inside? That’s photo fun!!
5. Home Depot - I know. You’re thinking, WHAT?! Home Depot? Of all the UNromantic places to be!! But hear me out.. I imagine a cute couple pushing each other around the aisles in a shopping cart … some fun with tools… a quick kiss in the model kitchens … and a little frolicking in the home garden area! It would be so utterly fun, spontaneous, sweet, and UNIQUE!

So I have to credit my husband for #5 I thought of it because every time I browse the stores in our neighborhood for pretty things like vases, baskets or random decor for a wedding, my hubby goes across the street to Home Depot. Why not combine both worlds?

Now please promise me that if you ever have a photo sesh at Home Depot, you will please email me the photos. It would make me so happy! Thank you.