MERRY WEDDINGS blog

Travis & Danielle got married last night at Rancho Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano…but there was a small amount of Deja Vu going on…not just for me as I have entertained for weddings there off and on for over 13 years…but for Travis & Danielle as well.

Travis had been a groomsman in a wedding reception at Rancho Capistrano back in July of 2004, when he and Danielle had been dating for a little over a year. The groom at that wedding, Bryant, was now serving as one of Travis’ groomsmen…and I was thrilled to get to see Bryant & Brooke as I had also served as their Wedding Entertainment Director™ back then as well.

Their photographer was Jack Randall of Jack Randall Photography, whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with off and on since 1999. I gave Jack a copy of my new book, “The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!” and he seemed very impressed with it.

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This morning I took a tour of Paradise Point Resort & Spa with Bryan & Holly to talk about their wedding plans for June of 2008.

Bryan & Holly by the dock at Paradise Point

We looked at the spot where their ceremony will take place, with the Mission Bay off to the right…the deck where their guests will enjoy cocktails and appetizers (and a great mix of background music)…

Paradise Point Deck

 …and the ballroom where their reception fesitivities and dancing is going to happen.

Out timing was great as they were also able to introduce me to Kirsten Doyle, their catering contact. Based on what I saw of the resort and the gracious hospitality shown to us by Kirsten, I know Bryan & Holly have chosen a great location for their big day. If they choose my services, this will certainly be a wedding I’ll be looking forward to participating in while serving as their Wedding Entertainment Director™.

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When I first met with Brianna and her mother, Ginny, back in August of last year…she told me about an unusual activity that she wanted to work into her reception agenda. It turns out that Brianna’s favorite game of all time is “The Balloon Stomp.” She has enjoyed this game since childhood and she always looks forward to rolling it out at large family gatherings…”So I figured why not do it at my reception?” she said to me.

We brainstormed some fun musical selections and made a list of victims…volunteers…and then we scheduled it to happen after the bouquet and garter tosses but before resuming the open dancing. Once our group of victims…volunteers…had been gathered on the dance floor, we finally revealed that it was time for “The Balloon Stomp” as a small balloon was quickly tied around the right ankle of each participant. When the frantic sounding music began, everyone attempted to stomp out their opponents ballons while desperately trying to protect their own balloon from being popped. It was loud…it was crazy…it was fun…and Brianna was loving every minute of it.

I think Carmen Kaiser at The Summit House in Fullerton might have been wondering why all the balloons were being blown up before the wedding and stored in her office…LOL! Robert Acton with Photography by Robert and Don & Rose Stafford with Mr. Videocam Video Productions were certinaly having fun catching the action on film and video.

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Eric & Sabrina

Eric & Sabrina got married last night…and their reception was on the top floor ballroom of the Marina del Rey Marriott. The view was breathtaking…you could see the twinkling city lights all around…from Los Angeles…to Century City…to the hills of Hollywood…to Santa Monica and Malibu.

Check out that view!

Sabrina used to work as a Nanny for Bernard & Gialisa (whose reception I had entertained at as their Wedding Entertainment Director™ back in September of 2003) and she had watched their wedding video a few times while taking care of their infant son.

Eric proposed to Sabrina while they were visiting Disneyland and he used the services of a caricature artist to pull it off. After they posed for their “portrait”…they went for dinner nearby while the artist completed their drawing. When they returned, Sabrina was surprised to find the artist had drawn Eric down on one knee while holding an egagement ring…and when she turned around to look at Eric…there he was…on one knee with the ring in hand just as the artist had depticted him.

I have to say that Elizabeth Leal with the Marina del Rey Marriott was a pleasure to work with, as was their photographer, Robin Fadtke of ZoArt Photography. I am looking forward to seeing how their photos turned out.

Eric & Sabrina's First Dance (Check out the Groomsmen's shoes!)

Best wishes Eric & Sabrina…thanks again for allowing to be a part of your celebration.

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Today I was asked to serve as the MC at The Wedding Studio produced by Jim & Amy Harrick, the publishers of Ceremony Magazine. This special event was held at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach and was really a one-of-a-kind experience for allowing wedding vendors and brides get acquainted. It was great to so many familiar faces all gathered together in such a creatively decorated setting.

Well done Jim & Amy…you guys should be proud!

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