Picture Perfect Events

Winter Fashion {inspiration}

2012-01-13T09:45:00.000-08:00

Winter welcome display at Bloomingdales, Union Square.

dream.believe.inspire.KLG

The Butter End Bakery

2011-12-19T08:07:00.000-08:00

Every holiday I receive a box of goodies from Jen O'Sullivan Photography. Jen brings together the best service providers in town (Los Angeles) to Market their products. The Butter End Cakery always includes decadent desserts that are well designed with exceptional taste.

Photo courtesy by my IPhone 4S

Brownie Truffles- dark chocolate brownie bites, topped with chocolate ganache & edible silver

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Bright Stripes and Fun Accessories by Paul Smith

2011-12-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

Bright Stripes and Fun Accessories by Paul Smith by kgin featuring knit scarves

Denise + Roy {we tied the knot}

2011-12-14T13:00:00.000-08:00

3 months and counting. That's the amount of time I was given to plan Denise and Roy's soiree at a private home in San Marino, California. Denise's uncle and aunt had plans to re-landscape their backyard and since the wedding was taking place at their home, plans for remodeling was fast tracked.

On October 29, 20120, Denise and Roy said their "I do's" in front of 140 close family and friends. It was a gorgeous evening, considering the wet weather weeks prior. Denise and Roy selected navy blue, gray, and peach as their wedding colors. I love how each bridesmaid walked down the aisle to their own style and sass. Roy's one request was to have a variety of food such as BBQ and tacos!s

Photos courtesy of Connie M. Chung Photography

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Babycakes NYC

2011-12-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

BabyCakes NY originated in New York City with rave reviews for its refined sugar free, gluten free, wheat free, soy free, casein free, and egg free desserts. Founder Erin McKenna's started the company when she realized wheat can no longer be a part of her diet, thus opening her first Vegan Bakery in New York City. BabyCakes NY opened 2 additional locations in Downtown Los Angeles and Orlando (Downtown Disney).

The Review
The vanilla cupcake with vanilla frosting was really good. The cake itself was moist and pretty light for a vegan dessert. I love how BabyCakes NY puts a minimal amount of frosting to top off the cupcake. I normally remove most of the frosting from cupcakes since it can be a bit much. The caramel donut was delicious, but I still prefer a donut from a mom and pop shop. Overall, BabyCakes is one of the best vegan dessert places in Los Angeles.

I'm sure many of you are wondering how desserts can be tasty if key ingredients are removed from the recipe. You can go here to find our more information on the ingredients used.

Vanilla Cupcake with vanilla frosting, Caramel Donut, and homemade coffee

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Pantone 2012 Color of The Year

2011-12-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

Drum roll please....the Pantone 2012 Color of The Year is Tangerine Tango, Pantone 17-1463. "Tangerine Tango, a spirited reddish orange, continues to provide the energy we need to recharge and move forward".

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Stephanie + Sam {we tied the knot}

2011-12-02T09:55:00.000-08:00

The Adamson House in Malibu was the perfect setting for Stephanie and Sam's wedding since they both love the beach and Southern California's sunny weather. The couple's vision for their wedding can be described as intimate, magical, and comfortable. I love how Stephanie and Sam's siblings were all part of the wedding party with the youngest sibling as the ring bearer. Jack took his job very seriously as he walked down the aisle with the real rings. He wanted to make sure everything was perfect for his sisters' wedding! Auntie Em's Kitchen created a wonderful family style meal for the guests. The food was endless and no one left hungry! To view more of Stephanie and Sam's wedding, please click here.

Photos courtesy of Jasmine Star Photography

As in Style Me Pretty

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Post Thanksgiving Weekend

2011-11-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

Picture Perfect Event's last wedding took place on October 29. Since then, I have been busy with cleaning out my home and office, visiting with friends and family, spending quality time on FaceTime with my nephew, and shopping for Thanksgiving. And of course, working on the 2012 events. I wanted to share with our readers some snapshots I took the past few weeks.

Photos courtesy of my IPHONE 4S

Last weekend Spencer and I attended a wedding in San Francisco. We spent time with family, shopped, walked through Union Square and Chinatown. San Francisco is one of my favorite cities to visit.

The Gin family celebrated Thanksgiving at my grandma's home. My mom baked chocolate cakes for the girls to decorate. We all had a fun time and left super stuffed!

The second Thanksgiving feast took place at my home in Downtown Los Angeles. My kitchen is limited and I don't have much space to store specialty pots and pans. Thanks to my dad for deep frying the turkey.

Jackson staying warm in North Carolina. He's cute, but looks can be deceiving!

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Inspired by Black and Gold

2011-11-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

The Perfect Outfit for a Charity Event by kgin featuring christian louboutin shoes

Fiona + Philip {we tied the knot}

2011-11-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how much you learn about a couple during the best man and maid of honor speeches. At Fiona and Philip's wedding, one of their groomsmen talked about how Fiona caught Philip's attention. It was her infectious smile that won his heart. Fast forward 6 years and Philip proposed to Fiona in Switzerland on a cold crisp winter day.

The Langham Huntington Hotel, Pasadena was the perfect setting for Fiona and Philip's winter themed wedding. It took many months and countless hours for Euri, Kendra (Fleuretica), and I to come up with the fine details of this wedding. We wanted to ensure the winter themed wedding was a continuous reflection of the day when Philip proposed to Fiona.

The ceremony can be described as an all white garden-ish feel with white serving as a hint to the "Winter Wonderland" theme. Fiona and Philip wanted a keepsake from the wedding so they enlisted a friend to custom design the ceremony entrance gate. I love the F and P floral accent! Philip's mom only had 1 request throughout the planning process and it was for both dads to sign the marriage license in front of all the guests. This was definitely a special touch!

After the ceremony ended, guests were escorted to the Huntington Ballroom Foyer for hors d' oeuvres and cocktail hour. The photo booth backdrop was a sleigh and 2 husky dogs while faux snow and hot air balloons were included within the escort card area. Guests dined on a 4 course meal plus a sweet and savory late night snack station. The highlight of the evening was Fiona and Philip's choreographed 1st dance to "Because You Love Me" by Celine Dion. Midway through the song, all the bridesmaids and groomsmen joined the couple in a dance to "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga. The group practiced one time with the choreographer a few days prior to the wedding and they did an awesome job! Thanks to Darren aka DJ Orbit for mixing the tunes.

Photos courtesy of Chenin Boutwell

Videographer: Elysium Productions

Baker: Cakes by the Pound

Decor and Furniture: Rriver Works, Inc.

Lighting: G2 Audio and Lighting

Drapery: Amber Event Production

Linens and Chairs: Elegant Design Specialty Linens

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

A Sophisticated-Chic Bride

2011-11-08T08:30:00.000-08:00

A Sophisticated-Chic Bride by kgin featuring a tartan hat

Alexander McQueen panel dress
£1,195 - harveynichols.com

Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti suede leather boots
$290 - theoutnet.com

Chanel flap bag
malleries.com

Vintage jewelry
$1,245 - stylebop.com

Barbour tartan hat
£45 - josephm.com

OPI Nail Polish - Red Shatter OPI Health & Beauty | HQHair.com
£11 - hqhair.com

Tianyi + Dan {engagement shoot}

2011-10-28T21:43:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is a very special day for my good friends Tianyi and Dan. Their wedding has been a labor of love for the past 11 months! I look forward to sharing all the fun details with our readers.

Photo courtesy of Caroline Tran

As seen in Green Wedding Shoes

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Jeannie + Russ {we tied the knot}

2011-10-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

It's been 17 months since Jeannie and Russ' wedding! I can't believe how time flies and I never finished their blog post. Jeannie and Russ were married at Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica. As you can tell, Casa Del Mar and Shutters on the Beach is our home away from home (I know, I say this all the time...but it really is). Each wedding Picture Perfect Events plans at these venues are always distinct and different.

Jeannie and Russ' color combination stemmed from a photo of a sunset. They also wanted to incorporate touches from the "Art Deco" era and inspiration from the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's". After several conversations with the two of them, I assembled an all star design team to help bring Jeannie and Russ' vision to life, Fleuretica and TISELLE. The first thing on the agenda was a screening of Breakfast at Tiffany's. We paid careful attention to the fine details and Holly Golightlys' quirky personality. The design team got to work and the photos will show what we came up with.

The wedding ceremony was personal and intimate. Jeannie and Russ asked a friend to preside over the ceremony who turned out to be my cousin in law's med school friend at Standford. What a small world! The ceremony aisle was lined with chiffon rosettes and tassels that hung from the chairs. I love the crystal chandelier that was suspended from the 4 post structure.

I guarantee the guests didn't leave with an empty stomach! On top of the 3 course meal prepared by Casa Del Mar and cake baked by Vanilla Bake Shop, everyone noshed on late night snacks and mini ice cream sandwiches brought in from Cool Haus.

Photos courtesy of Steven Lam Photography

Videographer: Living Cinema

dream

Lily + Ethan {short film}

2011-10-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

This was our first time working with Ian and Megan Swanson of Couture Motion. I love how discreet and relaxed they both were throughout the day. My favorite part of this video is watching Ethan (the groom) dance. At the end of the evening, I mentioned to Lily that I didn't know Ethan danced. Her response, "I didn't either". There are always surprises at each wedding!

Ethan & Lily Highlight from Couture Motion on Vimeo.

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Cindy + Stanley {lifestyle shoot}

2011-10-07T22:16:00.000-07:00

Rebecca from Docuvitae did a fabulous job capturing Cindy and Stanley at Elysian Park in Los Angeles. I love the that they chose a natural setting since their wedding will take place in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles.

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Kristine + Eugene {same day edit}

2011-09-27T21:13:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has ever met Kristine and Eugene will know how deeply sincere they are in their love for one another. Not only that, but they are quite possibly one of the sweetest couples I've ever met and worked with! All of the vendors couldn't get over how adorable they are together, and how considerate and thoughtful they are, not only to each other, but for everyone around them. JP put it best when he said "...they just have that extra little something...".

They took deep care in every little detail (and there were a lot) and Kristine truly has a knack for crafty things -the girl really is a DIY guru, and has a very talented hand at design, (an understatement)!

Kristine wore a stunning Vera Wang Gown and perfectly shimmery Jimmy Choos, and she even hand-made her cake topper love birds, and hand studded them with Swarovski crystals to match the shoes! Each of her menus and programs were hand made as well, with pin wheels and spinning parts, and ribbons and jewels to match her charcoal base, and rich burgandy red and champagne accented decor. The couple is so loved, that during the bridesmaid and groomsmen speeches, they broke out a guitar, and did an ad-libbed mashup to several fun medleys, and invited the entire room of friends up to the stage, to sing their love and support for the happy couple. Truly one of the most touching moments I'd ever witnessed.

Congrats to the happy couple. Krisgene, thank you so much for allowing me to share in your special day. It was truly an honor to be a part of it!

Langham Pasadena Wedding // Kristine & Eugene's Same Day Edit from Elysium Productions on Vimeo.

dream.believe.inspire. CYC

Lily + Ethan {we tied the knot}

2011-09-26T08:35:00.000-07:00

Lily and Ethan wanted a destination wedding at the Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa in Pasadena. A majority of their friends and family flew in from all over the States to share this special day with them. Instead of writing about their wedding day, I will share the process of working with couples who live outside Los Angeles.

Once the client books with Picture Perfect Events, I ask them to send design inspiration such as home decor, fashion, landscapes, and architecture. Lily emailed several photos and I instantly was able to pin point her style; minimal, clean, organized, and nothing fussy. The photographer who came to my mind was Bonnie Tsang. Bonnie was also at the top of Lily and Ethan's list as a potential photographer. I love it when a match is instantly made!

There are always challenges when it comes to a wedding. My challenge was to fuse the traditional look of the Langham with the couples' minimal life style. I enlisted Euri and Kendra from Fleuretica to assist with design and decor. Together, we came up with the idea of an "upscale dinner party". Lily and Ethan wanted their wedding to feel comfortable and inviting as if guests were dinning at a restaurant. The translation between the client's inspiration and the final product does not have to be literal. If everything was literal, planning and designing an event would be to easy.

It's important to pull as much information as possible from the client early on. This will help the planning process and ensure vendors are lined up prior to the client visiting. Lily and Ethan gave us a lot of creative control for their wedding. This was so nice and refreshing!

If you are looking to host a destination in Los Angeles, Orange County, or Santa Barbara, please give us a call. We love planning destination weddings and seeing it come to fruition!

Lily and Ethan's inspiration

Invites: Bella Figura Letterpress

Stationary Accessories: Fleuretica

Linens and Chairs: Elegant Specialty Linens

Lighting: G2 Audio and Lighting

DJ: DJ Orbit

The Unexpected

2011-09-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

It's important to look your best with each dress change at your wedding! I love it when brides add an unexpected touch to their outfits.

Dress by Provonias, Nantes. Clutch by Alexander Mc Queen. Shoes by Jimmy Choo

Dress by Amsale, Jackie. Shoes by Jimmy Choo, Clutch by Gucci

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Dress by Provonias, Halda. Earrings, Stella and Dot. Shoes, Jimmy Choo

Environments {inspiration}

2011-07-21T23:03:00.000-07:00

A fun and playful dining room by Jeff Andrew . He is one of my favorite interior designers.

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Environments {inspiration}

2011-07-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of West Elm

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Nancy + Ron {we tied the knot}

2011-06-29T17:20:00.000-07:00

Nancy and Ron's vision included a modern day cherry blossom design with a contrast of color such as gray and black. This day really represented the couple as they got their friends involved. Ron's brother is a professional classical guitarist who rounded up his talented friends to play during the ceremony. The string duo was one of the best I've heard in years. The beautiful cake was baked and designed by Ron's friend. To make it even more personal, a friend who knows them best officiated the wedding. I loved working with Nancy and Ron because they gave Gilly and I freedom to design their special day. We both had a great time creating something special for this couple!

Photos courtesy of: Desi Baytan Photography

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Florist: Gilly Flowers
Linens: Elegant Design Specialty Linens
Videographer: Studio 205

John + Karen {lifestyle shoot}

2011-06-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

This week is all about fields and lifestyle shoots! Karen and John will be getting married this summer at the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena. I love how Sarah K. Chen of Sarah K. Chen Photography shot their lifestyle session completely in film.

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Leah + Gene {lifestyle shoot}

2011-06-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

Steven Lam from Steven Lam Photography did a wonderful job capturing Leah and Gene. They both look so calm and playful in this shoot. We look forward to Leah and Gene's wedding this summer at the Pasadena Museum of California Art.

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Elvira and Steve {we tied the knot}

2011-06-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

Venezuela, Palm Beach, and Miami are just a couple of locations that Elvira's and Steve's guests had traveled from to join them at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica for a destination wedding. Elvira and Steve met in Miami through a mutual friend (Rosie). Rosie gave a heartfelt toast to the couple and took full credit for being the match maker! The best part of the day was when the father of the groom requested a dance with Elvira to welcome her into the family.

We met Elvira and Steve for the first time during the tasting even though the wedding planning started a few months prior. At the tasting, we paid careful attention to the their likes and dislikes since this was our only meeting with them. The one thing I remembered from Elvira was how refined she looked from head to toe. She shared a mood board with us, which provided guidance of her overall vision. Elvira has a soft spot for cherry blossoms, different shades of pink, and anything glamorous. All 38 guests enjoyed a tasty menu prepared by Shutters on the Beach and a dessert station from Vanilla Bake Shop. Even though Elvira and Steve kept the guest list to a minimum, DJ Orbit was able to keep the guests dancing until 12am!

Photographer: Trista Lerit Photography

dream.believe.inspire. KLG and TG

Event Planner and Designer: Kelley Lee Gin for Picture Perfect Events

Florist and Event Designer: Fleuretica

Linens: Elegant Design Linens

DJ: Social Lite DJ

Invites + Stationary Accessories: Hello Lucky

Calligraphy: Designs Girl

Fiona + Philip {same day edit}

2011-06-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

Fiona and Philip's wedding took place at the Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa over Mother's Day weekend. The day started with a 5:00am wake up call for Fiona and her bridesmaids as they got ready for the Chinese Tea Ceremony. Once Philip was able to break down the door at Fiona's home, the couple headed to Philip's parents home for the ceremony. The Western wedding ceremony was styled in traditional white while the cocktail hour and dinner reception had a more dramatic look. There were a lot of personal touches throughout the event which I will share the hidden meaning in a separate post. A huge thanks to Fleuretica for co-designing this event with me. We spent countless hours researching, meeting, and instant messaging one another. To Chenin Boutwell and Elysium Productions , thanks for always producing wonderful work!

Fiona & Philip's SDE from Elysium Productions on Vimeo.

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Environments {inspiration}

2011-06-02T08:15:00.000-07:00

I love incorporating elements from a home into an event.

Photo courtesy of Spark Modern Fires

dream.believe.inspire.KLG

Environments {Inspiration}

2011-05-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

I always encourage clients and potential clients to share environments with me versus other weddings for inspiration.

Photos from: Kelly Wearster, Inc

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Pretty Writing

2011-05-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

I envy anyone who has pretty writing! My mom always had nice writing and wrote with a calligraphy pen. Her pens date back to the 1980's where dipping ink was almost obsolete and ink cartridges were in. Picture Perfect Events has been working with a wonderful calligraphy company named Design Girl. Owner, Kelle Anne McCarter is a graphic designer who fell in love with calligraphy and soon incorporated calligraphy into her designs. Kelle works with the most well known invite companies such as Crane and Co. and Bella Figura. What I love most about Kelle is that I can provide her with a few key words and she will ensure the typography aligns with my vision for the event.

Photo courtesy of Trista Lerit

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Rebekah + Will {we tied the knot} Part 2

2011-05-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

No detail was overlooked at Rebekah and Will's wedding! After a 10 minute shuttle ride to the private home, guests were greeted with a bottle of cold water, a purple parasol, and a pair of purple flip flops to wear after the ceremony. Tianyi, owner of TISELLE Letterpress + Design did a fabulous job with branding the wedding. Rebekah and Will wanted to include a modern day version of 2 doves as their wedding motif. If you like the stationary accessories, you should see the invites! Tianyi created a great layout so Rebekah and Will can include everything they wanted.

Each guest received a personalized dinner menu with their names hand written by a calligrapher. The dinner menu consisted of Lawry's spinning salad, Lawry's famous prime rib, miso glazed sea bass, creamed corn, mashed potatoes, and yorshire pudding. The food didn't stop there! Guests continued to feast on wedding cake, an ice cream sandwich station, and fresh doughnuts by The Fry Girl (a request by the groom). The food was so important to the bride and groom that they didn't want anyone to leave with an empty stomach!

Photos courtesy of: Jason Q Tran

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Catering: Lawry's Prime Rib

Baker: Cakes by the Pound

Linens: Wildflower Linens

Chair and Dance Floor Rental: Luna Party Rentals

Lighting: G2 Audio and Lighting

Ceremony Musicians: El Real Chamber Players

Videographer: Living Cinema

Furniture Rental: Rriver Works

Rebekah + Will {we tied the knot} Part 1

2011-04-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

Rebekah and Will are long time friends of mine. It's hard to believe I've known Will since high school, his parents live across the street from my grandparents, and he was my big brother during our sorority/fraternity days. I met Rebekah when she pledged Kappa Zeta Phi of Los Angeles. We instantly bonded for the fact we are both Capricorns.

Rebekah and Will wanted to host their wedding a private estate over looking the Pacific Ocean. There are many private homes in Malibu, but we were challenged due to their guest count of 250. A majority of the homes in Malibu can only accommodate up to 150. Just when we exhausted our search, Rebekah found the perfect location. The home sits on 2 lots, overlooks the Pacific Ocean, and has direct access to a private beach.

Stay tuned for part 2! I will share all the fine details with you including all the delicious food that was served.

Photos Courtesy of: Jason Q Tran

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Tiffany + Myron {we tied the knot}

2011-04-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Picture Perfect Events had the privliege of working at the Walt Disney Concert Hall two weekends in a row in September. Both brides have a design background and both grooms work in the finance world. Though the couples are fused by common grounds, each wedding had a very different look and feel.

The vision Tiffany and Myron had for their wedding stemmed from the soft waves and curves of the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Gilly from Gilly's Flowers was inspired by the curves and created a custom ceremony focal point of three, free standing screens finished with white dendrobium orchids. Tiffany's linear dark purple calle lily bouquet made a statement against her gorgeous Vera Wang gown.

Photos courtesy of: Sweet Monday Photography

Catering: Patina Catering, Jessica Penalba
Linens and Chairs: Elegant Design Specialty Linens
DJ: DJ Orbit
Videographer: Artisan Productions, Aaron Novak
Cake: Cakes by the Pound
Invite Printer: Soolip

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

A Boho Chic Bride

2011-04-15T22:06:00.001-07:00

A Boho Chic Bride by kgin featuring ugg australia boots

The Next Best Dessert

2011-04-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

I've been a fan of La Provence Patisserie for many years but never stepped into the cafe until recently. One of our former clients' cousin is the Executive Pastry Chef at this French Bakery in Beverly Hills. She whipped up the most tasty cupcakes and desserts for all the guests. The chocolate sea salt caramel and chocolate ganache cupcakes are my favorite!

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Estela + William {lifestyle shoot}

2011-03-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

Estela and William compliment one another so well! They are free spirited and fun to be around. As always, Ja Tecson did an outstanding job capturing Estela and William. To view their story, click here.

dream. believe.inspire. KLG

A Fashionable and Flirty Bride

2011-03-14T08:00:00.001-07:00

Spring is just around the corner and our favorite color palette for the season are cream, matte gold, and variations of green. Ruffles, textures, and key accessories such as bold nail polish and cocktail rings are making a come back. This style board is designed for a fashionable and flirty bride who isn't afraid of mixing different elements into her wardrobe.

Spring Forward by kgin featuring gold jewelry

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

The Next Best Dessert

2011-03-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

I recently spent time in New York City at the beginning of the year. My goal was to relax, catch up with friends, and eat dessert. If I had it my way, I would skip every meal just to taste the different sweets around the city.

Doughnut Plant is a bakery from another planet. I guarantee one bite and you will be hooked! It's worth walking 1 mile in 25 degrees for a tres leches cake doughnut. Last year, I spent $20.00 on a round trip cab ride. That's how much I love this bakery. A new store front opened a few weeks back in Chelsea.

The colorful display of macarons caught my eye at La Maison du Macaron. The macarons are perfected so well that I almost forgot about Paulette in Beverly Hills.

Eatly can be described as an "energetic marketplace" where guests can buy and dine. In one area you will witness a fresh pasta counter and at another end, guests are tasting cheese and sipping wine. The dolci is superb and I look forward to spending more time at Eatly the next time I am in New York City.

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Made in China

2011-03-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

Three years ago, my sister Michelle and her husband Jeff applied to adopt a child from China. Our family, especially my parents and grandparents were over the moon with the news. The process to adopt from another country was long and at times emotional. Michelle and I often joked that being pregnant for 9 months is probably easier than years of waiting. There is so much that goes into the adoption process; background checks, letters of recommendations, psychological analysis, group meetings, and tons of e-mails, and phone calls.

My parents, brother, sister, and brother in law left for China a few nights ago. They flew to Guangzhou (16 hour flight) and connected on a different flight to Wuhan (2-3 hour flight) where they all united with my nephew, Jackson. Jackson was placed into Michelle and Jeff's arms this morning. According to Darren, Jackson didn't shed a tear and he fully embraced Michelle and Jeff. I look forward to seeing my family in a few weeks!

The photo below was taken by me at Tom Bradley International Airport the evening my parents arrived home from Europe and the night my grandfather physically left us. On that same day, Michelle and Jeff received the official photo and letter of confirmation from their adoption agency about Jackson. This photo represents the "American Dream" my grandfather had for his family when he arrived by boat to the United States 71 years ago.

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Vanessa + John {we tied the knot}

2011-02-28T16:50:00.000-08:00

The Vibiana in Downtown Los Angeles is a historic church that was completed in 1876 and officially named, Cathedral of St. Vibiana. After the 1994 Northridge earthquake the Archdiocese deemed the historic church unsafe. Our Lady of the Angels replaced Cathedral of St. Vibiana. Since then, a developer purchased the property and created a gorgeous event space. The Vibiana is one of my favorite venues for its flow, fine architecture, and great amenities it includes. Imagine having a state of the art kitchen, pretty bathrooms, and separate changing rooms for the bride and groom.

The Vibiana was a fitting place for Vanessa and John to host their Summer wedding at the Vibiana. John attended this church as a child and it brought back many wonderful memories. Together with Gina at Mille Fiori, we created a crisp environment by incorporating pops of pink, silver, and white as the color palette. After the ceremony, guests were treated to a specialty Brazilian cocktail and a Tequila infused drink to represent both the bride and grooms' culture. Auntie Em's Kitchen tray passed an array of hors d'oeuvres as a Mariachi Band and Samba Dancers performed. The entertainment continued through dinner with an Afro-Cuban Band, a cover band (Rock music), and a DJ who spun until the wee hours of the morning. My favorite part of this wedding was the transition from ceremony to reception. We had one hour to flip the room from a traditional styled wedding to a vibrant and fun atmosphere. It becomes a little intense, but when you work with great service providers, the set-up becomes a breeze.

A huge thank you to Renatta Tellez and Anika Warden for all your guidance and patience. It was our first event at the Vibiana and they answered every questions I had.

Photos courtesy of Bobby Quillard

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Linens + Chairs: Elegant Design Specialty Linens

Dance Floor: Luna Party Rentals

Lounge Furniture: Luxe Event Rentals

Baker: Cakes by the Pound

Ice Cream Sandwiches: Cool Haus

Valet: Jeffrey Valet

Lighting + Sound: G2 Audio and Lighting

Invites + Stationary: TISELLE Letterpress + Design

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Just in time for Valentine's Day

2011-02-03T22:17:00.000-08:00

The talented ladies at Fleuretica unveiled their Valentine's Day collection along with sweet treats baked freshly by Batch from Scratch Bakery. Fleuretica debuted 4 lines which represent different points in a couples' relationship; you are sweet, it's the little things, growing strong, and let's grow old together. To view the entire collection, click here.

All orders placed by February 9 will receive 10% off on orders over $100.00

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Happy 2011!

2011-02-02T17:19:00.000-08:00

Happy 2011 and Year of the Rabbit! Picture Perfect Events would like to take this time to thank all our couples and service providers for a wonderful 2010! We ended the year with 32 weddings and 4 social events. 2011 is off to a great start as we are busy in and out of the office planning + designing events, meeting new service providers, and catching up with our long time friends.

This year marks Picture Perfect Event's 8th birthday and we want to formally introduce 2 talented event planners and our office manager. Charlene Yang Chan, Janet Chin, and Tiffany Gin. Charlene and Janet are no strangers to Picture Perfect Events. They have been part of the company for 3 years and 5 years respectively. Charlene specializes in the Big Picture Event Production and the Perfect Day service while Janet focuses on the Perfect Day service and Milestones. Tiffany is our day to day office guru who will handle new client inquiries, service provider estimates, answering the phones, and etc. If you haven't noticed, Kelley and Tiffany share the same last name because they are cousins.=) *photo of Tiffany coming soon.

We have many more events and ideas to blog, so stay tuned!

Photos courtesy of: Ja Tecson Photography

dream.believe.inspire. PPE

Sandy + Mieng {we tied the knot}

2010-12-14T17:00:00.000-08:00

Sandy and Mieng are two of the most laid back, easy going, and fun-loving couples around. They're the type of couple who'll high five each other after saying their vows-they're too cute!

The wedding ceremony was an intimate affair held at the Wyndham in Costa Mesa by the beautiful lake. Sandy used chocolate brown as their base palette, and loves rich fuchsia, so, she incorporated it wherever she could, including her awesome shoes!

The reception took place at Mastro's Steak House across the street, where they had endless sides of creamed corn, creamed spinach among other tasty veggies to go along with the insanely flavorful filet mignon. Best "wedding food" ever - even the vendors got to chow down on all the amazing food! The night was topped off with a sweet, sweet station by Melody of Sweet and Saucy Shop.

There were happy tears throughout the house, as the beautiful couple danced the night away. Mieng, who is a professional photographer turned to his friends Jason Q Tran and Conrad Lim to capture his special day.

Florist: Three Petals

Hair + Make-Up Stylist: Kelly Zhang

Officiant: Terrence Snograss

Photo booth: Cheesy Photo Booths

dream.believe.inspire. CYC

Amardeep + Arash {we tied the knot}

2010-12-11T11:03:00.000-08:00

Amardeep and Arash have an awesome sense of style. I love how Amardeep accented her Monique Lhuillier dress with dozens of silver bangles, Jimmy Choo shoes, and a hair piece designed by Gina at Mille Fiori. Arash did a great job out fitting himself in a crisp black tie, black patent leather high tops, and Gucci sunglasses.

To keep up with the modern design of the Orange Country Performing Arts Center, Gina lined the aisle with wheat grass and kept to a monochromatic look at the ceremony focal point. One request Amardeep had for her bridesmaids is that they walk down the aisle with one hand holding the bouquet and the other in their dress pocket. After Rev. Don Johnson pronounced Amardeep and Arash husband and wife, White Flite released a dozen doves.

Guests dined on an Indian inspired custom menu (prepared by Chef Ross Pangilinan) and sipped Ginger Mojitos and Moscow Mules. And we can't forget about the alternating cake flavors of chocolate cake with peanut butter filling and vanilla butter cake with homemade toffee.

Photos courtesy of: Duke Photography

Ceremony + Reception Location: Orange County Performing Arts Center

Catering Company: Patina

Rehearsal Dinner: Mastros, Costa Mesa

Baker: Cakes by the Pound

Officiant: Rev. Don Johnson

Dove Release: White Flite

Florist: Mille Fiori

Videographer: Imagique

Ceremony + Cocktail Musicians: Patricia Harris

Reception Music + Entertainment: Dhamaka Productions

Hair Stylist: Rachelle Luczynsko

Make-up Artist: Jamie Stevens

Lighting + Linens + Chairs: Chiavari Chair Rentals

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Amardeep + Arash {we tied the knot}

2010-12-06T16:33:00.000-08:00

Amardeep and Arash fused their family cultures into a 3 day wedding extravaganza. On the first day, guests gathered at the couple's home for a Mehndi celebration. A henna artist arrived to fancy up all the women with intricate designs to their hands and feet. The party didn't end until the next day, which means everyone had a great time! The next morning, guests arrived at Vermont Gurdwara Sikh Temple for breakfast followed by a traditional Sikh Ceremony. The temple was filled with bright hues of red and gold symbolizing a festive and happy occasion. Amardeep was escorted into the temple by her younger brother as Arash sat still waiting for his bride. This was my first experience at a Sikh Temple and I loved every moment of the ceremony. Thanks to Jamie Stevens and Rachelle Luczynski for styling Amardeep. She looked beyond gorgeous!

Photos courtesy of: Duke Photography

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Jessica + Roger {same day edit}

2010-11-22T11:22:00.000-08:00

Jessica and Roger truly radiate the love that they share. Just being in their company, you would know and feel how much in love they are. They've known each other since they were kids, and this day was meant to happen. Secluded on the beautiful bluffs at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, they incorporated deep plum purples with champagne and white accents.

Throughout the entire wedding planning process, they have always made sure that every detail of the wedding was a true reflection of who they are. Their creativity and quirkiness was displayed in even the littlest ways-like their personalized specialty drinks which they named "Gor Jess" and Rye-Me"...And Gorgeous she was! With the help of some of my amazing colleagues, we were able to pull of an exquisite wedding that really inspired all of their 220 guests. See for yourself with this awesome same day edit by Elysium Productions!

Jessica & Roger's Same Day Edit from Terranea Resort from Elysium Productions on Vimeo.

dream. believe.inspire. CYC

A Crazy September

2010-10-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

There are times when life throws a curve ball at you. One can plan and forecast certain things, but at the end of the day, we don't have control over the future. My parents left for Europe at the beginning of September and two days later, my grandfather called to tell me he was admitting himself to urgent care. It was natural for my heart to stop and become nervous, but I felt comforted knowing he would come home that night. The doctors advised him to stay over night for testing. A few days in the hospital lead to two weeks and sadly, my grandfather passed away in ICU surrounded by his children and grandchildren on September 17.

I stayed with my grandfather one night because he appeared to be in a lot of pain. For 10 hours I stayed awake to ensure he was comfortable and at ease. My grandfather was not happy to know that my grandma had no clue I was at the hospital. For the first time in my life, I had to lie to my grandfather by saying "grandma knows I am here" (but she really didn't know). The night I stayed at the hospital was the turning point for my grandfather. The next morning, he was admitted to ICU and the day after that, we were required to wear masks when entering his room. The stressful part of this situation is whether my parents would be back in time to see him and Picture Perfect Events had two double headers.

The night my parents flew back, I caught myself pacing back and forth at LAX. I've never been so nervous or uptight. As soon as I saw my parents walking up the ramp at Tom Bradley, a huge weight was lifted. My grandfather was a trooper for holding on until my parents arrived home. I ended up working the next day and headed straight to work after his funeral the following week. I knew my grandfather wouldn't mind since he used to work 24/7.

My cousins and I planned and executed the memorial service. We didn't want it to be a somber time but rather, a time to celebrate his life. The most emotional moment was when the honored guards played taps and presented our grandmother with an American Flag.

To my grandfather who I will dearly miss. You have been the glue to our family, the key to our success, and the super hero everyone wants to be. Thank you for everything you have done.

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Amardeep + Arash {same day edit}

2010-10-11T15:12:00.000-07:00

Amardeep contacted me via e-mail at the beginning of the year to help plan and design her wedding. We only corresponded via e-mail and I never heard her voice over the phone. The day we planned to meet, I answered the door and my jaw dropped. For a split second, I thought I was planning a wedding for two men. Arash and Jag (Amardeep's brother) explained that Amardeep was sick and unable to attend the consultation. It was a funny situation and something to laugh about.

For three days, Amardeep and Arash celebrated their union with family and friends. Guests partied the night away at the Mehndi celebration until the wee hours of the morning. I'm sure Amardeep's 6am wake-up call was painful, but she looked radiant on the morning of the Sikh Ceremony. This is one of my favorite same day edits because it really says a lot about this couple.

{This is the third reason why to hire a videographer. To instantly re-capture your wedding day.}

Same Day Edit produced by: Wes at Imagique

Jeanne and Russ {short film}

2010-10-08T16:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday everyone! It will be an exciting weekend for me because this is my first weekend off in months, which means... finishing my taxes, attending an event, and cleaning out the office! The year has gone by so quickly and I am looking forward to the handful of weddings Picture Perfect Events has remaining until 2011. During the month of September, I felt as if I lived in a "batcave". I'll touch upon what I was up to in a separate post, but the saying goes "when it rains, it pours"!

Picture Perfect Events has been receiving video clips, same day edits, and photos from the first half of the year. I always encourage couples to hire a videographer for several reasons. One, the day goes by so quickly. Two, your Aunt Sandy and Uncle Tom sat on the loudest table which hindered you from hearing the maid of honor and best man speech. And three, you will find out on Monday the third reason why to hire a videographer.

Jeanne and Russ have great chemistry between one another. They are playful, happy, and a very supportive couple. I had the best time planning and designing their wedding with my fabulous friends from TISELLE, Fleuretica, and Catering Manager extraordinaire, Michael Kossart from Casa del Mar. A detailed post from inspiration to reality will be revealed very soon. And last but not least, thanks to Curtis Heyne from Living Cinema for capturing Jeanne and Russ' wedding.

Jeanne & Russ's short film from living cinema on Vimeo.

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Elinor + Dillon {lifestyle shoot}

2010-10-06T11:48:00.000-07:00

Elinor and Dillon have been together for many years! All of their family and friends are excited for their new journey as husband wife. This couple is near and dear to me since I've known Dillon for over 10 years. We went to rival high schools and share common circle of friends. A huge thanks to Sam Lim for spending two days with Elinor and Dillon prancing around Los Angeles and capturing their every move.

Photos courtesy of: Sam Lim Studio

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Tiffany + Myron {video clip}

2010-10-05T17:47:00.001-07:00

Tiffany and Myron got married last weekend at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown Los Angeles. The wedding was stylish, romantic, and tons of fun. Check back in a few weeks to see a full recap of this wedding.

Video courtesy of: Artisan Productions

Tiffany & Myron from Artisan Production on Vimeo.

Ann + Ted {lifestyle shoot}

2010-08-17T01:35:00.001-07:00

Erwin from Apertura really brought out Ann and Ted's true personalities at their lifestyle shoot! I love how fun, hip, and savvy this couple is. Ann and Ted will be getting married next month at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Rebecca + Chris {we tied the knot}

2010-08-12T10:39:00.001-07:00

Rebecca and Chris' relationship dated back to their childhood. Their families have known one another for 20+ years, but it wasn't until recently when Rebecca and Chris made a love connection. Gilly designed a modern day chuppah made of green bamboo, nestled in lucite stands, and sealed on top with chiffon. Richard Blade played "How Deep Is Your Love" for the wedding party procession and "Songbird" by Fleetwood Mac as Rebecca's dad escorted his only daughter down the aisle. After the ceremony, the bride and groom spent time together to reflect and relax. I love it when couples take a few moments for themselves since the day passes by so quickly. Auntie Em's Kitchen created a delicious menu for guests to feast on. One of the most anticipated speeches of the night came from the father of the bride and father of the groom. The dads once worked for rival companies and now they are all one happy family!

Photos courtesy of: Rebecca Rotenberg of Docuvitae

Wedding Planner - Kelley of Picture Perfect Events

Location - Pasadena Museum of California Art

Rentals - Julio at Town and Country

Lighting - The Lighter Side

Photo booth - Shutter Box Photo Booth

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Jen + Robb {we tied the knot}

2010-08-03T16:06:00.000-07:00

Jen and Rob tied the knot at the beautiful and intimate private estate of Rancho Las Lomas, tucked in the canyons of Silverado. Their celebration was the epitome of warm-heartedness and heartfelt moments, as friends and family came in from all over the country to share the day with them. It was a day filled with rich colors and lush decor, while incorporating many small meaningful details. It was such a pleasure working with Jen and Robb, and all the amazing vendors who helped make their day happen seamlessly.

Photos courtesy of: Memories by Michael

Wedding Planner - Charlene of Picture Perfect Events

Catering - 24 Carats

Florist - Marcia Johnson

Videographer - Tom Buckley Videography

DJ and Lighting - Props FX Productions

Ceremony Music - Yuming Chiu from Noted Los Angeles

Invitations - Elizabeth Flemming

dream.believe.inspire. CYC

Gwen + David {we tied the knot}

2010-07-26T23:29:00.001-07:00

Gwen and David dated for many years before they said their "I do's" to one another at Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles. Gwen has an eclectic sense of style while David is the funny man around town which equaled a Rock n' Roll/Vintage style wedding. The Main Concourse at Union Station was decked out in black, white, and deep red. It was certainly a dramatic look! And how cute are the 45's (it's actually a CD) Gwen designed as escort cards for the 375+ guests. My favorite touch of the evening was the fried chicken served with a heart shaped waffle. It was not only cute, but really tasty!

Photos courtesy of: Stephanie Williams Photography

Wedding Planner - Picture Perfect Events

Catering - Huntington Catering Company

Florist- Commerce Flowers

DJ - Cody at Feet First Dj's

Hair Stylist - Rachelle Luczynski

Make-up Artist - Jamie Stevens

Lighting - TMMPRO

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Rebekah + Will {same day edit}

2010-06-02T18:11:00.000-07:00

Couples have shared with me numerous times that their wedding day passes in a blink of an eye. One way to instantly re-live the moments is by hiring a videographer who offers a same day edit. A same day edit requires a lot of thought and execution by the planner and videographer since there is a short window of time to edit hours of footage down to a 3-4 minute piece. The music is pre-selected and the videographer carefully crafts his or hers every move. Curtis Heyne and the Living Cinema team did an amazing job with Rebekah and Will's same day edit. I still get chills watching this! Enjoy!

Rebekah & Willard's Same Day Edit from living cinema on Vimeo.

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Jennifer + David "Chuck" {concept video}

2010-06-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! To start the week off with on a high note, I want to share an awesome concept video Red 5 Studios wrote, produced, directed, and edited. I am sure you have seen Loyds' work on our blog many times over. He is a creative genius when it comes wedding videography.

Jennifer and David were married over the weekend amongst 500+ guests. The ceremony took place at Arcadia Presbyterian Church and the reception was at the Pacific Palms Resort in the City of Industry. Jennifer and David wanted to share their love for the television show "Chuck". I love how Loyd integrated the DVD montage into the concept video. This was very clever and entertaining. Enjoy!

Jennifer & David | "Chuck" Concept Film from Red 5 Studios on Vimeo.

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Jeanne + Russ {lifestyle shoot}

2010-05-27T23:08:00.000-07:00

There are so many wonderful words to describe Jeanne and Russ. They are loving, funny, and always up for a challenge! Back in January, Steven Lam and I started to prepare for Jeanne and Russ' lifestyle shoot. It literately took 2 postponements to get this shoot rolling. Steven had this awesome idea for the shoot, but when the stars didn't align, we scrapped it for a fun outdoor shoot around Downtown Los Angeles. The day turned out to be pretty interesting for several reasons; Russ rented a Vespa, but never drove one. He had to ride through the streets of Inglewood to meet us in Downtown. I can only imagine how many times he prayed during the 45 minute drive time. Secondly, the annual May Day parade landed on the same day as our shoot. Jeanne was a great sport too! She wore a skirt and high heels on the Vespa, sitting sideways all day!

Photos courtesy of: Steven Lam Photography

Hair & Make-up: TH Makeup Design

dream.believe.inspire: KLG

Alena + John's Wedding Highlights

2010-05-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

Alena & John's Original Series Highlights from the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel from Elysium Productions on Vimeo.

Color Combinations

2010-04-09T09:57:00.000-07:00

The vibrant colors from Tory Burch's Spring 2010 ad campaign makes us smile!

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Dinner with Michael Voltaggio

2010-03-29T23:09:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine invited me to dine at Michael Voltaggio's reastaurant, The Dinning Room at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena. Michael Voltaggio is known for his American cuisine, using classic discipline with modern trends while presenting each dish in an innovative way. He carefully crafts each dish to perfection, so his guests will want to take that last bite! Michael Voltaggio is the winner of Top Chef 2009. The tasting menu for the evening consisted of a 7 course meal with many surprises in between. The team at The Dinning Room accommodated my food allergies to shrimp, lobster, and crab. The one food item I am slightly allergic to are strawberries. I didn't communicate this to the server and it was the first surprise of the evening. Go figure!

*Side note: The photos don't do justice to the real life presentation of the food. My Sony point and shoot is not the best camera in the world.

Strawberry sorbet amuse bouche.

Truffle Brioche - This bread is so good!

I put aside my simplistic palate for the night to try something new, such as Foie Gras "Froid". The fois gras was accompanied by apple, saffron, marcona almond, and aerated brioche. A Foodie will definitely love this dish.

Tasmanian Sea Trout with hibiscus, pink peppercorn, and puffed mushroom cracker

Japanese Kuroge Beef with marrow toast, king trumpet, drizzled with bordelaise sauce.

To end the night on a "sweet note", Michael Voltaggio prepared 4 different desserts. The pre-dessert consisted of ice cream prepared by using liquid nitrogen.

Dessert #2 - Fools Gold of chocolate, salty hazelnut praline, and milk sorbet.

Dessert #3 - I can't remember the name of this dessert, but it was really good!

The post dessert was another surprise! I tried diving in on the bite sized macaroon, but my friend said that you indulge by eating the lightest dessert to the heaviest. The chocolate lollipop even has a surprise when you bite into it.

This was my first Michelin rated restaurant I dined at. It was truly an experience and I encourage everyone to try The Dinning Room. I was fortunate enough to tour Michael Voltaggio's kitchen and meet him in person. He is a cool, hip, and creative chef!

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Gwen + David {lifestyle shoot}

2010-03-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! I am sure you've heard this time and time again, but I am back from a blogging drought. There are many weddings to post from 2009, but for now, please enjoy Gwen and David's lifestyle shoot courtesy of Stephanie Williams.

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Hyun Ji + Joseph {we tied the knot}

2010-03-25T16:56:00.001-07:00

The week of Hyun Ji and Joseph's wedding, it rained cats and dogs. The forecast called for light rain during the morning of their wedding. We made a decision the night prior to move the ceremony inside and thank goodness we did. The rain did not break until after the ceremony.

Hyun Ji envisioned a clean and simplistic wedding by incorporating a white monochromatic look with punches of green.

Tianyi at TISELLE did an amazing job on the stationary. We only have 6 days to design, proof, and print the letter pressed invites. I am so thankful for modern day technology. Everything was approved via e-mail and through AIM.

The ceremony took place inside the Grand Ballroom which I was pretty stoked about. I don't foresee another wedding ceremony taking place inside this ballroom (unless it rains) since the view at the Pool Deck is breath taking! But, if you plan to have your ceremony indoors at Shutters on the Beach, I guarantee your wedding will be very intimate and cozy.

Mille Fiori designed 3 different center piece styles for the reception. The delicious cake was baked and designed by Vanilla Bake Shop.

The last three photos are my favorite!

Service Providers

Toby Lent at Shutters on the Beach

Photographer - Steven Lam Photography

Chiavari Chairs - Luna Party Rentals

Lighting - G2 Audio and Lighting

DJ- Prokreation Productions

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Krista + Mike {we tied the knot, part 2}

2010-03-17T23:49:00.000-07:00

Many of my girlfriends sell their wedding dress after the wedding. This gives another bride a chance to purchase a designer gown at a fraction of the cost. Plus, you will have tons of room in your closet for shoes, bags, clothes, and more shoes! Krista recently emailed me and gave me the scoop on her dress.

" A quick story you might find amusing...a friend of a friend who I had met once or twice saw the wedding photos and wanted my exact dress. A long story short, I sold my dress!! She had planned a wedding for April, but surprised guests at her engagement party last weekend by...throwing a surprise wedding that night! She wore the dress and looked beyond stunning and now we share such a cool and memorable bond."

After I read this email from Krista, I felt goose bumps running up my arms. I teared up and thought what a wonderful person Krista is. Mike, you are a lucky man!

The Fred Harvey Room at Union Station was the perfect setting for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Guests were treated to a variety of sweet and savory foods such as chicken bites, shrimp skewers, truffle mac n' cheese, mini cookies, and cheese cake brownies to name a few. Krista and Mike wanted all their guests to "taste" Los Angeles by serving a tacos. It was a sweet surprise to the guests and I know they all enjoyed it.

For the rest of this post, I wanted to do something different. I asked Krista a series of questions to provide readers the inside scoop on this stylish wedding.

How did you and Mike meet?

A mutual friend introduced us at a party in Washington, DC, 2004 and we have been together ever since. Shortly thereafter, we moved to New York together and then, in 2008, to Los Angeles.

What was your inspiration for the design of the wedding?

Although some people remarked that our wedding had an "old Hollywood" feel, we were actually inspired by mid-century New York City (a la Mad Men). Once we stepped foot in the Fred Harvey Room at Union Station, it was easy to see the concept take shape. Plus, because the Fred Harvey Room room offered such an authentic art deco vibe, we were able to incorporate more modern elements, like the creative flower arrangements, my dress and the iMac Photo Booth, without losing any of the vintage feel. We were both thrilled with how it turned out.

What is your most memorable moment on the wedding day?

We both agree that the most memorable moment for us was our first dance. We had taken a couple private lessons and loved it (well, I loved it; Mike loved that I loved it). On the wedding day, we had so much fun with the dance -- even though I stepped on my dress, we ran out of space, etc., the missteps made it all the more memorable for us!

What prompted you to hire a wedding planner?

I knew I wanted a wedding planner from day 1. I really enjoy being creative in a big-picture way, but I don't particularly enjoy working out the details. Plus, I knew that dealing with the vendors on the wedding day can get pretty stressful and I didn't want my mom or me to feel burdened by that during the party. In the end, it worked out perfectly! You pulled together some of the small touches that I never would have thought of or had time to do and you made an enormous difference on the day-of by coordinating with the vendors so that I didn't have do worry about (or even know about) a thing! It was so great working with you!

Krista and Mike -I had the best time working with you. I wish you many years of love and happiness!

Many thanks to the following service providers.

Photographer - Stephanie Williams for Next Exit Photography

Food + Dessert - Elements Kitchen

Taco Company - Juan's Taco

Letterpress Invites - Sugar Paper

Additional Stationary - The Groom

Rentals - Signature Party Rentals

Florist - Mille Fiori

Transportation - Starline Tours

Hair Stylist - TH Makeup and Design Team

Make-up Artist - Jamie Stevens

dream.believe. inspire. KLG

Krista + Mike {we tied the knot, part 1}

2010-02-20T17:46:00.000-08:00

Krista and Mike exchanged wedding vows in front of 160+ guests at Cathedral of our Angels of the Lady in Downtown Los Angeles followed by a fabulous cocktail reception at Union Station, Fred Harvey Room.

When I entered the Krista's bridal suite at the Hilton Checker in Downtown Los Angeles, I expected the room to be full of commotion and racked up nerves. Krista and her bridesmaids were the most calm and collective group of gals. It must have been their morning Yoga session instructed by the grooms' mom. Jamie Stevens (make-up) and team TH Makeup Design (hair) did a fabulous job styling the ladies. This was Picture Perfect Event's first time working with Stephanie Williams for Next Exit Photography.

Mike and the groomsmen opted to relax and dress at The Standard Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. I love how Krista and Mike selected two completely different style of hotels to get ready.

Gina at Mille Fiori designed the gorgeous arrangements and bouquets.

The next series of photos are my favorite. Doesn't the first photo remind you of a scene from Sex and the City?

Do you want to know what happened to this beautiful Carolina Herrera dress? Stay tune for a second post on Krista and Mike's wedding.

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Color Combinations

2010-01-26T22:12:00.000-08:00

The planners at Picture Perfect Events LOVE color. A perfect color combination is pairing a muted color such as gray, taupe, sage with a deep/bold color. The photo below from JCREW weddings is a perfect example of a pretty color scheme.

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Rebekah + Will {lifestyle shoot}

2010-01-20T18:07:00.000-08:00

It's been over a month since Picture Perfect Events' last post. We were busy with the hustle and bustle of the holidays and keeping tabs on our 2010 clients! There is so much to share with our readers and clients that I don't know where to begin. First, I (Kelley) will now use the word "we" because Picture Perfect Events is a team of 3! A formal introduction will take place in a few weeks.

Picture Perfect Events added a new service to our menu, "styling us!". What does this mean? Picture Perfect Events will assist with the concept, design, props, and attire for your lifestyle shoot (e-session). We teamed up with several photographers to make this happen!

Rebekah and Will flew to New York along with photographer Jason Q Tran and hair/make-up extraordinaire Theresa Huang of TH Makeup and Design. Since I wasn't able to make the trip, I assisted Rebekah with the looks, prepared itineraries and discussed locations with Jason. The team did an amazing job braving the cold, shooting at 5 different areas in the city, 3 wardrobe changes, and 2 different hair/makeup looks all in a span of 4 hours! Rebekah and Will will be getting married this May in Malibu.

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

My Wedding or My Crazy Wedding

2009-12-16T14:06:00.001-08:00

Bev and Ja have been married for 14 months, but they remain close to my heart as my good friends and colleague. You'll see them in print beginning on Christmas Day in the new and last issue of InStyle Weddings. This is my favorite wedding magazine and I am sad to see it go. To view Bev and Ja's crazy wedding, click here.

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

We're featured at Jomygoodness

2009-12-11T09:46:00.001-08:00

Picture Perfect Events recently was the first event planners to be featured at JOMYGOODNESS, "where passions meets planning". This blog is so cool because it is full of fun finds that relate to the event planning industry. One question I was asked was "what wedding trend are you tired of or would love to see go"? Answer: I am a firm believer in expressing yourself whether something is trendy or not. But I do feel there is one trend that needs to be modernized. The DVD montage has been an integral part of a reception, but can often be classified as dull and repetitive. My suggestion to couples who want to include a dvd montage is to have it produced by a professional. An alternative to a dvd montage is a concept video or movie trailer.

Low and behold after two days this article was published, the groomsmen of Picture Perfect Event's last wedding of the year surprised the bride, groom, family, and friends with this...

In 2004, producer Philip Kang and his posse rounded up another one hit wonder music video with Oh Town in "The One". Their second video together showcased their tenacity and virility even with the onset of old age. Jimin and Charlene's wedding reception was minted in legend when the member's of Oh Town went home with all the ladies that night. Yes, even the grandmas.

And now, in the third installment of the boy band trilogy, the veterans are hitting back with their final shootout with Cowboy Kangsters in "Real Good Man". Five children, five marriages and five years couldn't keep this allstar cast from coming together one last time. With Jimin Oh helming the producer role and another solid return from director Jerry Yoon, this is one production you won't want your neighbors second cousins to miss. Philip and Jen, the Cowboy Kangsters are coming to town and the law is in their hands. Giddyup!

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

The ever name changing, asian sensation, boy band group craze all started in 2002 with Choi's Boys in "Drowning". Produced by Philip Kang and directed by Jerry Yoon, their debut video hit the charts like a bull in a china shop. The groomsmen's first music video premiered at Lewis and Mina's wedding reception and the people could not get enough. With the world waiting in anticipation, the asian boy band couldn't stop there.

In 2004, producer Philip Kang and his posse rounded up another one hit wonder music video with Oh Town in "The One". Their second video together showcased their tenacity and virility even with the onset of old age. Jimin and Charlene's wedding reception was minted in legend when the member's of Oh Town went home with all the ladies that night. Yes, even the grandmas.

And now, in the third installment of the boy band trilogy, the veterans are hitting back with their final shootout with Cowboy Kangsters in "Real Good Man". Five childrthe producer role and another solid return from director Jerry Yoon, this is one production you won't want your neighbors second cousins to miss. Philip and Jen, the Cowboy Kangsters are coming to town and the law is in their h

Happy Friday!

2009-12-03T23:07:00.000-08:00

Picture Perfect Events wishes everyone a wonderful weekend! A full blog post on Krista and Mike's hip wedding at Union Station, Fred Harvey Room will be posted next week!

Photo Courtesy of: Stephanie Williams for Next Exit.

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Kathryn + Matt

2009-11-24T20:35:00.000-08:00

We want to wish everyone a fun and festive Thanksgiving! Picture Perfect Events is very thankful for all our wonderful clients and colleagues. This year would not have been the same without each and everyone of you! But before you take your first bite into a piece of pumpkin pie, we want to share Kathryn and Matt's wedding.

Kathryn and Matt approached me 14 months prior to their wedding date. This is the longest lead time I was given to plan a wedding. I had so much fun planning and deigning this wedding since Kathryn and I have a similar sense of style. Kathryn shared an array of photos with me for inspiration. Kathryn and Matt are an eclectic couple who love everything modern with vintage flair.

The wedding ceremony was held St. Andrews in Pasadena followed by a dinner reception at the Pasadena Museum of California Art (PMCA). The PMCA is an unconventional location for a wedding for its' modern and industrial feel. A special touch to the wedding was when Kathryn and Matt asked all their cousins and siblings to be a part or their bridal party. All 23 family members brought down the house with an energetic grand entrance! The guests feasted on a trio appetizer of watermelon & watercress salad, lime granita, and an ahi tuna crisp, sliced tri-tip and tilapia. Michelle (cousin of the groom), the head pastry chef at La Provence Patisserie whipped up a dessert station that left guests in a sugar shock!

Photos courtesy of: Francine Yang Photography

Florist - Fleuretica

Catering - Huntington Catering Company

Videographer -

Invitations - Papeterie

DJ - Zono Productions

Lighting - Ambient Lighting, Foster Denker

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Gwyn + John

2009-11-03T20:38:00.000-08:00

There is so much to love about Gwyn and John. Gwyn is stylish and graceful while John is laid back and comforting. They both have BIG hearts and that is the reason why many friends and family members embraced them on their special day.

Since the photos speak for itself, I will walk readers through my thought process on wedding day. This will provide couples who opt out on a wedding planner all the little details wedding planners consider on wedding day.

Pre-ceremony: I arrive at the bride's suite an hour prior to the photographer and videographer. This allows me to unwrap the bride's dress (always use a nice hanger for photos), lay out the jewelry, and tidy up the room. When the I begin unveiling the details for the photographer and videographer, I always consider who is shooting and if a same day edit is being produced.

John handed a "love note" to Gwyn. Rule #1...always wait for the photographer and videographer to capture the moment. It must feel awkward to have a film crew watching your every move, but these are the moments we want captured!

First Look: The first look is a special moment between the bride and groom. I leave the location up to the photographer for the first look since there are many things to consider; environment, privacy, and lighting.

...followed by a cheer from the bridal party.

Ceremony: The most intense part of the day for me is the ceremony. There are a million items going through my mind, especially if the reception is at a separate location. While I am pinning corsages, lining up the bridal party, ensuring the guests are seated, escorting the flower girl to the restroom, the Picture Perfect Events staff is at the reception venue managing set-up.

Reception: Picture Perfect Events provides a check list of items. It is called the A-Z list. The list asks the couple to check off items they will be handing off to us. Here is a partial list: cake server, cd of traditional dances, dvd montage, escort cards, menu cards, pens, and the list goes on. We request these items to be delivered to our office a week prior to the wedding to ensure nothing is missing.

Stay tuned for a post on "selecting the right service providers".

Photographer: Ja Tecson

Videographer: Red 5 Studios

Florist: Commerce Flowers

Rentals: Royal Events

Dj: Dj Orbit

Cupcakes: Sprinkles

Mini Cake: Vanilla Bake Shop

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Alena + John {same day edit}

2009-10-29T17:52:00.000-07:00

There was a debate at my first meeting with Alena and John over the same day edit. We discussed the pros and pros since there were no cons. Throughout the day, I heard John mention the same day edit to his friends and family about 100x! Enjoy!

Alena & John's Same Day Edit from Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel from Julie Hill on Vimeo.

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

A Fab Birthday Party

2009-10-25T19:56:00.001-07:00

This year has flown by and Picture Perfect Events is elated with all the events produced in 2009. We have a few more weddings to plan and an open house for one of our dear friends. In addition to planning weddings, PPE produced Make A Mark and planned a handful of social events. Ever since I moved into my loft-like studio at Mid-Wilshire, I always dream about all the possible parties I can plan on the balcony. It is the perfect setting for an intimate sit down dinner or a cocktail party.

Spencer celebrated his "XX" birthday with 24 friends. I decided to keep the decor simple since I had back-to-back events for eight weeks straight. All of the guests noshed on Spencer's favorite type of comfort food such as pulled pork sandwiches, fried chicken bites, macaroni and cheese with truffle oil, Chinese chicken salad, fried wontons, fruit, and ice cream sandwiches for desert. And what would a party be without great music by Dj Orbit!

The number one question I always get asked is "how do you stay so organized"? Answer: I have floor plans and notes for every event. If a location does not provide a floor plan, I draft my own with detailed notes to include the table size, linen color and size, how many guests per table, where to place the food, and etc. Spencer thinks I have non-existent work days, but I proved to him that I work way more than he does.

Photos courtesy of: Steven Lam Photography

Linens: Wildflower Linens

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Food: Elements Kitchen and home cooked

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Breakfast at Tiffany's Inspired Wedding

2009-10-11T21:55:00.000-07:00

Picture Perfect Events was excited to Art Direct and assist with designing an editorial spread for the 4th issue of Utterly Engaged. There was much discussion between the girls at Fleuretica and myself for the overall concept. We were challenged to design a ceremony site to fit the vintage theme for this issue. Since PPE loves anything modern, the spread was designed to reflect a vintage ceremony with a modern flair.

Breakfast at Tiffany's is one of my favorite movies. I am mesmerized by Holly Golightly's eclectic and charming lifestyle. She is sophisticated and quirky in public, but her demeanor changes in private. She is sweet and vulnerable. The lingering question is "how would Holly Golightly style her wedding"? To find out, click here.

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Stacy and Jaewon

2009-10-07T15:16:00.000-07:00

In just a few days, Stacy and Jae will be getting married in Santa Monica. The 1940's inspired engagement session was photographed by Sam Lim.

Hair and makeup: Theresa Huang for THMakeupDesign

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Make A Mark | A Fashion Show Hosted by Plum Denim

2009-09-23T23:23:00.001-07:00

In just a few short weeks, the first annual tween empowerment event will take place in Pasadena, Ca. One of our sponsors, Plum Denim will host a fashion show featuring brands such as Ella Moss Girls, Da-Nang Kids, and Flowers by Zoe.

About Plum Denim

"Simply put, we at Plum Denim Shop adore children, fashion, and of course, shopping! And these days, with children becoming more and more fashion conscious, Plum Denim Shop wanted to create a boutique that carries the absolute latest in children's fashion. Our experienced buyers are constantly researching the trends and exploring the world to find the latest “must-haves” and they hand select each and every product with our customers' hip lifestyle in mind. Our buyers also know that no look is complete without matching accessories and trendy footwear so they search high and low so that our customers are absolutely stylin' from head to toe. We at Plum Denim Shop have made a pledge to make our customers the most fashionable kids in the country and we hope you enjoy shopping our boutique as much as we enjoy bringing it to you!"

To attend this event, please go to www.mark-it.org for tickets. Enter promo code: HEARTYOU

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Papeterie

2009-09-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

Picture Perfect Events is so honored to be friends with Papeterie. Our friendship started 1.5 years ago when we worked on a wedding together. And to top if off, my mom is friends with Kim's mother in law. What a small world! Kim and I chat via AIM almost every day. We create goals and deadlines for ourselves, but most importantly, we keep each other accountable. I am so happy to introduce the launch of the new Papeterie website and the debut of their studio! Congratulations!

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Mina + Mizuki

2009-09-07T01:15:00.000-07:00

Mina and Mizuki's lifestyle shoot with Ja Tecson is a show stopper! I can't show you the entire session until after the wedding which takes place in a few weeks at Shutters on the Beach.

Hair and Makeup: Theresa Huang Make-Up & Hair Design

dream.believe.inspire. KLG

Make A Mark "Love the way you were made"

2009-09-03T22:38:00.000-07:00

Picture Perfect Events is excited to announce a tween empowerment event focusing on self-esteem, body image, and a positive relationship between mother & daughter. Make A Mark will be an interactive and informative event featuring a fashion show hosted by Plum Denim and Jellpop Shoes. Jennifer Curtet will take the main stage as she motivates our future female leaders of America. All guests will receive a swag bag, raffle tickets, and an opportunity to donate to two charities; Heart 4 Africa and Pajama Program.

Make A Mark

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Pasadena Convention Center

{conference center, lower level}

300 E. Green St.

Pasadena, CA 91101

10:30am - 3:00pm

Tickets are $20.00 per person and can be purchased through Event Brite

Contact Kelley for sponsor opportunities: info{a}mark-it.org or 626.893.1054.

Soi-Meme {the independent eco bridal salon}

2009-08-26T10:58:00.000-07:00

“Soi-Meme” – a French word meaning “oneself” – characterizes the spirit of the modern couple searching for affordable, do-it-yourself solutions to planning a wedding with unique style. Following the success of last year’s “Love is in the Air” eco-luxe bridal salon, Pink Cloud Events is once again hosting a fabulous day-long salon for eco-conscious DIY brides and grooms to connect directly with the most inspiring eco-friendly wedding products and service providers.

The event will bring everything needed to plan a sustainable wedding on Saturday, August 29th from 11am – 4pm at the newly renovated James Irvine Garden at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, located in the heart of downtown LA’s Little Tokyo. From the wedding ring to the honeymoon, our experts will be available for one-on-one sessions and workshops to help you find all that you need for your wedding day, in just a few hours!

For only $25, complimentary organic beverages, hors d’oeuvres, great DJs, a resource guide and loads of giveaways will make this a fun-filled day for you and your wedding planning party. Register online now for a chance to win a free 4 night stay at a private eco-villa resort in Tulum, Mexico by Azulik!

Here is a partial list of participating sponsors: Good Gracious Events, BBJ Linen, Cakes by the Pound, Girari Sustainable Furniture, Wiley Valentine, and Wisteria Lane. To view the complete list, click here.

dream.believe.inspire. KLG