Sweet Pear Events

Confessions of an Engaged Wedding Planner: The Engagement Session

Sweet Pear Events — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 05:32:03 +0000

Josh and I had our totally awesome Engagement Shoot in Palm Springs last month. Our ever amazing photographer Brandon Kidd did such an incredible job and we’re so excited to share some of the fab photos Hope you enjoy!

We started off at the Palm Springs Viceroy where Josh proposed 3>

Then we went out to City…

And finally off to the desert!

Totally love this one

The amazing Yellow Chair shots!

…and last but definitely not least – the finishing shot and my personal favorite!

Thank you Brandon!!!~ You rock!

-Leah

Julie and Brett : engaged! (and married)

Sweet Pear Events — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +0000

What can I say about Julie and Brett? Having had the opportunity to have worked with them since last September, I’ve really come to love this couple. The jokes, the laughter and the sarcasm… I will really miss our special moments! The lovely Crissy Farah was the uber fab photog for this amazing e-session. So chic! So fun! I can’t wait to see their pics from their beautiful July 5th wedding (hint: clown noses, clown cupcakes and footballs – oh so Julie and Brett).

This photo is absolutely one of my faves from the day. So perfect! Ugh!

These last two photos just describe Julie and Brett exactly the way they are. I love how there are no need for words with photos.

- Jen

An Enchanted Evening: Judy + Jason

Sweet Pear Events — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 18:42:15 +0000

Judy and Jason were wedded at the Calamigos Ranch in Malibu on the evening of May 23rd, 2009. The venue was unbelievably picturesque in an other-worldly sense. There were breathtaking trees dripping with lighting, and a Huckleberry-esque raft to take you around the duck-laden pond. It felt like we were whisked away to another reality, far far away from the daily ennui. We were taken away to celebrate their union, which was just as magical. These gorgeous photos were taken by Crissy Farah, who continues to astound us with her amazing talent!

Congratulations to the happy couple!

And a special thanks to our feisty friend Crissy Farah for taking the most stunning photos ever!

- Julie

Confessions of an Engaged Wedding Planner: The Videographer

Sweet Pear Events — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:17:14 +0000

A wedding day is filled with precious moments that you’ll want to savor forever –moments that many times can be lost without a professional videographer to capture every detail and essence of your special day. But with so many amazing talents out there who was I to choose?!? When I met with my videographer, however, I just knew he was perfect for us! He instantly blew me away with his true dedication, enthusiasm, and of course his fabulous work!! Watching his work was such a refreshing and totally satisfying experience!~

Without further ado, I introduce to you my awesomely talented videographer Steve from Weddings by SML . From his same day edit that he will put together for your reception to his short form film that captures only the purest essence of your wedding day – I am so excited to see what magic he can bring for our wedding!!!!! Here are a few of my faves from his blog Enjoy~

-Leah

Saving Money on Your Wedding in a Down Economy

Sweet Pear Events — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

We all know that weddings can be a very expensive production — possibly the most money you’ll ever spend second to purchasing a home. Engaged couples these days want to be frugal and save as much money as they can. Here are some tips on how to save money without losing out on quality:

Consider having an off-season wedding between the months of December and March. Many venues and vendors are willing to give you specials and discounts to retain business during these slower months. Sunday or Friday weddings can have the same effect since they’re not as common as Saturday weddings. Lunch time weddings can also be the way to go.
Think about choosing one type and one color flower for your wedding. That way, your florist will be able to purchase the flowers in bulk pricing, and this will in translate to lower costs for you.
Check to see what flowers will be in season locally, rather than having your heart set on a type of flower that will need to be shipped in internationally.
Purchase your wedding dress at discount websites such as Netbride.com. They sell thousands of name-brand gowns at a fraction of the cost.
Cut down on the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. Sure it looks beautiful to have a huge wedding party, but having an intimate group will go a long way in saving money on flowers, meals, and gifts.
Consider having a cocktail reception where heavy hors d’œuvres are passed around rather than having a sit-down dinner. Simply set up lounge furniture around the dance floor, and your guests can still have something to eat while creating a chic and modern ambience.
Save your bridesmaids money by selecting a dress for them that wasn’t specifically made to be a bridesmaid dress. Buy off-the-rack at the local department store, and the plus side is that they will really be able to wear it again!
Trim the guest list. Small, intimate weddings can be very beautiful and tasteful, with the huge benefit of saving you money.
Have your wedding coordinator help you stay on a strict schedule. Going overtime may lead to additional charges from your vendors. Make sure the first dance, cake-cutting, slide-show, etc. are all done in a timely fashion.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to have one of the loveliest days of your life. (If not THE loveliest!) Just remember to be creative and flexible, and you will be in great shape!

- Julie

Photo from bridesmaid.com