the ceremony programs were simple, but reflected the formality of their invitation suite.  their escort cards, reception programs, and table numbers were a lot more fun because we incorporated a chargers/football theme.  the escort cards were football helmet cutouts, the reception programs were designed to look like a football game plan, and the table numbers were chargers jerseys.  everything pulled together perfectly.

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It was a Gossip Girl-themed event so I wanted everyone to dress like Upper Eastsiders or if they wanted, like Lonely Boy from Brooklyn. Besides getting a little dressed up, the nice restaurant, and the invitation (pictured below), the theme wasn’t really emphasized.

The brunch was held at Quarter Kitchen, the main restaurant of the luxurious Ivy Hotel in downtown. Of course, there was a personalized menu which is one thing I love! My sister and I made simple favors – different flavored and colored macarons in a little baggy. They also served as the place cards so tags with everyone’s name were attached. My “minions” and I had a lot of fun and the food was delish!

Of course, Thanksgiving was my real birthday. I mainly cooked the whole day. I prepared a lot more than I have in the past! My sister helped me make pumpkin pie and chocolate mascarpone cupcakes. My dad and I had our first attempt at turkey (overall success but we’re going to try something a little different next year). I also made whole wheat stuffing with pancetta and chestnuts, turkey gravy, and my usual mushroom gravy and hashbrown casserole. I usually make the mashed potatoes but since I already had a lot on my plate, my sister took it over and she did a great job! The usual relatives came, but this time we have two new additions – my cousin Jasmine’s twins Damon and Danica had their first Thanksgiving! It was nice celebrating with friends then with family. I have so much to be thankful for!

I hope everyone enjoys the holiday season!!! Xoxo, Ginet.

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The wedding details are in a separate gallery below. Wedding details were designed by Maryrose. Everything perfectly fit their personality as a couple. Again, wonderful job and thank you so much to Melvin & Maryrose. We had a blast coordinating your wedding!

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Hopefully we’ll get some of their professional pictures!

Very special thanks to Team R&B: Ceremony – Marie & Connie with St. Rita’s Church, Reception – Christian & Laura from Marriott Courtyard Liberty Station, Flowers/Cake/Doves/Decor – Claudia from Bridal Network, Photography/Videography – Jim Freeman & Kosmicki Photography & Video, Hula Entertainment – Auntie Barbara from Pualani Studios, and DJ/MC – Joel & Alvin.

Melvin and Maryrose are an easygoing couple, so were their family and friends! They were our first official rehearsal and wedding, and both went smoothly. Thank you so much to M&M, along with their friends and families. And thanks to Melvin for making us his famous adobo on our first meeting together! It was so yummy!

Melvin and Maryrose’s preview pictures were posted on their photographer Heidi’s blog. Heidi did an amazing job! She lost her voice so had her husband come and help her out during the photoshoot after the ceremony. She said she’ll send me more so I’ll post them as soon as I get them. For now, here’s a sneak peek:

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Thanks to these wonderful vendors that made up of Team M&M: Photographer – Heidi O Photo (www.heidiophoto.com), DJ & MC – DJ Ceywut & Ryan Flores (www.ceywut.com), Cake – It’s a Piece a Cake (www.itsapieceacake.com), Venue: Bali Hai Restaurant (www.balihairestaurant.com).

The wonderful Starcross’d Creative put together this video shown during the reception:

Bev & Jeff’s Same-Day Edit by Starcross’d Creative

Here are a few of their wedding photos. More can be seen here: Brian Abiva Photography.

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With all the wedding festivities coming up quickly, her bridesmaids and I threw her a bridal shower in July.  Because she loves the city of San Francisco and is a true girly girl, we themed it as a San Francisco Tea Party.  My condo is way too small to throw parties in, so one of her other bridesmaids, Lisa, was sooo nice enough to offer her house for the party (she’s been renovating her place and it looks amazing!).  We initially intended to throw the party in the backyard, but the crazy heat wave that hit San Diego back in July changed those plans quickly – everyone ended up staying inside in the shade.

I made 2 different invitations: 1 for her and 1 for her guests.  She received an invitation that was pretty basic while her guests received an invitation that included an advice card that I had requested be sent back to me with a picture.  With the responses I received, I created a semi-scrapbook for her as a surprise to open at her shower.  I will complete the scrapbook with pictures/momentos from her shower.

The decorations were based off purple and San Francisco elements.  We had each bridesmaid create a centerpiece for the tables based off different “areas” of San Francisco: Fisherman’s Wharf, Nob Hill, Chinatown, etc.. what they came up with was AMAZING! :]  I LOVED seeing everyone’s creativity and I know Bev appreciated the hardwork each girl put into their centerpiece and she brought each home with her to decorate her house with!

As for the favors, since it was supposed to be a “tea party” (but way too hot to actually drink hot tea), I put together a tea mug, chocolate covered pretzals, and hot tea packets to-go.  I personalized the chocolate covered pretzels (semi-homemade) by drizzling purple chocolate over the store bought chocolate covered pretzels to tie it into the theme more.  I also personalized the tea packets; it’s too bad I didn’t get a picture of them!

The catering was done by Souplantation and it was a killer deal! They delivered the food and desserts, drinks, utensils, everything for $10/person. How could you beat that!?  I also brought red velvet and choclate cupcakes and fresh strawberry pie just because I have a crazy sweet tooth.

We had a few games for her guests to play that included a virtual honeymoon game where I had my brother answer questions prior to the shower and at the shower, we had Bev answer them, then played the video response of my brother to see if they matched.  It was hilarious to hear and see his responses! Other games included the toilet paper wedding dress game, word searches, etc.. :]

All in all, it was an AWESOME day and I really think Bev enjoyed her day! Next up, the bachelorette weekend!! Whoohoo!! :]

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They knew they wanted a traditional pocketfold invitation.  Their color combination of sage green and chocolate brown helped give it a more modern look which, personally, I LOVE.  They had a whopping 5 inserts that included: reception information, directions, wedding party, an rsvp postcard, and a gift registry card.

Please excuse the bad lighting in the pictures.

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