Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design

Nicole's new contact information!

2011-11-03T17:30:00.000-07:00

Want to reach Nicole and learn more about the Intercontinental The Clement Hotel on Cannery Row in Monterey, CA?

Here's her new e-mail: nlisanne@pahotel.com

And her new phone: (831) 375-2003

The hotel's address is: 750 Cannery Row Monterey, CA 93940

Nicole and her team are planning a Wedding & Event Showcase at the hotel early December, so keep your eyes peeled for an annoucement! We can't wait to see you there!

Love,

Nicole and Team

Nicole Turns The Page!

2011-10-24T18:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends, Family, Collegues, and Clients,

I'm excited to annouce that I have taken a very exciting career opportunity! As of Monday October 31st, 2011 I will be the new Catering Sales Manager for Weddings at the beautiful Intercontinental Hotel, The Clement, on Cannery Row in Monterey, CA!!!

Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design will finish out all of their 2011/2012 clientele with their wonderful team of wedding consultants! We are so proud to have built such a strong foundation with our company that we can hand over the final events of our company to our team.

I will always be proud of Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design, without the past 8 years I would never have the wealth of experience and knowledge that I have now, and I would have never been as prepared as I am now to take on this new chapter in my career.

The best part about starting Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design and running it these past 8 years has been finding who I am, where I want to go, what I want to do, meeting all of you! Making memories, dreams come true, and friendships to last a lifetime!

I'm honored to have been chossen for this position at The Clement Hotel because I know how prestigious this new hotel is, and how amazing it's team is, and I'm honored beyond belief to join their ranks!

Don't be sad that Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design is closing it's story, be happy because I'll still be in the industry I love!!! Doing what I'm best at!!! Now you just have to come and see me at my new hotel, bring your clients to see us, and learn what we're all about! I invite each of you to do this, don't be a stranger!

Taking this new opportunity has been my choice, I could have kept going with Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design, but I felt a strong pull to take this opportunity to gain stability and security in my life, a little less stress, and more focus on my personal future. I could have never done this without starting Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design, and I will never regret that I did.

As soon as I have my new contact information at the hotel I will put another blog post up so you know how to get a hold of me. In the meantime, nicole@nicolelisanne.com will stay working until the end of 2012 and beyond, and my cell phone number is still the same 408-348-4956.

Watch out Monterey! Here I come! I can't wait to get to know those of you I know better, and those of you I don't know yet well! It's going to be a beautiful new move!

Thank you all for all of your support of Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design throughout the years!

“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”

― Dr. Seuss

Love,

Nicole

Nicole Lisanne Grants a wish for Wish Upon a Wedding

2011-05-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

Imagine meeting a couple who has an amazing love story, a great bond and a hope to get married in the next few weeks. This was the situation Nicole herself was faced with just a few weeks ago. Stress was not the first thing in mind, it was optimism and joy that filled her spirit because she was given the opportunity to grant a wish for a deserving couple.

Wish Upon a Wedding is a non-profit organization that provides weddings and vow renewals for couples who have faced terminal illness or other serious life-altering circumstances. It was started in 2009 and officially launched in 2010 after an inspirational wedding giveaway contest in San Francisco. Nicole has been signed up to be a wish granter for some time but has not had the opportunity until now to donate her time and expertise to a deserving couple.

After first hearing that she will be the wish granter Nicole was ecstatic and immediately contacted the couple for the initial consultation along with overlooking the background and information provided. They immediately hit it off, Jackie Pugh and Rochon Mungo were amazing and a great joy to work with. Jackie has been working for the American Cancer Society for 19 years and that is where she met Rochon who was the UPS delivery man who delivered packages every day to her office. They were immediately attracted to one another but it took some time to work up the courage to finally go on a date. After Rochon worked up the courage to ask Jackie to go out for lunch they went on a few dates. Then Valentines Day quickly approached and they opened up their feelings for one another and have been inseparable ever since. Unfortunately, after a short amount of time Rochon started to feel sick. After months of going back and forth to the doctor they diagnosed him with a tumor on a nerve on his neck, possibly related to Esophogeal cancer he was diagnosed with only 5 years ago.

The original plans were to get married in September but to ensure Rochon's health and spirit would be at the top of his game they decided to push the wedding a few months forward to May 11, 2011. It was held at Stone Tree Golf Club in Novato, California and was as beautiful as we all imagined it. Every part of the wedding was donated and we would like to personally thank all of the vendors who helped. The location was provided by Elizabeth Bugg at Stone Tree Golf Club http://www.stonetreegolf.com/, Hard rentals provided by Classic Napa Sonoma http://napasonoma.classicpartyrentals.com/, Linens, chair cushions, and aisle runner provided by www.latavolalinen.com/, Hair & Make-up provided by Monina Wright of Moderne Beauty http://www.modernebeauty.com/, photography done by Gustavo Fernandez gustavofernandez.com/, videography done by Andrew Hsu of Studio MSV www.studiomsv.com/, florals provided by Anthony and Julie of Julie Stevens Design www.juliestevensdesign.com/, DJ and Photo Booth was provided by Joe Kalamaras of SJ's Disc Jockey http://www.sjsdiscjockey.com/, Bishop Garison, their pastor, was the officiant for the ceremony http://www.judahgathering.org/, Jaime of Fleur de Lisa was the bakery of choice www.fleurdelisacakes.com/, lighting done by Natti Pierce Thomson of North American Theatre Technology Inc. http://www.itsabouttheart.com/, Bonnie Harper of One World Designs provided the veil and jewelery for Jackie http://www.one-world-designs.com/. Special thanks to our helpers Kate Miller and Kristine Jones of KateMillerEvents.com, and Mellysa B Levy of Sashasouzaevents.com.Thank you again, it was so fun to work with all of you for such a great cause!
Becoming a wish granter is one of Nicole's favorite accomplishments to date and was truly enriching. We suggest that every vendor and consultant looks into this organization and registers to become a Wish Granter. It is a great way to give back and help others! Go to http://wishuponawedding.org/ for more information and to sign up to become a wish granter!

Until Next Time,

Stephanie Mattern
Intern at Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design

Precious & Blooming

2011-03-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

***Photo by http://www.rheebevere.com/

Flowers can brighten up any room, but for an event the flowers can brighten up the day. Whether it be pomander balls on the ceremony chairs, a centerpiece of stunning florals, or most importantly a brides bouquet. Each wedding is meant to capture the emotions and personality of the couple and a floral designer can contribute to doing just that. Floral design is a true art and an amazing artist we love is Kellye Clifford of Precious & Blooming Floral Design right here in Campbell, CA.

Precious & Blooming is Bay Area based and was founded on Kellye's true passion: creativity and people. She is great at listening to the couple and starts with a complimentary consultation at her beautiful design studio shared with us over here at Nicole Lisanne Weddings in quaint and beautiful downtown Campbell. At the consultation you will discuss the details including the preferred colors, textures, the dress and the overall image of the day. Kellye is very creative and shares the same favorite design style as Nicole, rustic and vintage, although both designers love this style, they can do almost any style of design together! Precious & Blooming is one of the few floral designers that we collaborate with predominantly here at Nicole Lisanne Weddings, and we are proud to do so!

Kellye's work is amazing and if you would like to learn more you can visit her webpage at http://www.preciousandblooming.com/ ! She also has a blog on this site which you can view at http://www.preciousandblooming.blogspot.com/
Kellye offers a complimentary initial design consultation at her studio so that you can learn more about how she can help you make your wedding day dreams come true! Call or e-mail her today for your spot on this talented ladie's calendar!

We love you Kellye, a.k.a Flower Girl! You've been spotted!

Until next time,
Stephanie, Intern of Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design

Rhee Bevere Photography

2011-03-22T12:59:00.000-07:00

A picture can say 1,000 words, it can capture a moment and it can reflect emotion and beauty. Taking pictures has become a common ritual among our generation and technology has been growing along with the popularity. It seems as though anybody can make a generic photo seem impressive with gradients, angles and photoshop applications available, but do not be fooled by this. Just because anybody can take a picture does not mean that they can capture a moment; it takes skills, passion and a photography background in order to make one picture a work of art. Rhee Bevere is one of the top photographers in the San Francisco Bay Area and possess all of these attributes which makes her one of my preferred photographers to work with.

Rhee Bevere grew up with a camera attached to her and has had a passion for her entire life. She specializes in weddings and gives the best service she can by relating to her brides. She gives what she wanted on her wedding day, to put it into her own words she wanted and now provides "someone by my side for support yet not in my face, someone I trusted to get the little things and the big story, someone who would take the time to get to know me and my man, and someone who wouldn't bark orders." Each image is captured with emotion and beauty, meant to tell your story.

Rhee Bevere Photography is located in the Pruneyard Shopping Center in Campbell and has captured images of weddings all over the Bay Area. For more information or to view some of their work visit their website at http://www.rheebevere.com or you can e-mail at supports@bevere.com

Until Next time,
Stephanie-Intern at Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design

Jenna + Alex's Wedding Featured on Postcards & Pretties!

2011-03-21T13:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Followers,

We are happy to annouce that one of our sweet couples from October 2010 was featured on Postcards & Pretties blog!

See here:

http://postcardsandpretties.blogspot.com/

We hope you enjoy all of the beautiful decore, and inspiration our Bride Jenna and her Groom Alex brought to their special wedding day!

Love and smooches!

Nicole and Team

Catered Too Featured Vendor of the Week

2011-03-03T17:25:00.000-08:00

Hello Followers,

What we have all been taught since we were kids was that the way to anyone's heart is through their stomach. I'm sure we can all agree that this has been evident at some time in your life, especially at an event. There is nothing worse than being hungry at an event whether it be to a lack of food or the poor quality of the food. Knowing food can have a big impact on your guests' mood and impressions of the day it is imperative to work with a great caterer that can provide outstanding service and quality food. Luckily, in the Bay Area we have Catered Too!

Catered Too is a full service catering company and is one of my top preferred caterers. It was established in 1992 by Greg Casella who is the only certified professional catering executive in the Bay Area. He also sits on the board for the National Association of Catering Executives, commonly referred to as NACE. With his extensive experience in the restaurant industry he has formed a company that exceeds the expectation of clients by their quality of service and friendly work environment.

Catered Too specializes in large off premise special events for corporate clients, weddings and social celebrations. They have successfully done events from 50-5,000 guests all over the Bay Area. The wide range of catering options they provide is most impressive from delicious hors d'ouevres, a varietal buffet, scrumptious BBQ picnics or elegant seated dinners. Their creations are as beautiful as they taste and can make any edible item look like art. Not only is the food amazing but they have some of the friendliest staff around that makes you feel like they are family. Their quality has been recognized by Special Events Magazine and San Jose Mercury News as well as many testimonials from past clients available on their website.

You can check Catered Too out on their website http://www.cateredtoo.com/home.htm or on facebook at facebook.com/CateredToo

Until Next time,

Stephanie-Intern for Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events By Design

Marizette Paperie

2011-03-01T15:12:00.000-08:00

Hello Followers,

With the excitement of your engagement and wedding day overcoming you and your partner there are people in your life that share the excitement with you. Other than you changing your Facebook relationship status to "engaged" the Save the Dates and Invitations are some of the first things your guests get to see regarding the Wedding Day. These can be overlooked sometimes but really set up the stage for your incredible event to come.

   With this being said it is imperative to work with the best team to design not only quality work but products that are custom to the couple and the event. Marizette Paperie is one of my only preferred stationary wedding professionals to work with due to their impressive creations, professionalism and their overall passion for their work and those they work with. This bay area based company was started by sister in-laws Marivic Cagato and Zuesette Zamora with a vision to "give events the recognition it deserves by creating sophisticated and distinctive invitations and stationary ensembles that will stand apart from the rest!"

   Marizette Paperie uses a variety of design elements such as exotic papers and materials, jeweled adornments and embellishments as well as incorporating personal photographs for a custom touch. They have been featured in Brides Magazine, YWD magazine, KRON 4, KTVU channel 2 as well as showcased at the National Stationary Show for their outstanding work. This duo are very personable and produce 100% of their creations including assembly, in-house printing and even offer mailing your stationary out for you. If you are interested in working with Marizette for your event they do offer complimentary consultation in order to gain your personal vision, goals and budget.

   Don't just take my word, you can look for yourself online at www.marizette.com. If you would like to directly contact them you can do so by emailing at info@marizette.com.

    Yours Truly,
           Nicole & Stephanie, the intern

What the heck is Day of Coordination?

2011-02-16T09:21:00.000-08:00

Dear Followers,

I hope you are all having a good week! As I sit on a plane bound for N. Carolina (brrrr. away from my January summer in California), I blog to you about a topic that is about as mythical as a unicorn! What is the topic you ask? ...(dramatic pause)... "Day of Coordination".

First of all, the terminology sucks. "Day of Coordination" implies that a wedding consultant offers a service where they meet with the client maybe once, and then show up on the wedding day and run the show. Ummmm, it doesn't work this way folks. And if you find a wedding consultant who tells you they can do this, run for the hills, they know not what they say.

Ok, so what should it be called? Well, here at Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design we term it "Rehearsal and Wedding Day Coordination". Others call it other things, and we don't care, it's so confusing there are times we still have to refer to what we offer as the dreaded "Day of Coordination" just to get clients to recognize the terminology or theory perhaps.

So...you want to know what "Rehearsal and Wedding Day Coordination" entails? Here are the bare minimum services that all packages such as this should include, if a wedding consultant tells you they offer less support, beware, they probably aren't certified, and most likely have very little practical experience as a wedding consultant. So, here's what it should include:
1.A complimentary initial consultation to meet in person or on the phone to get to know each other, and create a basic understanding of the client's wedding day plans, as well as an opportunity for the consultant to share how they can assist

2.Once the client books, it should include access to them via phone and e-mail for advice, wedding professional referrals, and whatnot. Of course each wedding consultant offers different boundaries for when this type of help starts, and how often it can be utilized.

3.The consultant should offer at least one visit to the wedding venues with the wedding professional team and client so that they can determine the layout. They often times consolidate this meeting with the timeline meeting as well when they go over the ingredients for the wedding, and the flow.

4.The consultant should author professional site layouts and a timeline document set that holds all of the information for the client's wedding.

5.The consultant should communicate and field questions with the wedding professional team throughout the planning process.

6.To finalize details you should have a final wrap up meeting in person or by phone to make sure all details are tied up. After this your consultant should finalize your document set and send it out as final to your wedding professional team and call each of them to ensure they are ok to go.

7.The consultant should be at rehearsal so that they can learn who your family and friends are and gain their respect before the big day when they'll need their full cooperation in order to make sure things run smoothly. It's also important that your consultant is at rehearsal for when your officiant might not be, or just so that they can collaborate on your wants for the flow of the ceremony the next day. Most consultants also take the time to give out the timeline to the wedding party and family members involved in the ceremony after rehearsal, and share their emergency contact information so that they can field questions and concerns before the big day and keep the calls from bugging the couple.

8.On the wedding day the consultant should call in to check up on the couple as they are getting ready to make sure hair and makeup is running smoothly and that everyone is doing well. They should be the first ones at each venue (if multiple venues for the wedding ex. a church for ceremony and a reception site) to greet your wedding professional team, direct them on set up, answer their questions, and do your personal set up items such as favors, how to fold the napkin, ceremony programs, light decorations, escort cards, table numbers, place cards, etc....). Throughout the day they should be the director for your wedding day for all of the wedding professionals guiding every wedding professional, the client, and the guests through the experience of the wedding day. At the end of the wedding reception they should wrap up all set up items and help ensure everything gets back to the couple after the wedding day.

As I've mentioned in other posts, the cost of "Rehearsal and Wedding Day Coordination" varies from consultant to consultant depending on their market, specialty, years of experience, certification, overhead, and more. I would say in the SF Bay Area you'll see everything from $1,800 to $3,500 and up.

I hear certain questions all of the time when meeting with new potential clients, and I'd like to bust a few of these myths associated with "Rehearsal and Wedding Day Coordination" aka "Day of Coordination".:
Q.We already have our vendors so we don't need that part of your package.
A.Most wedding consultants offer basic wedding professional referrals complimentary, but ask yours what they do. We don't charge for this so it doesn't lower the price of your package.

Q.We are really organized people. We both have experience planning corporate and other types of events. We have already written our timeline and have site layouts, so why do we need to pay you to do them?
A.Because I wouldn't walk into a bakery, show them a Martha Stewart cake designed to the 9's, and expect them to be able to use my rinky dink kitchen at my pad and my ingredients in order to produce the same beautiful cake I saw in the magazine. Long answer shorter, because it is socially responsible of us to do our pre-planning steps well so that we are prepared to help you have the smoothest, stress free wedding day possible.

Q.Our officiant is going to run rehearsal, why do we need you there?
A.We need to be there so that we can ensure your officiant knows what you would like to do for your rehearsal practice since we are the ones that help you plan that out with your officiant. It is also our only time to meet your friends and family members participating in the wedding so that we establish a repport with them before the big day. If they don't meet us before the wedding day they won't know who we are on the day of and they most likely won't have the same type of respect for us, and we need them to listen to us on the day of in order to make your day go well. At rehearsal we also pass out your timeline to everyone as well as our emergency contact phone number, this alleviates you as the Bride and Groom having to communicate the wedding day plans to them, and gives your friends and family members someone to call in case of emergency so it doesn't become you getting the calls and being stressed out when they bug you.

Q.I have great wedding professionals hired for my big day, I don't think they need help running the day since they've all worked my venue before, so why do I need you?
A.Because it's not their job to coordinate your wedding day. When you ask your wedding professionals such as your site coordinator, DJ, and caterer to name a few, to coordinate your wedding day, they aren't able to focus on what they do best, and their real jobs. Also, when you have to many cooks in the kitchen and no one real leader for the rest of your team, things get sloppy and confusing, and more often than not your vendors have to bug you throughout the night asking you questions like "when did you want to do cake cutting?" instead of leaving you be to enjoy your moment. A wedding consultant who has repport with your wedding professional team from past experience can be a better leader than just one of your vendors, or a friend, or a family member. They know how to communicate with a wedding professional team on the day of in order to get things done right.

There are many more myths surrounding "Rehearsal and Wedding Day Coordination" aka "Day of Coordination". The main point is that a Wedding Consultant does have a place in every wedding as the pre-planner, sometimes designer, resource giver, consultant, and team lead for wedding professionals on the rehearsal and wedding day, that a friend, family member, or novice doesn't have the skill set for. Beware of consultants who tell you they are comfortable just meeting you once and then using your timeline documents and site layouts to run your day, they are not professional, and they are doing a disservice to you as the client as well as to the wedding industry as a whole.

Much love,

Nicole

Jennifer & Andre's Wedding Featured!

2011-02-03T15:56:00.000-08:00

Dear Followers,

As I sit home in my pjs, where I have been for the whole week now sick=( I'm happy to report that another one of our beautiful weddings has been featured. This time it is Jennifer and Andre's Wedding at the Half Moon Bay Ritz Carlton! Thanks to Jennifer and Andre's wonderful wedding professional team for all of their hard work, especially to Travis and Candice of Serendipity Studios http://www.beyondordinary.net/ who shot and filmed this stunning wedding.

The other amazing folks involved included: Linnae and Jon of Asiel Design www.asieldesign.com, the ladies and geltlmen of The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/HalfMoonBay/Default.htm, Elegant Cheesecakes http://www.elegantcheesecakes.com/, the awesome DJ Jay Castro of Sound Works http://www.729mixx.com/contact.htm, live music by Joel Nelson Productions http://www.joelnelson.com/, and Lighting, Draping, Linens, and all Hard Rentals by Mindy Roark of Classic Party Rentals.

Their wedding has been featured on The Knotty Bride http://theknottybride.com.

It has been featured in two parts.

Enjoy!

Part 1: http://theknottybride.com/18149

Part 2: http://theknottybride.com/18255

Here's a beautiful film as well: http://vimeo.com/18857710

Thank you Jennifer and Andre for trusting us with orchestrating your most special day! We love you!

Love,

Nicole and Team

Budget Reality Check!!!

2011-01-31T19:50:00.000-08:00

Dear Brides and Grooms,

I hope you are all doing fabulous!

I know there are many tools out there to help you set your budget, but are they correct? My take on it is that it really takes having a professional wedding consultant on your side who knows the area you are planning to have your wedding in, and understands the industry averages for things in that area so that they can help you plan out a budget that is just right for your needs.

Since I'm a specialist at California weddings, I'd like to impart some basic budget starting ranges for a wedding of 100 guests to help you get a peek into what things really cost now in our market. I'm also going to impart one cost saving piece of advice per category to help you if you are on a tight budget.

Venue - $6,000-$10,000 and up - Tip: Pick a venue that is all-inclusive, meaning it has a kitchen with a caterer on site that can handle your food and beverages, and has tables and chairs you don't mind using.

Catering - $15,000 and up - Tip: It's all about the ingredients, choose reasonable ingredients like short ribs vs. filet mignon. Also, choose the best service style to reduce labor costs which is typically a buffet.

Officiant - $600-1,500 and up - Tip: If you have a professional wedding consultant, often times they can run your rehearsal without the officiant there (officiants suggest this), and this can save you from having to spend on paying the officiant to come to the rehearsal AND the wedding day.

Floral Design - $4,500 and up - Tip: It's all about the creativity. Find a floral designer who has a lot of different containers for you to rent, and is open to floral design plus non-floral design elements to give you bang for you buck without breaking the bank.

Photography - $5,000-15,000 and up - Tip: Ask your wedding consultant to help you formulate your timeline so that all of your important activities are up front so that you don't have to pay your photographer to be at the wedding until the very end of the night.

Videography - $5,000-15,000 and up - Tip: Same thing as photography!

Hair and Makeup - $600-1,500 and up - Tip: Go with who you love. This is your one special day. Look at the value of looking your best on the wedding day, and in your photos and video which will last forever and try not to get hung up on the costs. They are fair.

Live Musicians - $300 per hour and up - Tip: You don't have to have the whole string quartet! Sometimes you can do with a duo, or trio instead to save costs.

DJ - $1,800-3,500 and up - Headache Saving Tip: You get what you pay for, so be sure that you choose this vendor wisely with your professional wedding consultant's guidance! They can make or break your event! Don't just hire any old guy cause he's cheap! That's like handing someone you don't know well a microphone and giving them permission to say anything they want at your one special wedding day! No no no!!!! There are good DJs on both ends of this price spectrum. Don't try to save costs by cutting out things like having them do sound support during the ceremony, you'll be sorry if you don't have that and you need it. And please don't do an iPod wedding, it's all bad!!!

Bands - $5,000 and up - Headache Saving Tip: Choose a band that has worked the venue before, or has done tons of weddings, has ample sound support and sound support flexibility, understands that they won't be drinking alcohol at your wedding, has a designated Master of Ceremonies to make annoucements, and can DJ their breaks so that the dancing doesn't die when they take one of their two or three 20 minute break sessions throughout the evening. If you must use a band that doesn't have these qualifications, at least get in writing how they will dress, that they won't drink alcohol, and hire a professional wedding DJ to accompany them and provide flexible sound support and MC'ing capabilities. It'll be a mess if you don't.

Rentals - $Toooo variable!!!! - Tips: Upgrade the linens (Polys $18 and up each, Mid range $28 and up, High end $39 and up per linen)! It makes the biggest impact on a budget. If you have a professional wedding consultant ask them if they have any specials or offers through their preferred rental companies to pass along to help lessen the blow of this cost, I know here at NLWED we do!

Transportation - $Toooo variable!!! - Headache Saving Tip: Don't just hire who is cheapest, hire who your consultant tells you works with weddings all of the time and knows how to treat such an event. The limo company you use at your work for airport transfers is the wrong choice unless it's one of the few that works weddings also.

Invitations and Paper Goods - $2.50 per invitation to $25 per invitation and up - Tip: If you are on a tight budget, don't feel like you can't have pretty stationery, look at websites like http://www.weddingpaperdivas.com/ . Then work with a custom stationery place like http://www.marizette.com/ to match up table numbers, escort cards, menus, programs, etc...

Lighting, Draping, Rigging - $1,500 to $5,000 and up - Tip: Do a minimum of adding uplights around your room to wash the walls with color. Make sure you choose a lighting company that includes the cost of a technician staying on site to monitor the lights they install in case you need them lowered, or the color changed for different stages of the night. Lighting and Linens, the two L's everyone forgets about, makes a world of difference!

Desserts - $600 to $1,500 and up - Tip: If you have fondant taste and a buttercream budget, make sure your wedding consultant suggests you to a wedding cake designer who is skilled in icing wedding cakes with buttercream so smooth that you have to take a second look to see if it isn't fondant=) Skip the labor intensive and expensive sugar florals for fresh ones.

And Nicole's #1 cost-saving tip of the day is...HIRE A WEDDING CONSULTANT, SET A REALISTIC BUDGET FOR YOUR WEDDING BASED ON YOUR NEEDS, VISIT THE WEDDING PROFESSIONALS YOUR CONSULTANT REFERS TO YOU BECAUSE THEY WILL BE MORE WILLING TO HELP YOU WITH BUDGET ISSUES SINCE YOU ARE A REFERRAL FROM A REPEAT CUSTOMER OF THEIRS (YOUR WEDDING CONSULTANT), DON'T VISIT 100 OF EACH TYPE OF WEDDING PROFESSIONAL IT'S RUDE AND IT WASTES THEIR TIME, KEEP IT TO 2-3 PER CATEGORY, TRUST YOUR WEDDING PROFESSIONALS TO UTILIZE YOUR BUDGET IN THE MOST VALUE WAY POSSIBLE GIVING YOU THE MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK. IF YOU KNEW HOW TO DO IT YOU WOULD, BUT YOU DON'T, SO TRUST THE WEDDING PROFESSIONALS YOU HIRE, DON'T PUT A LOT OF RETRAINTS ON THEM ALONG WITH YOUR TIGHT BUDGET.

Sorry for the CAPS, but I'm feeling strongly about this advice.

I wish you all the best.

Much love,

Nicole

Wedding Professional Inquiry Etiquette

2011-01-24T13:22:00.000-08:00

Dear Brides and Grooms,

This one is for you.

During your search for the right wedding professionals to fulfill your wedding day needs you'll likely inquire with a minimum of 3 wedding professionals per category.

Since this is prime booking season, I'm here to give you some sage advice on the right way to find your wedding professionals, inquire with them, and communicate with them during this daunting process.

Step 1: Where do I find good recommendations?
1.From your wedding consultant that match your personality, lifestyle, and budget needs is the best place.

2.If you don't have a wedding consultant, look at the preferred wedding professional list from your venue, make sure you ask if the professionals on that list are on there because they are good, or because they paid money to be advertised.

3.From great online resources such as Here Comes The Guide, Style Me Pretty, or Wedding Chicks, to name a few, that list only professionals that are qualified to be there.

Step 2: How do I inquire with them?

1.Because many wedding professionals are busy people, one man entrepreneurial operations at times, the best first way to reach out to them is with a well thought out e-mail. Make sure to include the following at a minimum:
a.Your name, your fiance's name
b.Your wedding date
c.Your wedding location, remember to mention if your ceremony and reception are in the same location
d.Your phone and e-mail address where it's ok to reach you at all hours
e.When the best time is for you to be reached, or meet

Most professionals can take this simple information and get back to you with details on if they are available, and when they can either do a phone call or in person meeting to discuss your event in more detail.

2.How do I NOT inquire with them?
a.Don't leave out mention of your wedding date, you'd be surprised how many times couple's forget this, if you don't have a wedding date yet, let them know the general calendar time frame you are considering
b.Same thing with the venue, it's ok if you don't have one yet, but just let them know the areas you're open to
c.Don't ask them to send you a quote for their services. A professional wedding vendor will not provide detailed pricing information over e-mail only without first at least having a phone or in person consultation to discuss your detailed needs for the wedding day.

Step 3: How to follow up with them?

1.Reply to them NO MATTER WHAT. You wouldn't believe how many inquiries we've gotten from potential clients who say they want more information about our services and prices, who never respond to our replies. Have common courtesy and let them know you at least got their response even if you don't plan on using them. Here are NLWED ee have a special three strikes your out rule, so on our third time following up, we tell our potential clients that it is the last time we'll be reaching out to them as a courtesy to them and ourselves.

2.Be honest with them, tell them exactly what you think you need, and how much you have to spend on their services per your wedding budget. If you don't know these things you shouldn't be inquiring with any wedding professionals until this prep work has been done with your wedding consultant. This is the best way to save money and reduce your frustrations during searching for your wedding professionals.

3.Remember, it's not about price, it's about value. Don't ask a wedding professional for pricing information through e-mail until you have either talked with them on the phone or in person and have given them a fair chance to quote you. If you don't know where to find the wedding professionals that suit your budget needs, you need a consultant to steer you in the right direction, don't just e-mail everyone on the preferred list, or everyone you find, be courteous of wedding professional's time and energy.

Step 4: How to get a proposal from them?

1.Meet with them for a complimentary initial consultation, or however they tell you they work. After the initial transfer of your knowledge to them and vice versa, the wedding professional will be able to draw up a proposal for you.

Step 5: How to respond to their proposal?

1.If you loved the wedding professional you met with, but the proposal was either inaccurate, or was out of your budget, make sure you take the time to respond to them and give them feedback so that they can adjust the proposal to fit your needs as closely as is realistic. Any good wedding professional will do this for you. Most couples give up to easily when they see a proposal that is too high for their budget and run off to a cheaper professional. Remember, you get what you pay for, and good high value wedding professionals will work with you to fit your needs within reason.

Step 6: Book with them once the proposal looks perfect

1.Most wedding professionals require a signed contract and deposit of some sort to hold the date and move forward working with them. Most wedding consultants will review your wedding professional contracts on your behalf before you sign them so that they can make sure your needs are being met and give you advice if they have concerns for you to address with each professional.

Another small note to make is that you can do this leg work yourself, or you can hire a wedding consultant to do it for you. When a wedding consultant helps you hire your wedding professionals they help you plot out a budget, a plan for when to hire each wedding professional, they arrange the first meeting with the professionals after assuring that the professional is available for your wedding day, and suits your needs, they attend the first meeting with you, help you ask the right questions, review your proposal and contract before booking, and overall help give you advice that will help you save lots of time and money along the way. Remember that professional wedding consultants are repeat customers for wedding professionals, so good wedding consultants have a lot of pull that you won't have as a first time, and probably only time customer. It's good to have us on your side=)

I hope that this advice has helped you! Happy booking!

Love,

Nicole

Did you know Nicole specializes in reverse destination weddings?

2011-01-21T18:14:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Well, it's Friday, and it's 6:01PM, and I told myself..."Self, you have to blog!" So, I picked a topic off of my blog topic list I use to brainstorm for each week. This week's topic is something you may or may not know about us here at Nicole Lisanne Weddings and Events by Design, but we are finding that not a lot of our wedding professionals or clients know this, so here goes!

I don't know how it happened, but we have had the fortune of working with many clients who live in other states, or other countries, who are having their wedding here in California. When a client does this their wedding is considered a "destination wedding", and when a consultant helps them plan it in the town they are holding their wedding it is considered "reverse destination wedding planning" because the consultant isn't going anywhere to do the wedding, but they are helping their client plan their wedding while they are no where near where it will take place.

What does this mean for Nicole Lisanne Weddings? Well, I thought about it today after meeting with our client in from Hong Kong, and while speaking to a new potential client in MN. Both of these clients are having their wedding in our backyard, but they live far far away. I asked myself what it is about our company that makes us specialists in this type of planning. Here are the reasons I came up with:
1.We are good listeners. First and foremost, we care about everything the client says, we have to be really good listeners in order to understand their wishes and execute them for them here.

2.We are excellence communicators. We know how to speak to our clients in an organized and well thought out fashion so that details don't become too overwhelming. It's hard enough planning a wedding in your own backyard, but try planning your wedding in CA while you live in England! Eeeeek! You definitely need a consultant who understands that you don't need any more complexities added to your situation.

3.We are good with technology. We are not afraid to use all forms of technology to make the gap between us and our clients smaller.

4.We are good at acting on our client's behalf. We can speak straight from our client's wishes and needs when we speak to our wedding professionals in order to secure them for their wedding day. We make sure we protect them from things they do and don't want, we communicate what they want to spend, what they need, why they need it, and help make things happen!

5.We are flexible! We understand that a long distance client is not a typical client. They are going to need more phone consultations, more e-mails, more help with everything! We don't make them feel like they are an inconvenience to us, rather we make them feel understood and taken care of by being flexible with their time and distance difficulties.

I'm sure there is more to it than this, but I'm very very proud of our unique specialty, and I am happy that so many fabulous couples from around the world have trusted us with their wedding day plans.

I hope you all have a fabulous evening!

Much love,

Nicole

Ok, I got engaged, now what?!?!

2011-01-13T12:32:00.000-08:00

You fell in love, you got engaged, now what?!?!

If you're feeling like you have too many thoughts running through your head after your engagement about what the next step should be in planning your wedding, you're very normal.

Here's the order that most brides and grooms do things in:

1.The dress

2.The site

3.The accomodations

4.The transportation

5.The invitations

6.The photographer

7.The flowers

8.The caterer

9.The music

10.The hair and makeup

11.The videographer

12.The wedding consultant

This doesn't include everything, but it gives you an idea of what typically happens. Right after being engaged it's so exciting that the bride tends to run out and try on gowns with Mom and her best friends or maids and matrons. That's great and all, but without knowing your budget first of all, this can be the first and biggest mistake you make.

Here's a better example of what a bride and groom should do:

1.The wedding consultant

2.Set a budget

3.Find a venue

4.Set the date

5.Set a rough timeline with your consultant

6.Hire a wedding officiant

7.Set up accomodations and transportation

8.Make a wedding website to annouce this information

9.Send save the dates, get them through the same stationer who will do your invites, get those ordered too

10.Find the gown

11.Do a hair and makeup trial run to hire the right artist

12.Buy your accessories

13.Find the wedding party and Groom attire to match the gown and location and feel

14.Find a caterer

15.Book your photographer

16.Book your videographer

17.Book your floral designer

18.Book your music

19.Book your desserts

20.Do your site visit and timeline meeting

21.Work on decor with consultant

22.Book your rentals

23.Book your lighting and draping and rigging

24.Work on small decore touches and favors

25.Send your invitations so they are in your guests' hands no later than a month and a half out

26.Do your wrap up meeting with your consultant

27.Rehearsal

28.Wedding day

This also doesn't include everything and isn't meant to be your planning schedule, a planning schedule of when to do what, and hire who, should be created by you and your wedding consultant together, and be customized to your needs. The main reason I show you this is that it isn't what brides and grooms are doing today. The biggest reason? They aren't hiring their wedding consultant first like they should.

Why should I hire a wedding consultant first?:

1.They can help you start out on the right foot by setting a realistic budget

2.They can bring you on tours of venues that suit your needs

3.They can negotiate contracts for you with the venues

4.They can hand carry you to the best wedding professionals to fit your needs

5.They can negotiate each of your wedding professional contracts for you, and give you access to their discounts

6.They can author your site layouts and timeline document set that communicates all details to your wedding professionals

7.They can make sure to finalize your plans with your wedding professionals

8.They can be there to make sure rehearsal runs smoothly

9.They can manage your wedding professionals on the wedding day as well as set up your personal items, coordinate the day, and clean up everything at the end of the day so you can be a guest at your own wedding

One of the biggest reasons to hire a wedding consultant right after being engaged is that you are basically getting help with the whole project. By hiring a wedding consultant you are bringing on a person who does weddings every day of their lives, they can be your point of contact for realistic advice and resources that can make your job of planning the wedding more fun, and easier. They don't take away from your fun of planning, they simply suppliment your planning and support you along the way.

A lot of brides and grooms don't think of hiring a wedding consultant first because they think it's not in their budget, but the truth is, they can't afford not to have a wedding consultant. We know the industry, we have insider information to help our couple's make the most of their budget, we are the key to the wedding industry lock. With a consultant by your side, you'll save every penny you spend on their services plus more.

All wedding consultants offer a complimentary initial consultation before you book, so you have nothing to lose! So, be ahead of the couple pack and do it the right way! Hire your wedding consultant first!

Happy planning!

Nicole

Nicole's Tip of the Week...No Consultant = No Savings

2011-01-03T18:43:00.000-08:00

Dearest Followers,

This tip of the week is brought to you by frustration...

It is called "No Consultant = No Savings".

There is a false belief that hiring a wedding consultant shouldn't be the first thing you do after getting engaged if you wish to stick to a budget and save.

The FIRST thing you should do after saying "I Do", is to hire a consultant!

Why you ask? Couldn't you just go it alone?

Of course you can plan your wedding on your own, if you know how to set a budget, if you know everyone in the wedding industry, and if you have specials and discounts to pass along to yourself to keep you on budget, but unless you are a wedding consultant yourself, you shouldn't plan your wedding on your own. (I'm even going to hire one someday!)

A professional wedding consultant will first help you set a budget that is realistic, then they will bring you to their friends in the wedding industry that do flowers, hair and makeup, transporation, have sites, gown shops, that are photographers, videographers, DJs, etc...who fit your needs and your budget. They will make sure you get the best of the best from each of their wedding industry friends, and that you are happy with your choices. A service like this is invaluable, and can save you tons of money, and tons of problems.

Not a lot of you know that you can hire a wedding consultant for just these services if you wish! You can hire a wedding consultant to help you with as little or as much help as you want, it's not all or nothing. In our past experience we have noticed that clients who hire us for even a little bit of help end up saving a whole lot of time, money, and stress, and sometimes end up hiring us for more help because they love the experience so much.

Good consultants don't double-dip and take fees from your vendors and also charge you, they also don't surprise you with big bills for their services at the end of your wedding, so there is nothing to fear! Professional wedding consultants refer wedding professionals based on their good industry reputation, nothing else, and they also charge you for exactly what you agree to pay them in the beginning, and if there are extra fees that need to be incurred along the way, they'll let you know before charging you for work you don't approve of.

Also, good consultants should be able to save you as much if not more than you spend on their services.

So, I'll say it until I'm blue in the face, it's not about saving money, it's about VALUE. If you get quotes from wedding professionals and they are too high, DON'T RUN AWAY and find another vendor, DO COMMUNICATE with the vendor you love but don't think you can afford, and you'll be plesantly surprised by how much they help you. This goes for when you are interviewing consultants, as well as all other wedding professionals.

Happy Planning!

Much love,

Nicole

Nicole's Tip of the Week...You Can Catch More Flies With Honey...

2010-12-29T11:30:00.000-08:00

Well folks...the polls are in, and the old adage is true in life, as it is in planning your Wedding or Event "You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar".

This week's tip of the week is simple and common sense, if you are nice to your event professionals, they will go above and beyond to please you.

The reason this topic made it into our second spot for Nicole's Tip of the Week is that in light of this economy that we are all affected by one way or another, a lot of people have turned to being grumpy, self-serving, and rude in order to get what they want, which will get them no where fast.

A good example as it applies to the event world: A client contacts a floral designer for a quote on their wedding, they meet for a complimentary initial consultation, they get their quote, and the quote isn't within their budget. Almost all wedding and event professionals will explain if their quote is over your budget, and ways you can save money on the quote in order to still use them, often times it means pairing back your expectations of what you are going to get for your budget. Then sometimes clients choose to bully the professional a bit regarding their prices, sometimes their contract wording, and it really leaves a bad taste in the professional's mouth. All professional wedding and event vendors want to please their clients, but they can only do so much before they begin to lose profit margins, security through their contractual agreements, etc...

So, the best approach in this senario is for clients to share with the professionals exactly what they need, what they want, and then allow the professional to do their best to fit their needs. If the client loved the floral designer when they met them, and loved the design proposal, but needed to make a few small changes to the proposal to make it work for their budget, then they should just be open and honest with the floral designer by saying "I've done my research, I love your work, we enjoyed meeting you, your proposal was amazing, but it doesn't fit our budget, can you please work with me to see what we can do to move forward with things and adjust our proposal to fit our needs a little better?" I can garantee you that this type of approach is going to get you a happy professional, who is more than willing to do what they can to help you work with them. Of course there are also the times when what a client wants and needs and their budget don't match what the professional can work with, and a true wedding or event professional will politely refer them to someone more suitable for their needs.

A really important thing to remember in the world we are in today while planning a Wedding or Event is Value over Cost. As clients look for value, find the professionals that you love the most, and get along with the best, whose proposals are wonderful, then work with them to get to where you need to be in order to use them. Doing this will get you the most bang for your buck. Most Wedding and Event Professionals are artists in one way or another, and artists get their feelings hurt easily if you choose to nit pick them on costs vs. appreciating their art and asking them how they can help you work with them. For example, say you find a photographer whose art work you adore! They are slightly over your budget, but because of the value of their work you meet with them, get a proposal, and then if you choose to work with them you just negotiate the amount of work you can get from them (i.e. hours at an event they shoot, how many shooters they bring, if you get an album or digital negatives or not, etc...) for your budget. Clients more concerned with costs will run away from professionals whose proposals come in too high no matter how much they love their work, afraid to communicate with the professional and work out a way to have them at their event. This means that clients more concerned with costs will likely hire a cheap photographer, and a cheap photographer may be newer with less experience, and therefore the photos may come out less nice than if the client had hired a high value photographer whose work they loved. Another old adage is true once more, "You get what you pay for".

So, long story short, you can catch more flies with honey, it's always worked for us, and we know it will work for you!

Happy New Years to you all!

Love,

Nicole

Nicole's Tip of the Week!!!

2010-12-22T18:46:00.000-08:00

Hi All!

Ok, I'm starting something new! Nicole's Tip of the Week!!! I'll be posting a tip (sometimes more) per week, to help you plan your wedding.

Professional hair and makeup for your wedding day isn't cheap, but high in value. Ask your wedding consultant for referrals to artists who specialize in weddings and understand the stress and sensitivity of the occassion, come to you on the wedding day at your getting ready location, and know how to do makeup and hair that makes you look the best version of yourself (the MAC counter gals and guys won't cut it unless you want to chance looking like Lady Gaga on your wedding day. they also aren't reliable.).

Also remember that this is also an investment in your wedding photography and videography, because when you look your best, it helps the photos and video too!

A lot of my clients ask me if they have to pay for their Bridesmaids, Moms, Flower Girls, etc... to also have their hair and makeup done, the answer is no. If you can afford to, and that's your gift to them great. But since most of us aren't made of money, here's what I suggest. Find out from your artist how much it is for either hair or makeup for each additional person getting services done the day of the wedding beside you. Then write a message to your maids, Moms, and Flower Girl's Mom's, and tell them about the artist, that they'll be at the getting ready location, how much it will cost for the services if they want them, and ask them who would like what done so that you can tell the artist and your consultant for scheduling purposes. Then prepare your wedding party to bring cash the day of the wedding to pay the artist for their scheduled services.

Another important note on hair and makeup, don't wait until the last minute to book your artist! There are plenty of good ones out there, but dates fill quickly! Make sure your put down a deposit and contract with one who is recommended to you by your consultant as being tried and true, and then do a trial run with them sooner to the wedding date.

Some artists like Monina N. Wright http://moninawrightbeauty.com/ even help with pre-wedding skin preparation and regimes so that your skin is healthy before your special day. I go to her for skin care and she's fabulous! I also refer her to my clients for wedding day hair and makeup, and I haven't had an unsatisfied client yet!

I hope this helps you put your best face forward on your special wedding day!

Much love, Happy Holidays, Happy New Years!!!

Nicole

It's Black Friday at Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design!!!

2010-11-23T17:29:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

I don't know anyone who doesn't love a Black Friday sale!

With the holidays just around the corner, we decided to jump in and help you celebrate by participating in a little thing called Black Friday!

For all clients (wedding and personal and corporate), we are having a HUGE Black Friday sale on our services!

Book by Tuesday November 30th and recieve 50% off our regular priced services*!

Contact us today to learn more by calling 408-370-4997 and leave a message if we don't pick up, or e-mail us which is best at appointments@nicolelisanne.com.

Booking Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design is the best next step you could ever take in planning your wedding or special event! We help you get organized, make you look good, and save you money! So why not?

We look forward to speaking to you soon!

Love,

Nicole and Team

*This offer is not valid with any other offer

I Love Kim + Jason featured on Kate Harrison Photography's Blog!

2010-11-22T18:26:00.000-08:00

Dear All,

We love Kim + Jason, one of our fabu couples married just recently at a private estate in Aptos. Kate Harrison Photography did an amazing job capturing their beautiful and unique wedding day! See here!:

http://khpblog.com/weddings/coastal_wedding_photography_ap.html

Love lots,

Nicole and Team

NLWED Featured in Bride's Northern California for our Musical Taste!

2010-10-27T15:16:00.000-07:00

We are proud to be featured in Bride's Northern California Fall/Winter issue for an article I was interviewed for regarding wedding music!

Thanks Kate of Kate Webber Photography (http://www.katewebber.com/) for getting me these great scans!

Enjoy!

Love, Nicole

Christine and Rich's 9.10.10 Private Estate Wedding Unveiled by The Memory Journalists!

2010-10-27T15:01:00.000-07:00

We are blessed when we have a couple as sweet and charming as Christine and Rich. On 9.10.10 at a beautiful private estate in Aptos, CA, we were lucky enough to do just that. I'm proud to have worked with such an amazing and fun wedding photographer as The Memory Journalists (don't you love their name!). Jennifer at The Memory Journalists was kind enough to post a beautiful blog about this wedding here:
http://www.memoryjournalists.com/blog.cfm?postID=1230&northern-california-coast-private-estate-wedding-christine-and-rich
Where I am proud to say we got this rave review:
"we were able to spend time with Nicole, their event designer - who by the way is so majorly awesome and made the entire wedding happen in just a mere blink of her eye...kind of like a "Jeannie in a bottle". She seemed to work magic. "

Thanks guys! ***Blush***

Love, Nicole & Team

Sweet Deal on Day of Wedding Coordination!!!

2010-09-20T22:55:00.000-07:00

*Design collaboration with http://www.preciousandblooming.com/

For a limited time only Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design is offering a special of Wedding Day Coordination. Valued regularly at $2,800 and above, we are offering it for $1,400 for all new wedding bookings by 9/30/2010!

This package includes but is not limited to:

*Complimentary advice, review of vendor proposals, referrals to vendors, and access to our online planning system

*A site visit timeline meeting

*Creation of professional site layouts and timeline documents

*A final wrap up meeting before the wedding to finalize site layouts and documents

*Communication of details to your wedding vendors before the wedding

*Coordination of rehearsal

*Setup , coordination, and wrap up of your wedding day

We offer complimentary initial consultations in person at our design studio in downtown Campbell at your convenience. Contact us today for an appointment: 408-370-4997 or appointments@nicolelisanne.com .

We look forward to speaking to you soon!

Nicole and Team

We've been featured on Pink Book Blog!!!

2010-07-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

***Thanks for the beautiful photography from Meg Perotti www.megperotti.com/blog

We're proud to annouce that we've been featured on Pink Book Blog for Kelsey and Jason's Wedding! We had an amazing team of wedding professionals to help us produce this beautiful event! Thank you guys! Enjoy!

http://www.thepinkbook.com/national/blogs/2010/7/15/kelsey-and-jason/

Love,

Nicole & Team

Topic: How Wedding Professionals Can Work Better With Wedding Consultants Designers

2010-07-08T19:29:00.000-07:00

*Floral Design by http://www.preciousandblooming.com/

Dear Wedding Professionals,

Although it isn’t common practice yet amongst all Brides and Grooms, it should be. What am I talking about? Hiring a Wedding Consultant Designer! This should be one of the necessary wedding professionals booked by couples, in fact, it should be the first person they book since they are the ones that can help the couple set their budget, a planning schedule, find a venue, develop a wedding professional team, design the event, and execute the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, and entire wedding day. So, if you were to ask me what is the first step a wedding professional can take to better work with a Wedding Consultant and Designer, my answer would be, ask your couples “Who is your Wedding Consultant?”…not “Do you have a Wedding Consultant?”… because that would insinuate that they don’t really need one, but they do! And so do you!

The benefits to a Wedding Professional of having a client with a Wedding Consultant Designer are endless. First, the client will know their budget. How many times, especially now (and I won’t say it…but you know what I’m insinuating), do we as wedding professionals have to prove to our clients that we are worth what we charge? Well, clients that work with a Wedding Consultant first build a realistic budget based on their needs and expectations, and the industry averages. This means that when the consultant refers them to you, they are coming to you knowing that you are in their budget, that they like your work, that you are available for their day, JACKPOT! How can you not book them? We do all of the legwork for you so that you get perfect fit clients, wasting less time with the wrong ones, and more time spent on the perfect ones.

So, let’s say that you’ve got this first step down; your clients are booking consultants. A lot of wedding professionals don’t understand exactly the types of consultants out there, what they can do for their clients, how much they will charge their clients, if they expect kick backs from the wedding professionals…etc….

There are several different ways wedding consultants call themselves:

1.Wedding Consultants – this is what I call myself simply because I am a wedding consultant who coordinates and plans, I also am a designer!
2.Wedding Consultant Designers – exactly like what it sounds, they will work hand in hand with their wedding professional team to not only coordinate and plan, but also design, not all do this, the ones that do are typically higher end consultants.
3.Wedding Coordinators – they are just like wedding consultants, they just choose to call themselves this
4.Wedding Planners – same thing here

Wedding Consultants can do as little or as much for their clients as they need. I know this is a broad definition, but it is true. One thing that is confusing for some wedding professionals is that we all offer our services a little bit differently. For example, we offer a menu style of services and prices for our clients to choose from, thus making each service custom. Some of our counterparts use packages of services, either basic, partial, or full, or full with design. Others may do only full service, or full service with design. It all depends on the consultant’s target market, but in general we can all help set budgets, find venues, find wedding professionals, review proposals and offer advice, some of us design the event, we can all do layouts, timelines and supporting documents, confirmations with the wedding professionals prior to the day, and execution of the rehearsal and wedding day acting as the team lead for vendors, and ensuring everything goes as planned for our clients.

Consultants can charge in one of three ways, or a combination of the three:
1.Flat rate
2.Per hour
3.Percentage

I personally charge with a combination of flat rate plus per hour. Others may do differently. In general you can expect a client to pay industry averages for the San Francisco Bay Area of about:
$2,500-3,500 for basic coordination (what some people call “day of”, but I’ll get to that later)
$3,500-5,500 for partial coordination
$7,500-9,500 + for full coordination

One thing that is a battle for both Wedding Consultants, and is confusing to answer for wedding pros, is when their clients say to them “I don’t need a wedding consultant, our site coordinator, caterer, dj, friend of the family, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen, Mom, etc…,is doing it for us”. I won’t focus on the obvious reasons why a friend of the family, Bridesmaid or Groomsmen, Mom, Aunt, or whomever shouldn’t be coordinating their wedding, but I will load you with a few factoids to share with your clients on the difference between a personal Wedding Consultant Designer, Site Coordinator, Catering Manager, and DJ:

Site Coordinators are some of my best friends, so this is not to knock them; this is just to educate wedding professionals on how to understand the difference between them and professional personal Wedding Consultants Designers;
-Site Coordinators are first and foremost salespersons for the location
-Their main duty is to provide what the site has promised, and to protect the site
-Some may do site layouts simply because it’s easy for them to do since they have software, and the correct layouts for it, but consultants usually approve, or enhance those layouts
-Many of them offer a BEO “Banquet Event Order” to the client that has a small broken down timeline of the basics, most will not do a detailed timeline customized to the client’s day
-They will be there the day of the wedding, and some of them do offer to coordinate vendor arrivals, and set up personal items such as favors, menus, etc…but they generally don’t have professional training as a wedding consultant or designer, and typically stay until the site’s obligations are up which is usually after the food hits the tables, and they rely on your DJ to coordinate the rest after they leave
-Their job is not to answer all of your questions leading up to the wedding day about anything and everything, that would be a personal consultant’s job
-They will not attend wedding professional meetings with the client
-They will not review proposals or negotiate contracts for the client
-They do not work out in the field at different locations with different vendors all of the time, so they are limited to the knowledge they have from in house experience, and their vendor list which may be paid (unethical if you ask me), or old and outdated, which means they may not know the best wedding professionals to refer, or the best resources out there for a client’s event.

Catering Managers are awesome amazing people! I don't want their job at all! And most don't want mine=)
-A Catering Manager's first responsibility is to manage the food and beverage service on the day of the wedding
-Most also manage the rentals, set up, and tear down
-They coordinate with the wedding consultant and the vendor team to make sure that their food timing works with the flow of the wedding day
-Some of them offer to do light set up of personal items
-Most of them do not have the band width along with managing their staff to run the whole day's events, and that's simply not their job
-A Catering Manager is not a wedding consultant and shouldn't have to answer all un-food and beverage related questions from the client before the wedding

DJs are awesome, a good classy DJ can make a big difference on a wedding day! They are big team players!
-A DJ’s responsibility is to be the one that helps make verbal cues that move guests from one space, or event, to another
-A DJ is at their booth; they can not, and should not leave the booth multiple times to coordinate the day, or they will lack at their job
-A DJ should take their cues from a partnership in timeline management with the Wedding Consultant who is feeling out the crowd, and appropriately managing the flow of the day, keeping a pulse on everything that counts in timeline management such as keeping touch with the banquet captain so that food timing coincides with everything else, the couple’s wishes…and so much more
-A DJ can help draw up the ingredients and flow of the day, but the real timeline should be a collaboration lead by a Wedding Consultant, and enhanced by the other wedding professional’s input
-A DJ, just like a Site Coordinator, is not responsible for answering all of a client’s wedding-related questions leading up to the day, they are only responsible for helping with ingredients, flow, and of course music!

Another topic of interest is “day of coordination”. Watch out because I’m about to educate you on this topic finally so that you understand it, and can help us abolish this terminology! It’s best if it is called “basic coordination”, “day of management”, or whatever else, just not “day of”, as it’s misleading. The name “day of” infers that a client can hire a Wedding Consultant to just meet with them once, show up on the day of the wedding, and coordinate it all perfectly. That’s just not possible. Here’s the bare minimum any professional Wedding Consultant should offer to their clients to do a good job for them, and uphold standards in our industry:
*Complimentary initial consultation to get to know the client before booking
*Site walkthrough and timeline planning meeting 1-3 months in advance of the day at the venue with the vendor team as necessary
*Review of vendor contracts to make sure they coincide with the flow of the day (i.e.how many hours does the photography work that day, are we fitting all of the most important things into that time frame with our timeline plan?)
*Creation of a professional, detailed timeline and supporting documents such as a packing list of items that the client needs to provide for set up; a clean up list of what to do with it after the wedding; a list of the wedding professionals and their contact information for before the day and the day of; a list of the special people helping with the wedding such as ushers, toast givers, the Bride and Groom’s point of contacts for the day, photo helpers and their contact information; a set up list that helps our assistants execute load in and set up perfectly to the client’s wishes; a flow of the ceremony details, etc…
*Creation of a professional site layout that mentions where every table and chair go, what size the tables are, what color linens might be going on them, where florals go, where musicians go, where are outlets, etc….
*Management of set up items before rehearsal to get them from the client so that they no longer have to worry about them
*Coordination of the rehearsal with or without the officiant to help the family members and friends involved learn how to sit, stand and walk at the ceremony. Also giving out a timeline for the next day and their emergency contact information just in case.
*On the wedding day, wedding professional management and troubleshooting during set up, set up of personal items, direction of all set up tables, chairs, lighting, florals, etc…, management of wedding professional team while coordinating the timeline flow, and wrapping up everything at the end of the evening so that the client can leave with the peace of mind that they don’t have to worry about where they left over favors went, their gifts, cards, etc…

This package generally takes the consultant 20-25 hours, and is super inexpensive compared to the benefits it presents to the client and the wedding professional team.

Here are a few tips and hints on things Wedding Consultants Designers love from vendors, and don’t love from vendors:
LOVE:
-When they are honestly friendly and interested in learning more about what we do
-When they offer to educate us on what they do
-When they offer to partner with us on endeavors such as outside projects so that we can learn how they work and if their personalities mesh with ours
-When they are helpful in fitting our clients budgets when it is necessary within reason
-When they are prompt in their responses
-When they are patient
-When they are organized
-When they make it easy for us to refer them, keeping us up to date each year on their newest offerings and price points so that we sell them to the right client
-When they go with the flow the day of the wedding!

DON’T LOVE:
-When they tell the client they can do part of what we do, and that they really don't need a wedding consultant
-When we refer them all of the time, even if their profession is a hard sell, but yet they don't choose to share information with their new clients on why wedding consultants are important! (this is partially our fault since we haven't been good at educating you guys on what to say=))

-When they ask us if they can be on our “list”

-When we give feedback and they aren’t open to it, and don’t feel like it’s their place to make adjustments to change and fit our, and our client’s needs better

-When they ignore us the day of the wedding and do whatever they want (not many do this...haha)

I’m sure there’s more I could think of, but this is a good start.

One more thing that I think is valuable for wedding professionals to understand is that some Wedding Consultants do take kick backs, or whatever they want to call them, I personally don’t, and never will. I feel that when your client is paying you, plus you are getting commissions, or kick backs from your wedding professionals, you are double dipping, and it’s unethical in most cases. I would rather charge what I need to charge to live, and leave it alone. If you do come across a Wedding Consultant that does do this, ask them why, and have them explain, and if it makes sense and you are comfortable with it, be sure you have a written agreement in place that you both sign so that details don’t get muddled down the road. If you aren’t comfortable with their practices, stand your ground, and be willing to sacrifice a potential client for ethics. I protect clients everyday by educating them on the inside out of the industry, and I would love others to uphold the same standards.

Long story short, the biggest benefit to wedding professionals of educating their clients on why they should hire a wedding consultant/designer is that you got into your business in this industry because it's your passion! Your passion is being a DJ, a caterer, a floral designer, a rental company specialist, a lighting designer, a site coordinator, an officiant, a stationer, etc...When you work with a professional wedding consultant/designer, we do our job, you get to focus on yours, and you don't end up doing bits and pieces of what we do which is not your job, not your passion!

In this economy (hate that sentence), it's easy for wedding professionals to think that adding on wedding consulting/design as an extra way to make money in hard times is a good idea. It isn't. Our job isn't as easy as you think, just like I'd never be caught dead trying to do floral design, or bake a cake for a few extra bucks, and it is a huge disservice to our clients that trust us to tell them that they don't need a wedding consultant, and that we can do it instead. If you aren't a trained, professional, experienced wedding consultant, please don't sell yourself as one. This is the couple's one special day, a huge investment of time, love, labor, and emotion, and it shouldn't be toyed with. They deserve professionals that only do what they do, and do it best. So enjoy being the DJ, the floral designer, the caterer, the baker, and don't dip into consulting for your own passion, and for your clients own good. Also, we personally stop referring wedding professionals that have started this practice, so in the end they are losing good referrals from wedding consultants by becoming competitors.

Whew, so, that’s a lot to say, but I hope it helps! If you have any questions I didn’t cover, let me know! I’m always happy to help! Just a reminder that you shouldn't take any of this personally, I'm an open book, not afraid to speak my mind, and educator, a protector, and a proud wedding consultant who just wants to help make this industry even more solid than it already is. Thanks for reading!

Love,

Nicole

Geek is Tres Chic! Featured in Wedding Chicks!!!

2010-06-25T21:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Fans,

We are so happy to share our most recent inspirational wedding shoot with you "Geek is Tres Chic"! As a wedding designer it is always my goal to challenge the wedding world, and I play with wedding professionals that do the same. A few short months ago myself and my creative team produced an inspirational wedding shoot for the geeky Bride and Groom! We are so proud that it was chossen to be featured on one of the hottest wedding blogs in the nation! Wedding Chicks!

Check it out!:
http://www.weddingchicks.com/wedding-chicks/bridal-fashion/47509/nerdy-chic-butterfly-wedding-ideas/

Thank you to our team and to Wedding Chicks!

Love,

Nicole and Team

Annoucing specials for July, November, and December Weddings in 2010!

2010-06-14T15:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Brides and Grooms,

We are proud to offer "rehearsal and wedding day coordination" specials for July, November and December Weddings in 2010!

Mention this blog posting and get 20% off!

Much love, happy planning,

Nicole and Team

Nicole In The Mercury News!

2010-04-22T22:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Fans,

I hope you are all doing well!

I forgot to tell you! We've been featured in a story about cross-cultural weddings in the San Jose Mercury Newspaper!

http://www.mercurynews.com/search/ci_14795989?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com

Enjoy!

Love,

Nicole

Read What Our Brides Say About Us!

2010-04-22T22:22:00.000-07:00

Thank you Rhee Bevere for this beautiful photo of our design=)

Dear Future Brides and Grooms,

We hope your wedding planning is treating you well! 2010 is an awesome year so far for Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design. We do about 30 weddings a year, and this year we have completed the first 3 already. I wanted to share with you the letters of thanks from these 3 clients, they are so sweet and heartfelt, and I'm so honored to have been a part of helping them have their dreams come true! Sometimes the best way to explain what the benefits of having a good wedding consultant are, is to let the clients speak for themselves!

"Dear Nicole,

Mel and I cannot thank you enough for all of your help and amazing work

coordinating our wedding! The night was flawless - the best of our lives

and one that we will never forget. Thank you for making the night run so

smoothly, being so kind, relaxed and professional, making sure we were

taken care of, and managing all of the vendors. The wedding would not have

been this amazing without you! Besides being so talented at what you do,

you are also a beautiful person - so kind, with great taste. I hope you

consider me a friend and I hope to work with you again! I wish you all the

best - a life of great happiness and success. Thank you for giving me and

Mel the night of our dreams. Love, Tomiko"

"Dear Nicole,

You are amazing! There is absolutely no way we could have pulled this

wedding off without you. You are so thoughtful, thorough, and completely in

control at all times..it made Paul and I feel at ease. You are a one of a

kind and so professional, we are lucky to have found you. Please accept

this gift (sorry it's so late) as our appreciate for everything you did

for us. Our wedding was more than we ever imagined and none of it would

have been possible without you! Lots of love, Poppy and Paul"

"Dear Nicole,

THANK YOU!!! I don't think I can say those two words enough to you. From

the very first planning meeting I knew I could trust you with the biggest

day of my life (so far). The actual event was more than a dream come true.

Not only did everything look and flow great. I was able to enjoy my day

with Matt, my family, and my friends 100%! I had no worries or stress

because I knew you had everything taken care of. Having heard from other

friends who got married, I know what a gift that is. Thank you for your

professionalism and also your friendship. You are the best at what you do!

Love, Gina and Matt"

If you would like to learn more about how we can help you enjoy your special day 100%, e-mail us at appointments@nicolelisanne.com or call us at our design studio at 408-370-4997 for a complimentary initial consultation.

Warmest Regards,

Nicole and Team

Preston Bailey on the topic - Do I Really Need A Planner For My Event?

2010-04-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Brides and Grooms,

Here is an amazing blog post by well-respected and accomplished planner Preston Bailey that answers a very common question we planners spend a lot of careful time answering, "Do I Really Need A Planner For My Event?".

Read what he has to say! He's right on target, and answers this so well!

http://www.prestonbailey.com/2010/04/frequently-asked-questions-do-i-really-need-a-planner-for-my-event/

Love always,

Nicole

Huge Wedding Gown Sample Sale This Weekend!!!

2010-03-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Brides,

Who?: Gabrielle’s Bridal Atelier
422 E. Campbell Avenue
Campbell, CA 95008

What?: A HUGE Wedding Gown Sample Sale this weekend only!

All gowns on floor will be 50% to 85% off!!!

When?: April 2nd and 3rd

How?: Space is limited so call now for appointment at 408-370-4999 or e-mail at appointments@gabriellesbridal.com

We look forward to seeing you there!

Love,

Nicole and Gabi

Diva and the City II

2010-03-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

Also, the raffle we are doing that night is benefitting Support Network for

Battered Women http://www.supportnetwork.org/

And there is a coupon code for those who buy 3 or more tickets: "buy3" drops

the price to $28 per ticket.

Love,

Nicole

NLWED is a Wish Granter for Wish Upon A Wedding!

2010-03-04T10:32:00.000-08:00

Dear All,

NLWED is proud to be a wish granter for the nation's first non-profit wedding granting organization for terminally ill patients to help make their wedding wishes come true.

http://www.stellasweet.com/

The first couple that WUW is granting a wedding wish to is Florence and Michael hailing from Elk Grove. Read here about their story and how WUW is making a difference in their lives: http://wishuponawedding.org/the-story-behind-florence/ and http://wishuponawedding.org/florence-michael-wedding-wish/ . Congratulations Florence and Michael on your upcoming wedding day!

Here is some more information on how you can help WUW or, use WUW:

FUN FACTS ABOUT WISH UPON A WEDDING:

• Was founded in San Francisco, CA, in January of 2010, by a group of wedding and business entrepreneurs.
• Is America’s FIRST nonprofit wedding wish granting organization, producing weddings and civil union ceremonies at destinations across the United States for individuals facing terminal illness, regardless of sexual orientation.
• Boasts twenty chapters nationwide, headed by some of the industry’s most renowned leaders.
• Presidents:
• Sasha Souza, National
• Kevin Covey, LA/Orange County
• Stella Inserra, New York
• Ivy Robinson, The Carolinas
• Eliana Baucicault, Atlanta
• Mary Alice Sublett, Tennessee
• Heather Hamilton Sims, Houston
• Shelby Tuck Horton, DC
• Elisa Delgardio, Orlando
• Ali Phillips, Chicago
• Daniela Fageʹ́t, Seattle
• Other chapters opening soon: Colorado, Arizona, Portland, Miami, St. Louis, Ohio and Nevada.
• To qualify for Wishes, applicants must be unmarried legal citizens of the United States, over the age of 18, who have been diagnosed with less than three years to live.
• Simply apply online to request one of three wedding types: URGENT (Up to 10 guests, in hospital or at bedside); BOUTIQUE (up to 25 guests, in home town of applicant); ROMANTIC (Up to 50 guests, at any WUW destination)
• Wish Granters needed in all locations. Please apply online today to start helping us make Wedding Wishes come true.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Wish Upon A Wedding!

Much love,

Nicole and Team

Christos Trunk Show at Gabrielle's Bridal March 4-6th, 2010!!!

2010-02-27T18:05:00.000-08:00

Dear Brides,

Gabrielle's Bridal Atelier http://www.gabriellesbridal.com/ is having a great trunk show for Christos March 4-6th!!! Brides get 10% off their gown if they purchase that day! Armando of Get Your Do Up http://www.getyourdoup.com/ will be giving hints and tips on hair and makeup, while Dennis of Dennis M Photography http://www.dennismphotography.com/ takes snap shots of the girls in their dream gowns. All Brides that attend and purchase will also recieve a packet of discounts for our team valued up to $1,000 or more!!!

If you'd like to make an appointment for the trunk show please call Gabi's team at 408-370-4997, or e-mail appointments@gabriellesbridal.com .

We hope to see you there!

Love,

Nicole and Gabi

You're invited to The Byington Winery Bridal Open House!!!

2010-02-18T23:13:00.000-08:00

Experience the new Byington Winery at the Byington Winery Bridal Open House Sunday March 7th, 2010 from 1 to 4PM!

RSVP here: http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=KBLHTZCZDTBUUUFDXOAC&li=iq&src=email&trk=aei6

Come celebrate the fresh new look of the Byington Winery in Los Gatos!

Taste fabulous food and wine while meeting premier wedding professionals.

Wedding and floral designers will have design vignettes to inspire you!

Models in the latest bridal fashions will stroll throughout the space showcasing couture gowns, custom jewels, and hair and makeup designs.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Many huggs,

Nicole and Team

NLWED Featured in Brides Northern California!!!

2010-02-08T13:59:00.000-08:00

Dear Brides and Grooms, Wedding Pros, Family and Friends,

More exciting news! Our second feature for the month of January 2010 is Vanessa and Mike's Wedding in the January 2010 issue of Brides Northern California!

Thank you to our fabulous couple, and our outstanding production team!:
Gabrielle's Bridal Atelier http://www.gabriellesbridal.com/
Luxe Deluxe - Necklace http://www.luxedeluxe.etsy.com/
Asiel Design - Floral Design http://www.asieldesign.com/
Thomas John Events - Catering and Lighting http://www.thomasjohnevents.com/
Jen's Cakes - Bakery http://www.jenscakes.com/
Big Fun DJs http://www.bigfundj.com/
Private estate in Los Gatos mountains can be learned about through http://www.nicolelisanne.com/

Enjoy!

Love,

Nicole and Team

NLWED Featured in Today's Bride for Pilar and John's Wedding!!!

2010-02-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

Dear Brides and Grooms, Wedding Pros, Family and Friends,

We are proud to annouce that Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design has been featured in Today's Bride January 2010 issue for designing and producing Pilar and John's Wedding at Hotel De Anza in downtown San Jose, California!

Thank you to our wonderful couple, and our production team who made it all possible:

Jill Johnson Photography http://www.jilljohnsonweddings.com/

La Pastaia at Hotel De Anza - Site Food and Beverages http://www.hoteldeanza.com/

Fluer De Cocoa - Favors http://www.fleurdecocoa.com/
Asiel Design - Floral Design http://www.asieldesign.com/
Freebird Productions Tia Reagan - Hair and Makeup http://freebirdstyling.blogspot.com/
North American Theater Technology - Lighting and Draping http://www.itsabouttheart.com/
Wildflower Linens http://www.wildflowerlinens.com/
Jay Alvarez Acoustic Guitarist - Ceremony Music http://www.jayalvarez.com/
Big Fun DJs - Reception Music http://www.bigfundj.com/
Judge Kevin McCarthy
Hartmann Studios - Rentals http://www.hartmannstudiosrentals.com/
Martizette Paperie - Paper Goods http://www.marizette.com/

Warmest Regards,

Nicole and Team

We are a preferred Wedding Chicks vendor!!!!

2010-01-18T17:50:00.000-08:00

Hey Chick-a-dees, and Chick-a-doos!

Yay! We have been invited to be a Preferred Wedding Vendor with Wedding Chicks http://www.weddingchicks.com/ , one of the most stylish, well-known, wedding blogs around!

My team and I are happy to be a part of what they do! In 2010 we plan to utilize our partnership with Wedding Chicks to bring inspiration to Brides and Grooms all around the world! If you haven't visited their website before, make sure to check them out for fun inspirational ideas, great vendors, and deals!

See our new listing here! http://www.weddingchicks.com/vendor-directory/?location=jose#coordinators

Watch out 2010! This is gonna be fun!

Chirping away,

Nicole and team

Come see our designs at the Hotel Los Gatos Bridal Showcase Sunday January 24th!!!

2010-01-17T13:42:00.000-08:00

Dear Brides and Grooms,

What are you doing next weekend?

We would like to personally invite you to come see some of our creative designs, and some fabulous wedding professionals next weekend at the Hotel Los Gatos Bridal Showcase!!!

Nicole has been collaborating with owner and floral designer Kellye of Precious and Blooming Floral Designs to create some amazing low-bloom, high wow-factor table scapes, don't miss out on the tables we've named:

The Duck

Victorian Moderno

Geek Sheek

The Details:

Date: Sunday January 24th

Time: 3-6PM

Location: 210 E. Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030.

This is a free event!

No R.S.V.P. required!

See you there!

Love,

Nicole and Team

Nicole is Helping Haiti!!!

2010-01-14T14:56:00.000-08:00

Dear Brides and Grooms and Collegues,

Please help spread the word that as part of the efforts to help Haiti victims, 5% of all new bookings though the end of January for Wedding Consulting and Design services will be donated to Haiti victims through the RedCross http://www.redcross.org/.

To set up a complimentary initial consultation in person at our design studio in downtown Campbell with us please call 408-370-4997 direct, or 408-370-4999 main, or e-mail to appointments@nicolelisanne.com. We look forward to meeting with you soon!

Alone we cannot help change the world, but together we have a fighting chance.

Love,

Nicole

Andrew of Studio MSV is Helping Haiti Too!!!

2010-01-14T14:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Brides and Grooms, Friends, Collegues, Family,

Our dear friend an beyond talented videographer Andrew Hsu of Studio MSV Videography is donating 10% of all bookings to Haiti victims through the end of January 2010!!!

Book your videographer for your wedding or special event, and do something good for the world at the same time!

Learn more about how you can help make a difference at :
http://msv.typepad.com/msv_news_and_web_log/2010/01/earthquake-relief.html

Love always,

Nicole and Team

Helping Haiti!!!!

2010-01-14T10:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Brides and Grooms, Collegues, Friends and Family,

My business partner Gabi, owner of Gabrielle's Bridal Atelier is donating 10% of all gown sales to Haiti victims.

Please call us today to find out how you can come and try on gowns, buy your gown with Gabi, and make a difference! 408-370-4999!!!

Read more about it at:
http://thebuzzingbustle.blogspot.com/2010/01/helping-haiti.html

***Also remember to go to UPS today and bring non-perishable foods and clothing, they are shipping free to Haiti!!!! Gabi and I are putting together a box today, you should too!

With compassion,

Nicole

Happy New Year!!!!

2009-12-30T18:03:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year in 2010!!!

If I had to choose one word to describe the year passing, 2009 was "LOVE".

Why such a sweet word for such a grumpy old year? Well...I'll give you some reasons from the beginning of the year to the end:

1.I fell out of "love"
2.I found what true love really was when I met my boyfriend Danny
3.I fell in love with my doggie Sophia!
4.My friends and family loved me so much they helped me through thick and thin
5.I fell in love with myself and renewed my whole life
6.I fell in love with my profession all over again and reinvented it
7.My clients exemplified love

2009 was a strange and powerful year, and I'm excited for 2010 to bring new good things to me, our company, and our clients!

Tell me what word you would use to describe 2009 and why by leaving a comment on this blog posting and win one free hour consultation with me in person or on the phone to help you with your wedding or event planning needs! Contest winner will be annouced 1/5/2010.

All the love, happiness, knowing, caring, sharing, warmth, and joy this holiday season,

Nicole

"It's not how you fall, but how you get back up"

Nicole named Event and Communications Chair of WNA!!!

2009-12-04T17:35:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

We are proud to annouce the Nicole Lisanne has been nominated to be the Events and Communications Chair for the Women's Networking Alliance San Jose Chapter http://www.womensnetworkingalliance.com/ !

My job will be to ensure that our networking group is well organized and communicates details with each other clearly, and that we PARTY! =) Of course!

We still need a few more members! Contact me if you are a woman-owned business with a unique service. We have a lot of categories filled already, but if you fit in, we'll take ya!

The idea of Women's Networking Alliance is that we support one another by networking, sharing ideas and inspiration, giving a lift to each other when we are down, giving advice to solve problems we run across, etc...

Wishing you an inspiration,

Nicole and Team

Do you have your gown yet?

2009-12-02T12:52:00.000-08:00

Annoucing Gabrielle's Bridal Atelier

Trunk Show Dates!!!

Dear Brides,

Don't have your gown yet? Here are the new dates for Gabrielle's Bridal Atelier Trunk Shows happening soon!

Get 15% off Melissa Sweet, and 10% any other designer Trunk Show!!!

Gabrielle's Bridal Atelier is located at:

422 E. Campbell Ave.

Campbell, CA 95008

Call 408-370-4999 today for your appointment!

Appointments are taken Tuesday through Saturday 11AM to 7PM.

Melissa Sweet 12/4-5, 2009

Ramona Kaveza 12/11-12, 2009

Ann Barge 1/9-10, 2010

Martina Liana 2/18-20, 2010

We look forward to seeing you there!

Love,

Nicole,Gabi, and Team

http://www.gabriellesbridal.com/

10 Inexpensive Cost Saving Ways To Utilize A Wedding Consultant!

2009-11-25T17:38:00.000-08:00

Dear Brides and Grooms,

Happy Thanksgiving Week! I am so thankful for so many things this year, especially the blessing I have to do what I love for a living. One of the biggest reasons that I became a wedding consultant was to help couples plan and enjoy weddings that don't break the bank! While funds are tight for most of us right now, here are 10 top cost saving ways to utilize a wedding consultant during your wedding planning. I do think that all couples need to hire a consultant for at least wrapping things up and executing the big day, but here are some other small ways to use us that can save you tons!!!

#1 - Don't Break The Bank!
As a wedding consultant and event designer for the past 10 years, it's part of my job to know what things cost for your wedding based on your wedding date, time, location, and ingredients. All consultants can be hired per hour to help you create a REALISTIC budget for your wedding so that you don't break the bank. Many of my couples ask me how to get discounts, or save money on their wedding, and I always tell them "know your budget, tell the vendors exactly what you have to spend, and stick to it, a creative and caring vendor who can help you will do everything they can realistically to make sure they fit your needs and win your booking".

#2 - The Search Is Over!
I spend everyday networking for my clients so that I know the newest and best wedding vendors to fit all budgets and needs. You can hire a wedding consultant to give you a custom list of recommended wedding vendors that fit your personality, lifestyle and budget needs so that you don't have to worry about wasting your time looking in all of the wrong places.

#3 - Location, Location, Location!
As a wedding consultant a large part of my job includes touring new wedding locations so that I know the best places to refer my clients based on their needs and budget. Wedding consultants can be hired to bring you on tours of wedding locations that suit your needs so that you can find the perfect location to wed in!

#4 - Accessorize!
Most wedding consultants carry lines of retail items such as ring bearer pillows, flower girl baskets, unity candles and holders, gifts for your wedding party, favors, and so much more. If you hire a wedding consultant who carries these items they often offer a discount to their clients on these items that makes them more affordable than if you were to get them elsewhere.

#5 - Get What You See In The Magazines!
You can ask a consultant to help you find resources you see in the magazines such as specialty linens, table top items, specialty rentals, etc... As professionals we have access to everything you have seen in the magazines and beyond. The best part about it is that they will do the search for free or little per hour rate, and then simply charge you for the product and shipping or delivery charges.

#6 - Try Before You Buy
Thinking about having an at home wedding? Or not too sure about the location you've chossen for your big day? You can hire a wedding consultant to come out and evaluate the location for you, giving you an idea of what elements you would need to make it work, and a rough idea of what it would mean for your wedding budget. It's smart to do research first before moving foward on a big investment like a wedding.

#7 - DIY With Help!
If you are undergoing a major DIY wedding, you can hire a wedding consultant by the hour to help go over your nuptial plans. We can review your budget, help suggest vendors for your needs, help you outline your rental shopping list, send you to resources for wholesale items for DIY projects, give you reality checks on your timeline, site layouts, and any other advice you may need.

#8 - Design Kick Start!
Not all wedding consultants design as well, but you can hire one who does to help kick start your design idea. Wedding designers can be hired to create a one of a kind design board and resource list for your special day that outlines suggested color palletes, linen and table top choices, cake design, lighting design, favor choices, etc...

#9 - No Sweat!
Don't feel like you need a wedding consultant to coordinate the wedding day for you? If you are having an ultra simple wedding such as an elegant dinner party with few or no traditions, this may be true, but all couples, their families, and friends deserve to not work on the wedding day! Did you know you can hire most wedding consultants and their staff to execute just the set up for your event? This allows you piece of mind that when you arrive to your ceremony and or reception site it will look just as you planned with out any sweat off your back=)

#10 - We Love Company!
Many couples call on wedding consultants to help them find some of the most important wedding vendors to them. I always ask couples to tell me what their top 3 most important things are about their wedding. The answer is always different. Sometimes a couple tells me for example that the music, food, and entertainment are the three most important things for them. You can hire a wedding consultant to not only recommend wedding vendors to you for these three items, but you can also hire a consultant to procure them for you, which means they will contact them on your behalf first to make sure that they fit your wedding date, time, location, needs, and budget, then set up your first meeting with that vendor, attend the meeting with you to help you ask the right questions, and then review the proposal from the vendor before you move into contract.

No matter if you decide to utilize the knowledge and talents of a wedding consultant and designer or not for basic day of services, you now know a lot of other ways you can use a consultant to save money, time, and stress when planning your wedding.

It doesn't matter what kind of service you are planning on hiring a consultant for, they all offer complimentary one hour initial consultations to learn more about your wedding planning needs and help you choose what you'd like help with from them.

Best wishes planning your special day! We look forward to the possibility of getting to help you plan the perfect day!

Love,

Nicole and Team

Why You Need A Professional Wedding Consultant!

2009-10-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Brides and Grooms, and Wedding Professionals,

I hope you are all doing well!

Here's an article I stumbled upon, it speaks to why you need a Professional Wedding Consultant!

I love how she puts it:

http://www.stumbleupon.com/s/#1yz5NG/www.inspiredbythis.com/2009/10/tuesday-tips-please-hire-a-wedding-planner//

Happy reading!

Love,

Nicole and Team

Annoucing our Pre-Wed Support Group!!!

2009-09-29T19:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Brides,

We are proud to annouce a new resource just for you!

In collaboration with Rhee Bevere Photography http://www.rheebevere.com/ we have created the Pre-Wed Support Group!

It is complimentary to attend, and is limited to 15 Brides per group session. The sessions are 1 hour long, and held here at our beautiful design studio in downtown Campbell, CA at 422 E. Campbell Ave. Just for attending you'll be eligible to win one of three raffle prizes per session. Complimentary treats and beverages will also be provided.

The Pre-Wed Support Group is a safe place for Brides to get together, meet one another, and pick the brains of wedding professionals for free! Each session there will be a different panel of three wedding professionals for you to ask questions of. This is a great way to get solid advice from the pros, and if you are looking for your wedding professionals, a great way to meet some of the best ones out there!

Our first Pre-Wed Support Group session will be held Wednesday October 7th, 2009 at 6:30PM at 422 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell, CA 95008. It will be held each Wednesday after that at the same time and place. To R.S.V.P. please call 408-370-4999, or e-mail rsvp@nicolelisanne.com .

We look forward to having you join us!

Happy, Stress-Free Planning Always,

Nicole, Rhee, and Team

We've Been Nominated to the National Association of Catering Executives Board!!!

2009-09-22T17:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Brides, Grooms, Wedding Professionals, Friends and Family,

We are proud to annouce our nomination to the National Association of Catering Executives http://www.nace.net/ Board of Directors for Silicon Valley.

Our position would be Affiliate Chair and we would be helping the board design each of it's events.

We are very honored to have this opportunity, and we will keep you updated on future NACE Silicon Valley meetings!

Much love,

Nicole and Team

The First Annual Ainsley House Bridal Fair Was a Huge Success!!!

2009-09-18T16:51:00.000-07:00

We are proud to annouce that the first annual Ainsley House Bridal Fair was a huge success with over 600 attendees!!!

Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design www.nicolelisanne.com coordinated and designed the event in collaboration with local business owners like Vice President of the Foundation Linda Kane Neufeld, Campbell Historical Museum Director Karen Lange, and Manager of Sonoma Chicken Coop Campbell Diana Rodich Moffett who donate their time and energy to helping raise funds for the Campbell Museum Foundation.

A HUGE thank you goes out to Hartmann Studios http://www.hartmannstudiosrentals.com/ who sponsored the canopy, runway, dancefloor, and all tables, chairs, linens, and tabletop accessories!!! Hartmann has the best customer services, and the widest variety of products for our clients, and we thank them for their devotion to projects we embark on.

Another MASSIVE thank you goes to Natti of North American Theatre Technology http://www.itsabouttheart.com/ for not only rigging all of the pretty paper lanterns that helped us set our garden party theme, but for the draper on the ceremony trellis, and management of all of the electrical needs and safety for the show!!!

Our design concept for this show was to allow couples to experience how the site could be used for a wedding. The garden was set for a wedding ceremony with drapery and lanterns by Natti of North American Theatre Technology http://www.itsabouttheart.com/ , and florals by Young of De Young Floral Design http://www.deyoungfloralevents.com/ .

The palm court was set for a cocktail hour with a bar serving mimosas, champagne, wine, sodas and water. There were also hors d'oeuvres from many caterers including Twist Cafe http://www.twist-cafe.com/ , Sonoma Chicken Coop www.sonomachickencoop.com, Party Helpers http://www.thepartyhelpers.com/, Gunthers http://www.guntherscatering.com/ordereze/default.aspx, The Loft Bar and Bistro/Capers http://www.loftbarandbistro.com/ and http://www.caperseatanddrink.com/ , and Olio http://www.olio-cafe.com/ . Florals on the cocktail tables by Kellye with Precious and Blooming Floral Design http://www.preciousandblooming.com/ . Guitar music by Jay Alvarez Guitarist http://www.jayalvarez.com/ .

The front of house was set for a reception with a canopy for "dining", and dance floor for partying. The day began with dance demonstrations by Kim of Dance Spectrum and her team http://www.thedancespectrum.com/ .

We sponsored a design center for couples to get inspiration for new colour pallettes, table top design ideas, and floral inspirations. I want to thank Kelley Clifford of Precious and Blooming Floral Design http://www.preciousandblooming.com/ for their devotion and passion. We love to do "Blind Design" where I design the table top, and tell her very little about it, and then she comes up with the floral match=) It's so much fun to show up and see what we both interpreted from one another, and the results are always amazing as you can see! All tables, chairs, linens, flatware, glassware, and china, among other things, were sponsored by Hartmann Studio Rentals http://www.hartmannstudiosrentals.com/, thank you Moises and Kelly!!!

My favorite part of the show by far was the beautiful runway show coordinated by Gabriella of Gabrielle's Bridal Atelier http://www.gabriellesbridal.com/ . Gabi is our roommate here in downtown campbell at our beautiful design studio, and she is the number one resource for beautiful bridal gowns, flower girl gowns, Mother of the Bride gowns, brdiesmaid gowns, and special occassion, not to mention all of the accessories as well! The runway fashion show featured many of the designers Gabi carries including: Anna Maier/Ulla Maija, Anne Barge, Carmela Sutera, Cymbeline of Paris, Ines Di Santo, Jenny Packham, Junko Yoshioka, La Sposa, Martina Liana, Melissa Sweet, Paloma Blanca, Romona Keveza, Renella De Fina, Rosa Clará, Vera Wang, and Vineyard. The show featured Mother of the Bride gowns, Bridesmaid gowns, Flower girl gowns, and of course beautiful Bridal gowns. Jewelry for the models was sponsored by Bonnie of One World Designs http://www.one-world-designs.com/ . All personal florals (bouquets, flower girl baskets with petals, corsages, boutonnieres) were donated by Adrianna and Leonore of Citti's Florist http://www.cittisflorist.com/ .

Men's fashion was sponsored by Bennie of Eli Thomas For Men in Santana Row http://www.elithomas.com/ . And honeymoon looks were provided by Bella James http://www.bellajames.com/ .

After the fashion runway show we also had an amazing raffle with a gift from every wedding professional in the show.

Here's a complete list of participants:
De Young Flowers http://www.deyoungflowers.com/
Cittis www.cittisflorist.com
Precious and Blooming www.preciousandblooming.com
Eli Thomas Formalwear http://www.elithomasformen.com/
Just Honeymoons http://www.justhoneymoons.com/
Hilton San Jose http://www.sanjose.hilton.com/
Sleepy Hedgehog Press http://www.sleepyhedgehogpress.com/
The Flirty Guide http://www.theflirtyguide.com/
Inviting Ideas http://www.invitingideas-ca.invitations.com/
One World Design www.one-world-designs.com
Lone Star Limousines http://www.lnstarlimo.com/
Hartmann Studios www.hartmannstudios.com
Stagi Photography http://www.fineartweddingphotography.com/
Karen Tamaki Photography http://www.karentamaki.com/
Claudia Akers Photography http://www.claudiaakersphotography.com/
Precision Parking http://www.precision-parking.com/
HD Video Memories www.hdvideomemories.com
"I Do" Wedding Cakes http://www.idoweddingcakes.biz/
Satura Cakes www.saturacakes.com
Gabrielle's Bridal Atelier http://www.gabriellesbridal.com/
Gunther's Catering www.guntherscatering.com
The Party Helpers www.thepartyhelpers.com
Sonoma Chicken Coop www.sonomachickencoop.com
Twist Cafe www.twist-catering.com
Olio www.olio-cafe.com
Capers & Loft Bar and Bistro www.caperseatanddrink.com and http://www.loftbarandbistro.com/
Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design www.nicolelisanne.com
A Joyous Occasion http://www.ajoyousoccasion.com/
Plan 2 Party
Twitterpated Weddings http://www.twitterpatedweddings.com/
Sound in Motion http://www.simdjs.com/
Choice Music www.choicemusicsanjose.com
Jay Alvarez Guitarist http://www.jayalverez.com/
Dutchess Intimates Boutique www.dutchessboutique.com
Steve Beck Wedding Officiant www.revbeck.com
Mitzel Hair and Beauty
Natural Images Hair and Makeup www.naturalimagesmakeup.com
iDo Hair and Makeup
Dance Spectrum www.thedancespectrum.com
Ainsley House http://www.cityofcampbell.com/
Villa Ragusa http://www.villaragusa.com/
Dr. Kimberly Cockerham www.cockerhammd.com
Dr. Machado http://www.santomasdentalgroup.com/
Lightsky Photobooth http://www.lightskyphotobooths.com/
North American Theater Technology www.itsabouttheart.com
Gourmet Coffee Solutions
Non-Smear Lipstick www.non-smearlipstick.com
Bella James www.bellajames.com
Dutchess www.dutchessboutique.com
Primrose http://www.primrosebodyandboutique.com/
Shanel's Flowers & Frames http://www.freezedryit.com/

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's show!

Can't wait for next year!

Love,

Nicole and Team

***Photos provided by Stacie Tamaki of A Flirty Guide and Kellye Clifford of Precious and Blooming, THANK YOU!

You're Invited to Join Us At The Ainsley House Bridal Faire Sunday September 13th, 2009 from 12-3PM in Campbell, CA, Free to Attend!

2009-09-01T09:18:00.000-07:00

Nicole Lisanne Weddings and Events by Design is honored to be involved in designing and coordinating the first annual Ainsley House Bridal Faire Sunday September 13th, 2009 from 12-3PM at The Ainsley House and Gardens located at 300 Grant Ave., Campbell, CA.

Stroll the gardens of the Ainsley house and enjoy a glass of champagne, hors d’oeuvres and meeting the wedding experts while gaining inspiration during a beautiful afternoon. Two fashion shows will begin starting at 1:30 pm featuring the latest 2009-2010 trends in bridal fashions. Inspiration and direction on the latest in entertainment, dance instruction, floral design, rental design, lighting design, tenting, dance floors, staging for bands, and so much more will be presented during the show. Many prizes will be given away after the bridal fashion show.
Warmest Regards,

Nicole and Team

We've been nominated!!!

2009-08-31T19:21:00.000-07:00

Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design has been nominated to be the Women's Initiative 2009 Woman Owned Business of the Year!!! Women's Initiative for Self Employment believes in the power of women-owned businesses to make a difference. The Woman-Owned Business of the Year Awards seek to recognize women business owners throughout the Bay Area for their contributions to their community and the local economy, and who are examples and mentors to aspiring female entrepreneurs.

Women's Initiative for Self Employment is a Bay Area non-profit which provides high-potential, lower-income women the training, resources and on-going support to start and grow their business. The business management training, technical assistance, and financial services they provide — in English and Spanish — improve the quality of life for the women they serve, their families and our communities.

We are so deeply honored to be nominated. The Woman-Owned Business of the Year Award winners will be announced in September. Stay tuned to learn more on how to vote for us, and your other favorite women-owned businesses.

To learn more go to: http://www.womensinitiative.org/

Much love,

Nicole and Team

Intimate Wedding, Diva Setting

2009-08-31T18:35:00.000-07:00

Dear all,

Congratulations to our beautiful couple Pilar and John married August 8th, 2009 at a boutique hotel in downtown San Jose.

Guests were greeted into a lavish but intimate ceremony setting in an outdoor covered patio with splashing fountains spilling with floral heads, walls of candles twinkling, fabric walls, a large fabric and floral covered structure to anchor the ceremony spot, and ice chivaris complete with custom chair covers. A thoughtful touch, each guest recieved a wooden fan on their chair to keep them cool on a slightly warmer day than most. A spanish guitarist played as a prelude to the big event.

After the ceremony concluded, guests were escorted into a jazz lounge to enjoy more guitar, signature cocktails, champagne, and lots of hors d'oeuvres. Curtains were drawn between the jazz lounge and the ceremony space, and within an hour's time what was once the ceremony site, was now the reception space. Spotlighting peeked out from over the large fabric wall to illuminate the most amazing collection of silver containers holding raspberry and plum florals which ran up and down the arms of each length of the horseshoe shaped king's dining table. Custom built table toppers of acrylic made the tables have an even more special touch. Couture bridal table linens in deep purple and raspberry adorned all tables. Candles were abundant. Square silver chargers were belted with napkins and topped with custom boxes of chocolates for each guest's enjoyment. The ceremony chairs were transformed with a small chair cap on each. And of course an escort card table to show guests where to sit complete with custom cards, and an apocathary jar treatment with florals. Guests also enjoyed a custom-built plexiglass bar that was see-through, including pomander balls in the base of each, and a petal-filled top, all lit up!

Special lighting made a big impression on such a small place, uplights all around, in the fountains, on the table, on the escort card table, on the bar, and a special custom logo on the dance floor.

Congratulations to a beautiful couple on their special day!

Thank you to our design team:
Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design
North American Theatre Technology
Asiel Floral Design
Wildflower Linens
Marizette Paperie
Hartmann Studio Rentals

Much love,

Nicole and Team

Shoreside Sparkle

2009-08-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our beautiful couple Bella and David who got married at one of our private estates August 2009!!!

Guests were greeted by valet service, then invited to enjoy a pre-ceremony cocktail hour before the "i-dos" began.

They were married in an intimate ceremony in the topiary garden overlooking the ocean. Crisp white compass chairs created clean contrast to a perfectly manicured lawn, and sparkling blue ocean in the distance. Heavy white petals marked the path to the altar, and flowers tucked into the base of each pre-existing topiary created a special feel.

Following the Ceremony guests were invited to enjoy cocktails on the lawn behind the ceremony space and the mansion. Lucioius lounge furniture created a cozy space for guests to snuggle as they enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and refreshments.

Dinner followed at a horse-shoe shaped dining table constructed out of kings tables, dressed with high end linens that suggested "coral" in blue and soft green, blue shiney silk napkins belted glass silver chargers, and bling encrusted place cards served as belt buckles of sorts to the whole effect. Cosmo glassware, and plenty of glamorous crystal votives and hurricane holders added even more of a special touch as they picked up the sparkles of light reflecting off the ocean view. Yummy soft flowers of moss, roses, and white orchids filled the space of a runner down the length of the table.

Design team:

Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events By Design

Hartmann Studio Rentals

Simply Blooms

Photography thanks:

-Claudia Akers Photography

Enjoy!

Love,

Nicole and Team

Featured on Style Unveiled!!!

2009-08-03T21:55:00.001-07:00

Dear Brides and Grooms, Friends, Family, Fans,

We are so proud to let you know that one of our sweet couple's weddings has been featured on Style Unveiled!

Click here to see all of the juicy details:

http://www.sanfranciscostyleunveiled.com/heidiandjosh/

Here's the fabu team:

Photographer: http://www.janaeshields.com/
Coordinator: http://www.nicolelisanne.com/
Beauty: http://www.josephcozzasalon.com/
Videography: http://www.cookmediagroup.com/
DJ: http://www.bigfundj.com/
Venue: http://www.fairmont.com/sanfrancisco
Rentals: http://www.classicpartyrentals.com/
Chuppah: http://www.underthechuppahonline.com/
Florist: http://www.mandyscottflowers.com/

We were honored to help Heidi and Josh plan their beautiful wedding!

Much love,

Nicole and Team!

Thinking Sushi? Why Not Michi?

2009-07-01T15:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Brides and Grooms,

Gabi and I had the honor to sit and chat with owner Mr. Sheen Michi Shin, Chef Extraordinaire and his team of Michi Sushi (http://www.michisushi.com/) yesterday for a tasting.

Not only was their food outstanding! Their attitude about how they create and serve their cuisine was awesome! With a motto like "Life is Always Beautiful with Michi!" Mr. Shin explained that his customers are always very excited to call in and make a reservation with them, and then after a few days of anticipation, when they finally come in, and finally get to enjoy Michi's delicious creations, he says they leave content and happy=) I know I do!!!

Mr. Shin shared a lot of exciting possibilities with us at lunch. He explained that they offer catering for weddings and events of all kinds, they can work with you on any budget, and they do more than just sushi! They can do mexican and italian food too! You name it they can do it! They offer tastings for Brides and Grooms and whomever would like to accompany them, and will work to customize a menu to their tastes. Mr. Shin has been the creator of sushi that is on the cuspt of "New Wave" sushi, combining flavors from all different ethnic foods into his sushi art. A good example is the "Sushi Quesadilla" Gabi and I had yesterday, nummmmy!!!

They also offer a special promotion if you have a party of 7 or more, they will offer a limo to pick you up at your home, bring you to Michi for your meal, and then out to whereever you'd like to party afterwards for $50!!! This could be a fun idea for a Bridal shower, Bachelor or Bachelorette party!!!

Throughout the month they also run specials so make sure to check their web site!!!

Bringing creative new ideas to the table for your wedding is what we are all about! Why not add a sushi bar to your cocktail hour? Or for a late night bite? Perhaps for a rehearsal dinner at home, or a brunch? Whether you use Michi as a caterer, or rent out their space, you will be very happy with your experience!

$10 discount cards are now available for clients of Gabi and Nicole, just come in and get one! Here are their two locations:

2220 Winchester Blvd, Campbell, CA 95008

2465 Winchester Blvd Campbell, CA 95008

Much love, lots of sushi!!!

Nicole and Gabi

Our Grand Opening Was a Huge Success!!!

2009-07-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Fans!

I'm proud to say that Gabi and my Grand Opening was a huge success!

Thank you to our friends, family, sponsors, and staff!!!

A special thank you to:

Hartmann Rentals www.hartmannstudios.com
Impact Lighting " "
Janae Sheilds Photography www.janaeshields.com
Precious and Blooming www.preciousandblooming.com
Plan Decor www.plandecor.com
Thomas John Events www.thomasjohnevents.com
Marizette Paperie www.marizette.com
MSV Studios www.studiomsv.com
A Video Reflection www.avideoreflection.net
Donuts du Jour www.donutdujour.com
Big Fun DJs www.bigfundj.com
Duncan F. Reyes Designs www.duncanreyes.com
Natural Images www.naturalimagesmakeup.com/
Tanja Lippert Photography www.tanjalippertphotography.com
Jennifer Skogg Photography www.jenniferskog.com
Rhee Bevere Photography www.rheebevere.com

Thanks to Janae Shields of Janae Shields Photography for all of the beautiful images of both the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening!

Here's a link to the slideshow!!!
http://www.janaeshields.com/slideshows/NicoleandGabiOpening/

Much Love,

Nicole and Gabi and Team

Our New Web Site Has Gone LIVE!!!

2009-06-25T14:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Fans,

With the opening of our new design studio, our new web site has gone LIVE!!!

Please view it at www.nicolelisanne.com

We are so excited for the new company name, logo, web site, design studio, everything is fresh and new and pretty! Enjoy!

Love you all,

Nicole and Team

Ribbon Cutting Was a Huge Success!!!

2009-06-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

Dear All,

Our Ribbon Cutting event last night was a huge success! We had so much fun cutting the ribbon with Mayor of Campbell Jane P. Kennedy! I loved using the big scissors and ribbon! Hehe...I'm such a dork!

Thank you to all of the local merchants in Campbell, the city council of Campbell, everyone else who works for the City of Campbell, as well as our past, present, and future Brides and Grooms that joined us in celebration last night!

Also, we couldn't have done it without the help and generous donations of our sponsors:

Hartmann Rentals

Impact Lighting
Precious and Blooming Floral Design
Karen Baba Plan Décor Floral Design
Thomas John Events Catering
Janae Shields Photography

A Video Reflection Videography
My Hair Date Hair and Makeup Design
Jen’s Cakes
Ron Grandia DJ

Olio

La Pizzeria

And a verrry special thank you to the best office mate and friend a girl could ever have, Gabi of Gabrielle's Bridal Atelier!!! I'd also like to thank her wonderful Husband Raul for all of his support throughout the past 9 plus months of construction and hard work on our new space! He's awesome!

Without our family and friends, staff members, wedding professionals/friends, and clients, we would not be where we are today. I humbly thank you from the bottom of my heart. I dreampt about the day we would have our own design studio, and I knew I wanted it bad, but I never knew it would be this good!

Tonight is our Grand Opening for Friends, Family, and Wedding Professionals, and if you haven't gotten the invitation somehow, call me on my cell phone at 408-348-4956 immediately to be added to our guest list.

Much love always,

Nicole and Team

Our Promo Video!!!

2009-06-19T19:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Fab Fans!

Just thought I'd share with you a link to our promo video created by the fabulous David Ethridge of A Video Reflection http://www.avideoreflection.net/ !!!

http://www.channels.com/items/show/5206341/Nicole-Lisanne-Promo

Enjoy!

Love,

Nicole

We are featured on The Flirty Guide Blog!!!

2009-06-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Fab Fans,

I'm going to do something silly, blog about a blog!

I'd like to share with you the fab blog Stacie Tamakie of the Flirty Guide just did about Gabi and our new space:

http://theflirtyguide.blogspot.com/2009/06/gabrielles-bridal-salon-has-moved-to.html

On the same note, Bride and Grooms, Gabi and I would like to extend an invitation to you to attend our Ribbon Cutting event next Wednesday June 24th, 2009 at 6PM at our new storefront located at 422 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell, CA 95008. Please RSVP to nicole@nicoledambra.com or 408-370-4999. There will be a ribbon cutting, champagne bar and dessert lounge, music, giveaways, and much more!

Warmest Regards,

Nicole and Gabi

Featured on Rock and Roll Bride!

2009-06-18T20:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Fans,

Hope you this blog finds you well!

Just a little happy news that our sweet Bride and Groom Sara and Mike's Wedding at Nestldown was recently featured on Rock and Roll Bride.com!

Here's a link:

http://www.rocknrollbride.com/2009/06/classy-elegantchildlike-playful/

Their photographer was Luke Snyder of Luke Snyder Studio http://www.lukesnyderstudio.com/

He was not only a pleasure to work with, but as I watched him work, I noticed his passion for what he does, he really cared a lot about getting not just shots of the day, but creative ones! I'd highly recommend him!

Enjoy!

Love,

Nicole and Team

Attention Brides!!! Gabrielle's Bridal Atelier Sample Sale!!!

2009-05-20T18:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Brides with no gown!!!!,

In preparation for our big move to our new storefont in downtown Campbell, Gabi of Gabrielle's Bridal Atelier is throwing a sample sale May 29th and 30th at their Los Gatos location located at 104 University Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95030!!!

Gowns will be 50-70% off!!! This is your chance to have a designer gown for less!!!

Call or e-mail us to make an appointment at 408-399-9393 or appointment@gabriellesbridal.com

Happy shopping ladies!

Love,

Black and white

2009-05-20T17:32:00.001-07:00

Dear Fans,

Another table top design from the Silicon Valley Capital Club San Jose & Toll House Hotel Los Gatos Showcases that I forgot to share with you!

This one was less inspired by nature like the Nestldown one was, but more by black and white chic city life.

Rentals from fresh and creative Hartmann Studio Rentals

Flowers from awesome chica Kellye Clifford of Precious and Blooming Floral Design

Favors from sweet (pardon the pun) Donuts Du Jour Los Altos

Promo video from awesome Dave of A Video Reflection

Photography compliments of the sweet and fabulous Claudia Akers Photography!!!

Mwa,

Apples to apples

2009-05-20T17:27:00.000-07:00

Dear All,

Just thought I'd share my table top design at the Nestldown Showcase, photos courtesy of Theresa Halton Photography.

Flowers from the talented and fun Karen Baba with Plan Decore.

Rentals from Classic.

Promo video from my favorite surfer dude Dave with A Video Reflection.

An apple a day keeps the blues away...

Introducing The Fab 5!!!

2009-05-18T16:24:00.001-07:00

Dear Brides, Grooms, Wedding Professionals, Family, Friends, Fans,

Introducing the Fab 5!!!

The Fab 5 is a collective group of five individual wedding planners located in the Bay Area. We formed our group in 2007 and have been going strong ever since. Our goal is to support and guide one another, as well as share experiences that will help us grow as individual business owners. We are thankful for the bond we have created and for the support we offer each other as a group.

The Fab 5 is made up of:

Allure Consulting http://www.allureconsulting.com/ Michelle D. Martinez

Dream a Little Dream Events www.dreamalittledreamevents.com Kathryn Kalabokes

F. Duncan Reyes, Events by Design http://www.duncanreyes.com/ Duncan Reyes

MB Wedding Design and Events http://www.mbweddingdesigns.com/ Michelle Barrionuevo-Mazzini

And Me!!! Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design www.nicoledambra.com Nicole Lisanne

I'd like to invite you to enjoy our blog at http://talesofthefab5.blogspot.com/

We are also on Facebook!!!

We look forward to sharing what we are up to, industry news, tips, tricks, referrals, ideas, and inspiration with you all!

Much love,

Coming soon!!!

2009-05-04T15:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Brides, Groom, Wedding Professionals/Friends, and Family,

Keep your eyes peels for invitations to our ribbon cutting and grand opening in late June 2009!!!

Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design

and

Gabrielle's Bridal Atelier

are proud to annouce the opening of their new Bridal Atelier at Railway Ave. and E. Campbell Ave. in beautiful downtown Campbell California!

We can't wait to celebrate with all of you!

Love,

Nicole and Gabrielle

Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design Represents a New Private Estate!!!

2009-04-28T12:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Brides and Grooms and inquiring minds,

Nicole Lisanne Weddings and Events by Design is honored to represent yet another beautiful private estate, Pacific Oaks Vineyard Estate in Aptos, California!!!

Pacific Oaks Vineyard is a beautifully landscaped ridge-top estate on 21 secluded acres, yet only three miles from Aptos Village along the Northern California Coast. The working vineyard overlooks Monterey Bay, Mountain Redwoods, majestic Oak Groves, and the Pacific Ocean on the Southern exposure. This natural enviromment, embraced by Mountain and Ocean vistas, is filled with a warm Provincal Spirit.

The large California Cape Cod style home is unmatched in offering an exquisite anchor for your Ceremony and Reception. The Bride will enjoy her own private suite, complete with an enclosed Sun Porch overlooking the Vineyard; an expansive covered porch is a wonderful option to guide her to the Grand Lawn for the marriage ceremony.

The grounds are attractively landscaped with a spacious 5,500 sq. ft. lawn accomodating up to 200 guests. There are 4,500 sq. ft. of slate patios and decking which include an Outdoor Kitchen. A phenomenal swimming pool is envlosed in an expansive, architecturally-unique, cedar pool house, with floor to ceiling windows and a large retractable skylight; the five double french doors open onto the patios and take advantage of the breathtaking surrounding views. Adjoining the pool house is a 2,000 sq. ft. deck complete with sound system making the space idea for gathering and refreshments.

Call or e-mail us today for more details and a tour!

408-348-4956

nicole@nicoledambra.com

Love,

Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design at Nestldown Showcase

2009-04-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Brides and Grooms,

We will be featured at the Nestldown Showcase this year, we can't wait to see you there!

It will be held Thursday April 30th, 2009 at 5:30PM.

There will be tours of the property and hors d'oeuvres, and a question answer session with all of the featured wedding professionals.

The wedding professionals that will be featured at the show can be found at:

http://teresahalton.com/nestldownevent.html

This event is free to Brides and Grooms, and each additional person is $10 cash at the door.

Please R.S.V.P. by April 27th, 2009 to Brooke Greene Site Coordinator at 408-353-5311 or brooke@nestldown.com , directions to the site will be given to you then.

We hope to see you there!

Love,

N

Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design will be a featured wedding professional at Toll House Los Gatos Bridal Show Sunday March 15th, 2009!!!!

2009-02-26T19:18:00.001-08:00

Dear Brides and Grooms,

Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design will be a featured wedding professional at Toll House Los Gatos Bridal Show Sunday March 15th, 2009 from 1-4PM!!!!

This show is complimentary, and will be full of great wedding planning resources!

You can RSVP at bkessler@larkspurhotels.com

Stop by our space to view our exciting new portfolio of work, and to learn more about our services. We will have our calendar with us to sign you up for complimentary initial consultations at your convenience at our meeting space in Los Gatos so that we can learn more about your wedding plans, and tell you how our services will help. All of our services are custom quoted to fit your personality, lifestyle and budget needs! Our goal is to make sure every Bride and Groom are able to afford a wedding consultant!!!

Clients who book after meeting with us will recieve an additional complimentary one hour consultation with Nicole Lisanne to use as they wish. It could be used for a budget planning meeting, planning schedule meeting, design meeting with special wedding professional including access to house discounts and wholesale pricing, extra hour of coordination on the wedding day, etc...

We look forward to seeing you there!

Love,

Nicole and Team

Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design's Shoot Featured in Rangefinder Magazine!

2009-02-12T18:07:00.000-08:00

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Dear Brides and Grooms and Wedding Professionals,

Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design's Vendor Chic "a.k.a. Vintage Cowboy" shoot recently featured in Today's Bride Magazine, was also featured in Rangefinder Magazine, a photography trade industry magazine. Namely they were featuring the shoot to show off our most favorite and amazing Wedding Photographer Tanja Lippert of Tanja Lippert Photography http://www.tanjalippertphotography.com/.

Here are some shots of the magazine spread.

Mwa,

Featured Wedding Professional for February 2009!!!

2009-02-03T16:47:00.001-08:00

We love our featured wedding professional for February 2009!!! And not just because it's the month for hearts to flutter=)

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The style and sophistication of the Silicon Valley Capital Club sets the tone for elegant weddings, productive business luncheons, corporate meetings and a wide variety of private events. It is the perfect location for your event, nestled high atop the Knight Ridder Building in the heart of downtown San Jose. It has spectacular 360-degree views from every window!

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I've personally done many weddings at this location, and I have to say that their customer service is outstanding from the moment you take a tour with them, until the last minute of your wedding day! Jenna and Nicole are details divas, both are not only Private Event Directors, but unlike other sites, they are both professionally trained members of the Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants (http://www.acpwc.com/), so they know what they are doing!

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The club's chef, Randy Aprill, is so talented that he once was fortunate enough to work as a chef in the White House, where he cooked in the President's kitchen for State Dinners and dignitaries. I've personally dined many times at the club, and his cuisine is so amazing! Sample menus for their banquets can be viewed at: http://www.clubcorp.com/club/scripts/filelib/view_filelib_list.asp?GRP=10&NS=PCH&MFCODE=SLVCC&APP=184&FGRPCODE=MENUS&PAGECFG=MENUS&SUBGRP=25

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Wonderful photos of the space can be viewed at: http://www.clubcorp.com/club/scripts/ImageAlbum/view_albums.asp?GRP=10&NS=PCH&MFCODE=SLVCC&APP=94&ANAME=IA_ROOMS_SLVCC&SUBGRP=25

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How do you contact these wonderful folks to see if your special date is available?:

One of two ways...

Either go here and fill out their inquiry form:

http://www.clubcorp.com/club/scripts/contact/contact_info.asp?GRP=10&NS=PCH&MFCODE=SLVCC&APP=104&FCODE=PLAN_EVENT&memFacSelected=111&SUBGRP=25

Or contact one of the two fabulous Private Event Directors:

Jenna Torres, Private Event Director

Silicon Valley Capital Club

jenna.torres@ourclub.com

408.938.2364

Nicole Tran Private Event Director

Silicon Valley Capital Club

nicole.tran@ourclub.com

408.938.2363

Happy site hunting!

Love,

Nicole Lisanne

Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design is Featured in Today's Bride!

2009-01-26T23:32:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Exciting news! Nicole Lisanne Weddings & Events by Design (formerly Nicole D'Ambra Weddings & Events by Design) has been featured yet again!

This time it was for our design work with a project we blogged about a few months back called Vendor Chic (http://www.vendorchic.com/). We did a Vintage Cowboy theme, and it was AMAZING!

None of this would be possible without the creative juices of our design team:

*Gabrielle Medrano of Gabrielle's Bridal for her lovely gowns http://www.gabriellesbridal.com/

*Linnea and John of Asiel Design for their floral masterpieces http://www.asieldesign.com/

*Tia Reagan of Freebird Productions for her styling expertise!

*Lily Yeung of Wildflower Linens for their fabu couture linens http://www.wildflowerlinens.com/

*The owners and Daughters of our location Long Branch Saloon & Farms http://www.longbranchfarms.net/

*Our awesome models from the Ford Modeling Agency

*The most amazing photographer on earth Tanja Lippert www.tanjalippertphotography.com

*Beautiful custom escort cards from Marivic Cagatao of Marizette Paperie http://www.marizette.com/

*All of our tabletop & rental equipment from Kelly Burns-Gaoiran of Hartmann Studios http://www.hartmannstudiosrentals.com/

*And last but not least at all! Andrew Hsu of Studio MSV for his amazing Videography and inspiration to do this project! http://www.studiomsv.com/

You can see Andrew's video of the project at: http://www.vendorchic.com/2008-4-29.php

I was thrilled to see that we made mention not only inside, but on the cover, in the letter from the editor, and then we had a full 8 page spread! I'm so excited for, and proud of our team for working so hard to create such a unique and beautiful masterpiece! I hope to do many more projects like this in 2009 so that we can inspire Brides and Grooms to think outside the box!

Mwa!

Wedding Professional of the Month for January 2009!!!

2009-01-14T23:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Brides and Grooms, and Those of you with events this year,

Our wedding professional of the month for January 2009 is Margaret's French Bakery!

Margaret Novak is the owner and designer for the bakery, she is not only sweet *no pun intended*, but her work is exquisite, and the taste to die for!

Margaret's French Bakery originated as "Marjolaine French Pastries" established in 1983. Margaret's French Bakery is owned and operated by husband and wife team Margaret & Joe Novak. They have a beautiful new location you can go visit them at or you will also find them at local farmer's markets and festivals around the Bay Area.

While they specialize in wedding cakes and custom designed desserts, they can do just about anything including cheesecakes, pies, cakes for birthdays or any other occasion, truffles, hand-dipped fruits, cookies, petit fours, eclairs, and many other deserts and pastries. They can even create a custom dessert tray for your next social gathering.

All of their products are made from scratch, with the finest quality ingredients available. To place an order or do a tasting, please stop by their facility in Campbell or give them a call. In the near future, they will be able to accept orders through our website. All orders are welcomed and they accept cash, Visa and Master Card. They are open Tuesday thru Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or by appointment.

Here is their contact information:

Margaret's French Bakery

Contact: Margaret Novak, Owner

750 McGlincy Ln., Ste. 105

Campbell, CA 95008

Phone: 408-379-2226

Fax: 408-379-7210

http://www.margaretsfrenchbakery.com/

I just did a tasting with Margaret for one of my clients Adam and Ashley and they couldn't stop raving! She even offers little glasses of cold milk to you while you are tasting cake! My personal favorite? Devils food cake! She's the best at it!

Happy cake hunting!

Wedding Professional of the Month - November & December 2008!

2008-11-25T23:57:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

Sorry for being absent for so long! It's been a longgg wedding season and we are finally taking a rest to enjoy our family and friends! We hope you are doing the same! I just can't wait to rev back up for 2009!

So, here is our newest member of the Wedding Professional of the Month club for November/December 2008!

Introducing our favorite DJ company on earth! Big Fun DJs!

I all but work with them on every wedding we do, and I'm stupid for blogging about them because this could cause them to get all too booked up and busy to work for my clients, but, I want to be sure to share the wealth and the love with this amazing DJ company!

Woody, Paul, Henry, and Stephano are awesome to say the least! What do I love best about them? What makes me refer them to all of my clients?:

1.Professional

2.Dress well

3.Professional equipment

4.Detail oriented

5.Keep the dance floor packed!

6.No cheese!

7.Well priced and require final payment during 30 days after wedding, nothing before, not even a deposit!

8.Reliable and on time

9.Friendly

10.Can get any song you want!

They are the perfect DJs!

Also, just a little rant of my own here, folks, if you are having a band, please ask them specifically if they provide the correct equipment for ceremony and cocktail sound support, as well as sound support for breaks during the reception, and an MC for annoucements. I strongly suggest getting a DJ even if you are getting a band, and let them talk before the big day! They can make your wedding sound experience so much smoother!

To learn more about Big Fun go to http://www.bigfundj.com/

Tell them Nicole sent ya!

Love always, and Happy Thanks Giving!(There's so much to be thankful for! Especially these DJs!),

Nicole

NDWCD Speaking Engagement!!!

2008-10-03T00:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Brides and Grooms,

NDWCD has been invited to speak to Southern New England's Association of Professional Disc Jockeys this month!

Read about it at: http://www.snapdjs.com/

We are honored and excited for this fun trip to network with our East Coast friends!

Warmest Regards,

N

NDWCD Featured in Southern Weddings Magazine & Blog!!!

2008-09-29T17:29:00.000-07:00

We have been featured once again!

This time in Southern Weddings Magazine & Blog!

Check out the 3-part feature story they wrote on our Vendor Chic "Vintage Cowboy" project at:

Part I:

http://www.swsmag.net/blog/2008/9/11/inspirations-vintage-cowboy-bride-part-i.html

Part II:

http://www.swsmag.net/blog/2008/9/11/inspirations-vintage-cowboy-bride-part-ii.html

Part III:

http://www.swsmag.net/blog/2008/9/11/inspirations-vintage-cowboy-bride-part-iii.html

They refer to me as "Nicole D'Ambra, Details Diva"!

I like that tag line a lot! Going to adopt it for sure!

Enjoy guys and dolls!

Mwa,

N

New exclusive private estate!

2008-09-03T16:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Brides and Grooms,

Nicole D'Ambra Wedding Consulting & Design is proud to present their new exclusive private estate in Aptos, CA!

This sprawling 12,000 sq. ft. estate can house up to 14 people, and intimate weddings of up to 75 guests can be accomodated.

Ceremonies are held either on a private beach, or lawn overlooking the ocean. Cocktail receptions are held on the property's sprawling back lawn and veranda. Receptions can be held on the property's back lawn as well, with cake and dancing inside the estate's gorgeous formal living room, complete with charming chandelier and full wrap around window views of the ocean!

2009 wedding dates are booking fast! Be sure to contact us today (408-348-4956 or info@nicoledambra.com ) about availability and pricing, as well as scheduling your own private tour of the property.

Warmest Regards Always,

Nicole

Featured Wedding Professional for September 2008!!!

2008-09-03T14:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Brides,

This ones is especially for you!

September 2008's featured wedding professional is Bonnie Harper of One World Designs.

Need something cute for your hair? What about jewelry to go with your gown? Custom cake topper? No problem! Just ask Bonnie! She's the diva of all things sparkley!

How to find her:
408-871-7064
info@one-world-designs.com
www.one-world-designs.com

She has a cute little boutique in Campbell, call her today to set up your complimentary appointment to view her custom creations!

Love,

N

Creme de la Creme Featured in Your Wedding Day Magazine!

2008-08-02T16:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Brides and Grooms,

We are honored to annouce that our first annual bridal showcase, Creme de la Creme A Bridal Rendezvous was featured in the most recent (editor's) edition of Your Wedding Day Magazine!

Creme de la Creme is part of a new breed of bridal shows, it not only shows couples wedding professionals and inspriations for their day, but it creates an experience of colors, sights, sounds, and tastes which inspire them to enjoy the process of planning their wedding.

Keep your eyes on the blog, we promise to annouce the next Creme de la Creme soon!

Happy Planning Always,

N

NDWCD Featured in Bride and Bloom Magazine!

2008-07-10T08:26:00.000-07:00

It was all ladybugs and bees for my 2007 clients Omega and Tom! Check out their wedding, featured in Bride and Bloom Magazine's most recent issue!

Featured Wedding Professional for July 2008!!!

2008-07-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

Claudia Akers Photography is our Featured Wedding Professional for July 2008!!!

Claudia is sweet, kind, wonderful!

Her work is fresh and innovative, and my clients just adore working with her!

One of my recent clients was quoted as saying: "Thank you very much for your referral of Claudia. Even after Claudia realized she was already booked for our wedding date, Claudia took the time to understand my needs and was able to provide me with other potential photographers. Claudia was very informative, passionate about photography (like me), and was an absolute joy to chat with. I understand why you referred Claudia to us."

So even when she can't do the job, she leaves an amazing lasting impression!

I encourage you to visit her site www.claudiaakersphotography.com and give her a call or e-mail to check if she's available for your date!

Warmest Regards, Smart Planning,

Nicole

We Are Vendor Chic!!!

2008-06-06T10:44:00.001-07:00

Andrew Hsu of Studio MSV Videography http://www.studiomsv.net/ is the creative genius behind a new collaborative project of vendors creating photo shoots to submit for press, and inspire Brides and Grooms alike, called Vendor Chic www.vendorchic.com.

We were lucky enough to be chossen to do project lead and set design for the first ever Vendor Chic collaborative which included the fabulous T&T Dynamite power of Tia and Tanja of Freebird Productions and Tanja Lippert Photography http://www.tanjalippertphotography.com/, Gabi's coture gowns from Gabrielle's Bridal Boutique www.gabriellesbridal.com, custom fancy linens from Wildflower http://www.wildflowerlinens.com/, the best new rentals from Hartmann Studios http://www.hartmannstudios.com/, the most innovative and forward thinking floral designs from Asiel Design http://www.asieldesign.com/, custom paper from Marizette Paperie of course! www.marizette.com, and last but not least, the most amazing and inspirational space and old western town for our shoot Longbranch Saloons and Farm http://www.longbranchfarms.net/.

It's our job to inspire others, and I love how well Vendor Chic creates an space for us to do so. Check out our project at www.vendorchic.com (video by Andrew) and http://www.tanjalippertphotography.com/vintagecowboy.html (photos by Tanja) and see how we turned western into rustic, sweet, vintage cowboy wedding! You can do it too!

Love always,

and...

Yeeehaw,

Nicole & Staff

NDWC Featured on MSNBC.com!!!

2008-06-03T23:23:00.000-07:00

Recently I had the honor of helping editor Lisa Flam with the Associated Press author an article on Flower Girls and Ring Bearers and their cute, but important role in weddings.

The story just rolled out today and was picked up by MSNBC.com!!!

~
Read here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24953438/

~
I love what I do, and the opportunity to share advice with Brides and Grooms all over the world through editorial is a dream come true!

~
Mwwwa!

~
Love,

Nicole

I'm getting my MBA!!!

2008-05-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

So, no, I'm not getting my Masters in Business Administration, but I have been chossen to represent and possibly speak at the Wedding Merchants Business Academy Fifth Annual Convention (http://www.weddingmba.com/) this year in September in Phoenix, AZ!

I'm honored to have been chossen to attend by my wonderful association, the ACPWC (Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants http://www.acpwc.com/). Thank you ladies!!!

Besides the Chinese International Wedding Expo I attended and spoke at this year in Beijing China, this is the United State's biggest convention and trade show dedicated to teaching wedding professionals skills in the wedding business.

I will be setting up and manning a booth for the ACPWC, in the good company of other fabulous wedding associations such as The Knot, Brides.com, Wedding Channel.com, The Nest, American Disc Jockey Association, About Weddings.com, and Get Married.com just to name a few.

The whole thing kicks off with a cocktail party so that we can mix and mingle, and then each day following for four days there are break out sessions with prestigious speakers such as: Alan Berg, VP of The Knot, Timithy Chi of Wedding Wire.com, David Katz Advertising Director of Conde Nast which covers Brides, Modern Bride, and Elegant Bride Magazines, and others like Harmony Walton Editorial Director of Get Married.com.

I'll be sure to take plenty of photos and blog each night about what I'm learning, so check back often!

Happy Planning is a Must,

Nicole

Come visit me at the Nestldown Showcase!

2008-05-07T11:51:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

Make sure to come visit me at the Nestldown Showcase Thursday May 29th, 2008 at 5:30PM!

You can learn more and register by going to:

http://www.theflirtyguide.com/pages_events/Nestldown_Vendor_Showcase_1.html

The evening will begin with hors d'oeuvres and exploration of the Nestldown property followed by a short discussion of the most commonly asked questions when planning a wedding.

Nestldown is one of our favorite places to work, and was voted one of the top 10 locations to be married in California by The Knot Magazine last year.

It's truly a unique and beautiful location for Brides and Groom seeking something special, and different for their wedding day.

I hope to see you there!

Love, Happy Planning,

Nicole

Featured Wedding Professional for May 2008!!!

2008-05-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

It's that time again!

Our Featured Wedding Professional for May 2008 is Ingela's Floral Design!

My good friend, and talented floral designer, Ingela Ruschin, is one of the best floral designers in the entire San Francisco Bay Area! I love her spunky attitude and love for what she does! The first time I saw her working in her studio she was making some of the most beautiful arrangements out of some of the most peculiar materials and florals. Ingela has an innate understanding of how texture and color work together to create beauty. I've seen her achieve super modern floral art, all the way to super girly, romantic, soft florals. She's even done floral arrangements for a green wedding that were 100% sustainable, renewable, and edible! (veggies! good for you! yummy! and beautiful to boot!). So really, there's nothing she can't do=)

Recently Ingela's work was featured in the "Bridal Bouquet Book" from Schiffer publishing. She is also a By Recommendation Only Vendor, and holds a permanent spot on most of the major wedding sites around the San Franciso Bay Area. Of course she's also one of the few floral designers I'm proud to keep in my preferred wedding professional database, and refer to you!

My advice to all couples hiring a floral designer (or any wedding professional for that matter) is to trust the professional to do what you hired them for! Ingela can certainly be trusted to carry out your floral vision, and to exceed your wildest expectations.

I'm including Ingela's contact information below, so contact her today for a complimentary initial consultation, you'll be glad you did!

Ingela's Floral Design
408-445-1515

ingela@ingelasdesign.com

http://www.ingelasdesign.com/

Much love, happy planning always,

Nicole

Have you heard the rumor?...Creme de al Creme ROCKED!

2008-04-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

It's true! Creme de la Creme A Bridal Rendezvous was a huge success!

Creme de la Creme was born out of my deep frustration with cheesy bridal shows! Gone were the days that I wanted to put up with another crowded show stuffed with unqualified wedding professionals, frustrated Brides and Grooms, white lattice backdrops for booths, special announcements being made about giveaways every three minutes, pumped up fashion shows, and poly cotton linens galore!

I demand a high level of quality and service in everything I do, and so I wanted to create a show that was more of an experience than a show. Creme de la Creme did just that with the help of many of my trusted friends and wedding professionals.

Set up went smoothly thanks to the help of some key team players like DJs Ron Grandia and Carl Mindling, they weren't even in the show, yet they volunteered their time to help us set up! They were heaven sent! Such team players! I like that!

As guests arrived my trusty staff managed the registration table checking them in quickly and giving them goodie bags donated by Brides.com, with magazines from Brides.com, custom made pistachio favors from Good Ingredients, and more goodies from my gal Stacie Tamakie at The Flirty Guide.

The courtyard, foyer and ballroom of chic boutique hotel, Toll House Hotel Los Gatos, were all filled to the brim with good things! In the courtyard I set up a mock up ceremony to show guests what it would look like if they had there ceremony at the hotel, with rental chairs from Classic Party Rentals, florals by Asiel Design, and a live string quartet by Sara Spieth.

Also in the courtyard were three tables I designed to give guests inspiration, with linens from Wildflower Linens, florals by Asiel Design, rentals by Classic Party Rentals, and paper goods by Marizette Paperie.

The courtyard also held two major main attractions: custom espresso by Travelin' Joe, and wine tasting by Mura Winery. So nice!

Our foyer was filled with cocktail tables so that guests could enjoy the passed champagne and hors d'oeuvres from Toll House Los Gatos. Every table in the entire show was covered in one-of-a-kind, custom-made linens from Wildflower Linens! Every table that had flowers on it was from Asiel Design. Every piece of stationery was from Marizette Paperie, including our beautiful custom programs.

In the foyer there were tours offered by the hotel of their facilities and rooms, an officiant Kim from Sky Ceremonies to help guide couples on what type of ceremony they might like, Stacie from The Flirty Guide was on hand to give couples inspiration and tips for their wedding planning, Blacey's Fine Jewelers was there so that couples could try out some bling!, Feet in the Sand Pedicures offered specials and lotion samples to couples in need of manis and pedis before the big day, Dave with A Video Reflection not only shot the show's footage, but showed off his beautiful work on a huge flat screen, Tanja Lippert of Tanja Lippert Photography set up a beautiful display of her work and brought albums to show as well, she also shot the show!, and we had a table full of magazines from all of our supporters at Your Wedding Day Magazine, Here Comes The Guide, The Knot, and Today's Bride.

Stepping into the ballroom was like stepping into luxury! Thanks to John and Megan of Enhanced Lighting and Sound, every inch of the walls were draped with fabric which were graced by up lights, the ceilings were washed with monarch butterfly patterns to go along with this year's Parisian theme for Creme de la Creme's web site, and each vendor booth was lit, along with the stage for models.

Also featured inside the ballroom was mwa! I had a cute little set up with comfy ottomans and a coffee table to sit at, Paul, Woody and Henry from Big Fun DJ provided the sound, Eli Thomas for Men provided the couture suits and tuxedos for our male models (thanks Jeremy, Matt and Iggy!), Gabi of Gabrielle's Bridal Boutique provided the couture bridal gowns for our female models (Thanks to the Heathers, and Molly), Bonnie with One World Designs provided the custom-made bridal jewelry for the female models, sweet and wonderful Patricia with A Perfect Look Makeup and Hair provided the hair and makeup for the female models, Wildflower Linen and Asiel Design both blew us away with their big, extravagant booth set ups! So lovely! See the photos of the white with red is Asiel, and the turquoise with pink is Wildflower, Jenny with Satura Cakes provided decadent cake samples, and Photoworks Interactive provided us with one of their fun photobooths and props to squeeze into all day long! It was awesome!

As the show started and I stood at my booth, it took all that was in me not to squeal with delight! I'm so happy that my good friends, my associates in the industry, all were there to support me in my endeavour of providing a higher level of service to Brides and Grooms! I strongly believe that couples should demand a high level of quality service from their wedding professionals, and I encourage each of them to seek out and find that special team of wedding professionals that will make their day perfect, make it their own! This show case allowed me to have couples walk into my virtual preferred wedding professionals database. I love what I do, and I love sharing what I do with my couples. I LOVED (for lack of better words) producing this show, and I'm so honored that I've gotten so much good feedback! I can't wait to pamper all of you next year! Don't miss out! Next year will be at a new site, and we'll have two of each wedding professional. We'll never grow larger than that because we want to be sure to keep Creme de la Creme digestible and intimate.

All good things in planning your wedding,

Nicole

Featured Wedding Professional for April 2008!!!

2008-03-19T12:26:00.001-07:00

It's that time again! I'm getting a jump start on my Featured Wedding Professional for April 2008! Asiel Design http://www.asieldesign.com/

I could not love a floral designer more than Asiel Design!

Designers Linnea and Jonathan are trend setters in a world of trend followers! If you want your wedding or special event to be graced with floral design unlike any other, then they are the ones you want to work with.

All new clients are invited to join them for a creative planning session at their beautiful and huge design warehouse in downtown San Jose. During this session they gather information from you on your wedding colors, and help you narrow down which blooms you love, and which you could do without, as well as your feel for the wedding (formal, semi-formal, casual...). After gathering all the information they need, they can help paint a picture of what they think would be a good fit for your wedding day florals. Jonathan, Linnea, and their office manager Meg, have a way of making such a daunting task as choosing your wedding florals so much fun! Their creative use of shapes, colors, sizes, texture, and materials make their work more like an art form. Most of my clients are so excited after they meet with them that they can barely contain themselves! My current client Traci squealed with joy and did a happy dance right outside the warehouse after our recent planning session with Linnea, and booked them soon after =)

If you are still searching for the perfect flowers for your wedding or special event, I urge you to contact them for a planning session, tell them Nicole sent you=) They can be reached at:

245 McEvoy Street
San Jose, CA 95126
408-280-7078
sj@asieldesign.com
www.asieldesign.com

Happy planning!

Love,

Nicole