A Legendary Affair

Bridal Gown Sample Sale, Wedding Invitations and Jewelry Event in Manhattan Beach

2012-02-14T16:03:00.000-08:00

Greetings Brides, Moms and Friends!

I hope you enjoyed Valentine's Day and are ready for the fun part of planning your wedding! If so, please join us THIS SATURDAY - February 18th. We have created a fabulous event just for you!

Imagine finding your beautiful dress - and better yet, imagine finding it at a 50% savings during our BRIDAL GOWN SAMPLE SALE with Bridal Elegance. Dress designers include Jasmine Collection and Couture, Maggie Sotero, 2BE Bridal and more. Prices range from $350 - $850 ... once again, a 50% savings! Woo Hoo!

AND - be the first to see the new Spring Jewelry Collection from Stella & Dot. You might find special accessories for your wedding related events, honeymoon plus gifts for your Bridal Party.

I look forward to seeing you on Saturday --- when you are ready to design your invitations, and/or on Wednesday, February 22nd for Wedding Planning 101. Here are more details on our showroom planning events.

Cheers!

Questions to ask when booking your Wedding DJ

2012-02-09T09:36:00.000-08:00

Greetings Brides and Grooms!

As wedding professionals, this time of the year is always so much fun. We are typically working with two types of couples...the ones who have been planning, planning, planning --- then took a break for the holidays and are now back in full swing to get all the final details in place...and the one who have just gotten engaged and are pretty overwhelmed as they try to take everything in at once. Can you relate?

First off, if you are reading this, you can take a deep breath and relax. You are in the right place. Our goal is to make this process a lot easier for you with information, inspiration and kindness!

We host events in our showroom so that our experienced event professionals can share their tips, trends and planning secrets with you. Although the personal touch is always best, we realize that not everyone can visit us in Manhattan Beach, so for your convenience - we share these insights with you here!

Today's advise comes from Robin Fellows of Spinners DJ Service.

What are the most important questions that SMART brides and grooms should ask when interviewing a DJ?

1. How long have you done weddings?

2. Can you provide references that can be contacted personally?

3. Will you tailor your service around my (bride + groom) needs?

4. Do you have "back up" equipment and back up DJ in case of an unforeseen emergency?

5. Do you have the liability insurance required by the selected venue?

6. Do you belong to organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce or National Entertainment
Organizations?

Robin emphasizes that it is important to feel a connection with your DJ so that you are on the same page and have the same goals for the day. Your DJ is your "right hand" at the reception and the personality of the event. He/she makes the announcements and should be the liaison between you (or your wedding coordinator) and other vendors so that when an announcement is made, the event happens. In closing, a good DJ doesn't try to fit a square peg into a round hole by just trying to sell themselves to you. It is important for both, that the fit is right. A personal connection is key.

I have worked with Robin for nearly 15 years and share her information with enthusiasm. She has a naturally friendly, upbeat personality that guests of all age groups enjoy and appreciate. Her background as a singer provides her with a confident stage presence that puts guests at ease and attracts their attention. She gives her heart when she works with you and, in my opinion, that's the type of professional you should look to work with at your wedding. You may contact Robin at (310) 640-0820.

Cheers!

Wedding Budget Saving Tips - Katie Tiffany's Wedding Myth Busters #1

2011-06-02T00:39:00.000-07:00

Hello Legendary Brides, Grooms, Moms & Friends,

I am excited to share the first of our series of Video Presentations! This is an opportunity for you to sit back, relax and meet our "Legendary" Event Professionals as you learn valuable tips & information about their area of expertise.

Katie Tiffany of Tiffany-Weddings.com presents...

WEDDING MYTH BUSTERS #1: MONTH, DAY and TIME
Being flexible with the month, day and time of your wedding will help you SAVE MONEY.

Truth or Myth?

Wedding Myth Busters #1:
TRUTH!

More about Katie Tiffany and what she does to help brides & grooms...

Katie Tiffany thrives on bringing couples PEACE and enJOYment during their Engagement and, most importantly, their Wedding Day. Planning a wedding can prove overwhelming with so many decisions to be made, so many cost factors involved, and even complicated family dynamics. As your Wedding Planner, Katie will guide you through this process with poise; in an organized, timely and cost-effective way. Katie offers 10 years of experience and a passion for personalizing Weddings... to reflect the Bride & Groom's style and story. As a Day-of Coordinator, Katie will ensure all the finishing details are wrapped up and all plans professionally executed. From Southern Californian At-Home Weddings to Destination Weddings across the World, she has done it all. However you utilize her services, Katie's expertise will save you time, money and stress! Katie is often recognized for her calm and collected presence, her work ethic and a smile on her face. Call her today at 310.613.6564 for a complimentary consultation.

Stay tuned for more to come!

Cheers!

How to Host Your Own Royal Party!

2011-04-19T19:08:00.000-07:00

Celebrate In Style with Wine

What? You aren’t on the guest list for the Royal Wedding? Maybe your invitation just got lost in the mail. Host your own Royal Wedding Festivities and join in the celebration with your family and friends. Here's some tips on Hosting Your Own Royal Wedding & Wine Party:

Royal Party Style:
First, decide on a party style that suits your own sense of style and fun. You can opt for classic elegance and posh (serve sparkling) or go Royal Red (as in red, red wine). You can host your Royal Wedding & Wine Party at a time that is good for you. Simply record the Royal festivities for later viewing. Do you want a “costume element” for your event? You can encourage your guests to dress formally (hats and gloves required, of course!)...You might want to consider Hosting a Wine Tasting before or after the Royal Event. Because you have recorded the Royal Wedding you can, of course, host your Royal event at the time of your choosing – bridal season lasts all Spring and Summer long.

Create a Fun Invitation:
Whether you create an online invitation or a print version, use your imagination and invite your guests to join you for a Royal Wedding and Wine Party. Or, purchase a case or two (or three or four) to toast the Royal couple in style.

Party Favors:
A quick trip to the party supply store should yield some inexpensive treasures. Go for small paper British flags or Royal bling wedding rings! Golden paper crowns would make everyone look fit for a Queen or King. Wedding paper plates and napkins can help set the mood and make clean up a British breeze.

The Wedding Toast:
Have plenty of sparkling wine on hand for the Royal Toast! WineShop At Home’s Petit Cadeau Semi Seco Sparkler is a treat that will go down royally. It pairs beautifully with sushi, fruit-based desserts, spicy Chinese food or light cheeses such as fresh mozzarella. Or, enjoy it all by itself!

Every Wedding is a Royal Wedding:
At your event, make sure that you make a toast to all couples in attendance and even to those partners who may not be at the event. Every wedding is a royal wedding.

Cheers!

Bridal Shows & Wedding Planning Events in Manhattan Beach area

2011-02-15T15:49:00.000-08:00

You are invited to these {exclusive} South Bay events.
Let's make the planning as much fun as the party!

THIS SUNDAY
MARCH 6, 2011
11:00 am

Los Verdes Golf Club Bridal Fair

7000 West Los Verdes Drive
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Food - Fun - Fashions - Event Professional - Door Prizes

******** PLUS ********

NEXT WEDNESDAY
MARCH 16, 2011
6-9 pm

The Love Tour Stops at Palos Verdes Golf Club

3301 Via Campesina
Palos Verdes Estates

Come mix and mingle with us!

A Legendary Affair will be showcasing our
{simply} LEGENDARY INVITATIONS!

VIP Gift Bag to First 30 RSVP's at each event!
sblovetour@gmail.com

Hope to see you soon! Happy Planning!

Wedding Invitations - A Bride's Perspective on Ordering

2011-01-15T14:21:00.000-08:00

Hello Legendary Brides, Grooms & Friends,

Yesterday, one of my favorite clients visited the showroom. Cecilia has attended our seminars, selected her wedding team...and is now finalizing her invitation order. In this one-minute video, she shares her story about why ordering her invitations through a specialist (me!) verses ordering online was the right choice for her...

I am certainly glad Cecilia trusted me with this important piece of her plans. When ordering through a specialist, you can relax because you will be guided through all the detailed decisions and etiquette "dos and don'ts". You won't need to worry about all the extra research you would need to do if you were to order online. As you can see, it really is a time, money and stress saver. It was nice to hear Cecilia's perspective - because the more I know, the better I can serve the needs of my customer.

Cecilia and I designed beautiful white, black and silver pocket-style invitations which are in print. She will have them ready to send out for her late March wedding.

Cheers!

South Bay Personal Trainer Helps Brides Look Their Best in Their Dress!

2010-12-17T15:19:00.000-08:00

Hello Brides, Grooms and Friends!

Jump into the new decade with Maria Mizzi, the South Bay's Personal Trainer dedicated to helping brides, bridesmaids and mom's look their best in their dress! I have had the pleasure of working out with Maria for over 6 months and she is responsible for getting me to the "start line" of my first 5K. When we began our training, I was huffing and puffing after 2 minutes of running. She worked with me to build up my cardio strength - and I did the race with a smile on my face - plus I'm feeling great and looking forward to another race! Maybe I'll see some of you at the Super Bowl 5k in Redondo Beach.

But - enough about me and how cool I am because I work out with the best personal trainer in town! Maria offers "Legendary" Brides, Moms and Bridesmaids a "Countdown to the Gown" program to help you look your best on the "big day". Now is the time to contact her to set up a complimentary consultation to determine your individual goals and create a program for your individual needs and result time frame.

In addition to the actual workout, she pays close attention to what you tell her and follows up with information on stress relief, nutrition and lots of healthy information that pertain to your goals. Here is a sample of a recent recipe I received as a follow up from my workout. I was looking to add more healthy vegetables to my diet:

"Good for the Thighs .. Chicken and Veggie Sides"

A delicious recipe by Chef Gavin Murphy - recommended by Maria Mizzi

Serves 4

Marinade:

*1⁄4 cup fresh marjoram – chopped 1⁄4 cup fresh basil – chopped 1 tsp salt 3 garlic cloves – minced 1 chipotle pepper – chopped 1⁄2 tsp chili flakes 1 cup olive oil

*1 zucchini – halved lengthwise 1 Japanese eggplant – halved lengthwise 2 yellow squash – halved lengthwise

*4 Roma tomatoes – halved lengthwise 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp fresh thyme – chopped 1⁄4 tsp salt 1⁄4 tsp pepper drizzle balsamic vinegar

DIRECTIONS:

*Begin by mixing all the marinade ingredients together in bowl.

*Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 2 hours but over-night if you wish, refrigerated.

*Remove chicken from fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking to enable to return to room temp. *Pre heat oven to 400°F (200°C).

*Meanwhile as chicken is marinating, mix the cut vegetables together with the olive oil, thyme, balsamic, S&P. Toss thoroughly.

*Pre heat grill pan on medium high heat for 2 minutes. Sear chicken breasts on both sides for 3 minutes until golden. Place on foiled oven tray and pop in oven for 6-7 minutes or until internal temp 165°F.

TIP: Add 1 cup chicken broth in the pan with the chicken. The broth creates steam in the oven and will help keep the chicken moist.

*While chicken is cooking, cook all veggies on same grill for 4-5 minutes each side.

*Once the chicken is cooked, remove from oven and let rest for 4 minutes in order for the juices to redistribute back in the meat (and not all over your cutting board).

*By the time the chicken has rested, the veg will be cooked through. If you find the veggies are beginning to burn, turn the heat down to medium.

*Cut the zucchini, squash and eggplant into bite size slices and divide equally between everyone.

Enjoy!

Cheers,

Look Your Best on Your Wedding Day - Wedding Photography

2010-06-02T10:32:00.000-07:00

Hello Brides, Grooms and Friends,

If your wedding is soon approaching, you will be thinking a lot about how to look your best on your wedding day. So often we think about getting in shape and deciding on the perfect hair style and make-up to create the "look". Equally important, if not more so, is the expertise that is provided by your Wedding Photographer.

Mimi of Mimi Teller Photography has provided this photograph to show an example of two problems solved... Matt is over 6 ft tall and Kimie barely 5 ft. Having them sit in a certain way brings them closer to the same height. Kimie has a very round face. By shooting down on her, it thins out her roundness and elongates her neck.

In addition, she shares her thoughts on...
HOW TO FOOL THE LENS, by Mimi Teller

Ideally you have hired a professional and highly experienced photographer to document your wedding day - you only get one chance to do this right! Yet in this age of DYI, many couples opt to use a family or friend with some photography experience.

If such is your case and your photographer lacks professional portrait and posing training, here are a few tips and tricks to enhance how the camera sees you:

1) Know your "better" side - some people's nose might look crooked at certain angles, or maybe it's just how you part our hair. Spend a few minutes looking through past photos or in the mirror and determine if you like one side better than the other.

2) Is the groom super tall and the bride very short? When taking photos together have the groom stand with his legs far apart, this will shorten his height, or, have him sit down and the bride can hug him from behind. This applies similarly to a tall bride and shorter groom.

3) If the groom is much heavier than the bride, have him stand behind her - this serves to block some of his body and make him look smaller since he his further away from the lens. It's all a matter of perspective!

4) Another trick for heavy-set folks is to have the camera shoot from a higher angle. I always jump on a chair, bench or stairs and shoot down on my larger couples. This slims out their necks, does away with double chins and again, their bodies are further away from the lens and appear smaller.

5) Lastly for the heavier folks, do not stand facing the lens straight on. Always stand with your body at an angle, even better, place your body's weight on your back foot.

6) Flash vs natural light: Amateur flash photography is not flattering on anyone, especially older brides. If you are an older bride, you want to make sure you are using as much natural (preferably reflective) light. This will soften any signs of time (not erase them but soften them). As for erasing, that happens in Photoshop!

This might all sound overwhelming to remember, but that's the beauty of hiring a professional. They naturally move you through these motions without you even knowing. If you're left to your own devices however, at least you have a leg up, or rather, a chin up!!

---

Thank you, Mimi, for such great advise! For more information on Mimi Teller Photography, please visit: www.mimiphoto.com or call her at (310) 372-6464.

Cheers!

Wedding Day Glow - Skin Care Checklist

2010-05-17T16:07:00.000-07:00

Hello Brides, Moms, Bridesmaids...

As your wedding day approaches, now is the time to make sure you are going to look and feel your very best that day and on your honeymoon. Ardyce Allen has created a "Wedding Day Glow" checklist to help with your beauty prep. In addition, Ardyce has a special offer for new clients...

"Wedding Day Glow" Checklist
by Skin Care by Ardyce 310.791.1991

3 to 6 months prior

Book your Initial Facial and Consultation
Your facialist will evaluate your skin condition, life style, and skin care products and will personally design a maintenance regimen for you to follow according to your goals. Continue wit professional facial treatments every 4-6 weeks.

3 months prior

Custom Brow Design
Your facialist will shape your brows to perfectly frame your face and accentuate your own natural beauty. Maintain every 3 weeks.
Lash Tint/Lash Perm
Start tinting the lashes in advance to ensure deep, dark color that is cry-proof, and will last through your honeymoon! Maintain every 3 weeks.
Wedding Day Make-up Preview
Trial run to discuss and apply the perfect colors to accentuate your own beauty. Book wedding date to insure availability.

2 weeks prior

Sunless Body Bronze and Skin Polish
This process exfoliates and smoothes your skin, adding a sunless glow from head to toe. Maintain daily with home product until wedding day.
Final facial before the wedding day

5 days prior
Bikini Wax Final Brow Design, Lash Tint, and Beauty enhancements before the big day!

SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW CLIENTS

Valid through 6/20/10 with copy of this blog post:

EUROPEAN FACIAL AND BROW DESIGN - $120 ($35 savings)

Call Ardyce now at (310) 791-1991 to insure that you will NATURALLY look your best on your most memorable day!

Cheers!

Bridal Shower Games

2010-04-24T14:43:00.000-07:00

Hello Legendary Brides, Grooms & Friends!

'Tis the season for Bridal Showers! If you're like me, the mention of party games makes you moan and groan, then roll your eyes and want to say "No, please! Do I HAVE to do this? Can't we just drink champagne?" But, once things start rolling - games are a fun way to get to know the other guests and create memories with new friends you will see again at the Bachelorette Party and Wedding. If your creative juices have been tapped out with planning all the details of the wedding, our friends at Carlson Craft (who have lots of great invitations available in my INVITATION STUDIO) have provided these ideas....

SONGS OF LOVE:
Make a list of 15-20 words that represent marriage...love, sex, rings, bliss, etc. Pass out copies for each guest - then give them 10 minutes to identify a song that contains that word. The guest with the most songs is the winner. It gets lively when you offer extra points for singing the song!

DON'T SAY "BRIDE" or "WEDDING":
Each guest receives a clothes pin as they arrive and it is explained to the guests only once: If you catch someone saying these words, you can take their clothes pin. At the end of the shower, the guest with the most clothes pins wins!

WHITE STUFF:
Fill Sandwich bags with the following cooking items: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cornstarch, powdered sugar, cream of tartar, powdered milk, unflavored gelatin, and Bisquick. Number each bag and keep a list. Guests can feel and look at bags, but must keep them closed. The person with the most correct answers wins. (I'm not so sure how exciting this one is - but you could get creative and change it up somehow. Any ideas on that? ...and keep it legal, OK!)

THE WEDDING ALPHABET GAME:
The host starts with the letter "A" to describe a wedding item that you might bring or have at a wedding ... ex: "I went to the wedding and I brought an album". The next guest would repeat this sentence and add another with the letter "B" - such as, "I went to the wedding and I brought an album and a banquet chair". The next guest would repeat these and add something that starts with "C". Anyone who forgets one or can't add another - drops out. The person who stays with it the longest is the winner. (This game may be more fun when you have kids and are in the car for a very, very long road trip. Not sure. What do you think?)

WHO KNOWS THE BRIDE AND GROOM:
Create as many questions about the bride and groom and the upcoming wedding that you can think of - and write about 10-15 of the best ones to be handed out to each guest. (The more embarrassing the question, the better!) Give guests 3-5 minutes to answer them. Sit the bride-to-be in the middle of the room and have her provide answers. The guest with the most correct answers wins.

THANK YOUS:
Purchase thank you notes for the guest of honor. Pass out one envelope to each guest and have them self address it. Collect them all and have a drawing for a gift (a plant works nice for this game). This is such a time-saver for the bride. She doesn't need to buy thank-you notes, and the envelopes are pre-addressed! (Now this one I like!)

Do you have any favorite shower games or activities to share??

Have fun....

Cheers!

PS - Need a photographer, caterer, florist, invitations or anything at all for your Bridal Shower? Be sure to visit our showroom or WEBSITE for "Legendary" event professionals who would enjoy helping you!

LA County Weddings - Quick/Civil Ceremonies in Manhattan Beach

2010-04-23T09:11:00.000-07:00

Hello Legendary Brides, Grooms & Friends!

We are officially in the midst of wedding season, and the county courthouse is booked solid for quick, civil ceremonies. Don't get discouraged! Couples who are ready to tie the knot can get a license and get married at our A Legendary Affair Wedding Studio in 30 minutes or less - with an advance appointment.

Whether you are...planning a destination wedding and want to keep the paperwork in the US...need to get married quickly for insurance or property purposes...just have to get married on a special, lucky date...are anxious to start a family...or just have that "loving feeling" and want to make it official --- we are at your service! For pricing and package details, please visit our website and/or give us a call at (310) 372-5200.

Cheers!

Learn and enjoy savings on Rejuvination Beauty Treatments 2/10 at Aesthetic Genesis

2010-02-09T12:51:00.000-08:00

Hello Legendary Brides, Moms and Friends (and grooms, too!)

Are you curious about beauty rejuvination treatments and don't know who to ask? This is a wonderful event for you to attend to learn everything you need to know and decide if it is what you need ... to perk up your appearance.

I met Daniela Leslie, MSN, FNP when she came to A Legendary Affair to plan her wedding several years ago. Since then, I have been sharing her information with brides, mothers-of-brides and friends who are interested in Medical Aesthetic proceedures prior to a special event and/or to maintain a youthful appearance at all times. Daniela is brilliant, beautiful, compassionate and an artist when it comes to utilizing the latest techniques to enhance your appearance.

You are invited to join Daniella and her team of professionals at Aesthetic Genesis for an evening of mingling and beauty specials!

When: This Wednesday, February 10th from 5-8pm
Where: Aesthetic Genesis - 915 S. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach, CA 90277
RSVP: Cynthia@alegendaryaffair.com

Here are the details of what you might like to sign up to do...

Event Specials

~ Botox: $10.00 per unit ($50 deposit)

~ Restylane: 3 syringes for $1,200 + 1 complimentary area with Dysport (Save $850 after $150 rebate from Medicis).

~ Juvederm: 3 syringes + 25 units of Botox for $1,575 (Save $537.50)

~ Radiesse: 2 syringes for $1,100 (Save $600)

~ Laser Photorejuvenation Face (package of 4 treatments): includes 4 Oxygen Blast treatments for $1,500 (Save $700)

~ 3 Titan Treatments (lower face and under the chin): includes 3 Oxygen Blast treatments for $2,000 (Save $1,350)

~ Laser Hair Reduction Underarms and Reg Bikini (6 treatments): $900 (Save $850)

~ Skin Care Products and Mineral Makeup will be 15% off

~ 3 Moroccan Chocolate Facials: include one Oxygen treatment, 2 eyebrow designs and one eye treatment for $250 (save $135)

~ Microcurrent Treatments (face and neck): package of 15 for $600 (save $150)

~ 3 Wellness Acupuncture: great for acne for $225 (Save $125)

~ 3 Customized Therapeutic Body Massages (90 minutes each): $300 (Save $75)

Hope to see you there!

Cheers!

Huge Savings at Design Visage Bridal Accessory Sale!

2010-01-31T12:53:00.000-08:00

Hello Legendary Brides, Grooms & Friends!

Design Visage will be hosting a HUGE Bridal Accessory Sale during our Honeymoon Prize Drawing & Celebration at A Legendary Affair on April 10...and you are invited!

25%-75% savings on Veils, Headpieces, Hair Combs, Feathers, Flowers, Hair Pins, Jewelry...including 2010 styles!

Designers include:

Paris by Debra Moreland
MMM Designs
Laura Jayne Designs
AA Bridal
Ellen Henderson
Ansonia
Tigerlilly
Thomas Knoell ... and More!

When: Saturdary, April 10 from 10-2 - during our Honeymoon Prize Drawing & Celebration
Where: A Legendary Affair
505 N. Sepulveda Boulevard #10

Manhattan Beach, CA

To see a sample of the sale items...please visit www.bridalmode.com

Bring photos of your dress and all of your friends!

Hope to see you!

Cheers!

A Fun & Informative Evening with the Experts!

2010-01-29T17:19:00.000-08:00

Our January Evening with the Experts event was a great success! We had such a nice group of brides (and grooms, too! Yes - groom(s) plural!) I am so sorry that I didn't think to take a quick picture to share with you here...but you can be sure I will post one next month.

We started with appetizers and delicious wines from WineShop At Home! These unique artisan wines are really delicious and can be personalized with your signature label to put in baskets for attendant gifts, out of town guests, or served at the rehearsal dinner or reception. Serving or giving your own private label wine is such an elegant touch.

Then - April of April Whitney Events shared information on the difference between a Wedding Planner and a Wedding Coordinator, Budget Guidelines, Design Ideas, and touched on how to create your Wedding Day Itinerary. It was a comfortable arena for couples to ask about pricing for this service and lots of those awkward questions about wedding budget and etiquette. April has so much to share on all of these subjects, that she also has her own Wedding Planning 101 seminar here each month. Her next seminar date will be Wednesday, February 24th. $10 per person for soooooo much good information on the real "nuts and bolts" of planning your day.

Next up was the ever-so-adorable Amelia Winslow of Eating Made Easy. I met Amelia when she came into the showroom to preserve her wedding dress after her own wedding a year ago. We became fast friends and have now teamed up to provide valuable information to brides and grooms. Amelia is a Nutritionist and Personal Chef. Her new website...eating-made-easy.com will be launching in March. In her own words, Amelia offers what just about everyone wants and needs: delicious, healthy food you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home. For our seminar, she provided nutrition tips so that you can stay healthy and look your best for your big day. Amelia is scheduling "Domestic Goddess" classes to be held in our showroom starting in March. Very fun and perfect for newlyweds! If you have any nutrition questions for Amelia, you may contact her at info@eating-made-easy.com.

Then, photographer Michael Adams of Adams Studio entertained and informed us with down-to-earth straight talk about Wedding Photography. We now know what to keep in mind when selecting your photographer, what to avoid, what he thinks of "table photos with guests" (those who were here might remember his "not to be repeated" response to that question!) etc., etc. He suggested that a variety of matted engagement photos be placed on each dining table so that guests could sign the mat as the "guest book". This collection could then be framed and placed around your home after the wedding. Love that idea! Michael is a great speaker and made us laugh with references to Aunt Edna (everyone has one) and Uncle Fred! He made it really easy to ask all those burning questions regarding Wedding Photography.

As the Invitation Specialist at A Legendary Affair, I provided a short and sweet overview on etiquette and the secrets of how to select Wedding Invitations with ease.

Attendees received lots of gifts, discount certificates and their names were entered into our Honeymoon Prize drawing, which will take place in a few months. From now until our drawing date, Brides and Grooms may add your entry each day you visit our showroom!

Our next event is in the works and will take place on Thursday, February 18th at 6:30. Be sure you are following us on Twitter, on our mailing list, or our Facebook fan - so you can join in and make the planning as much fun as the party!

Cheers!

Wedding Planning Event - An Evening With the Experts 5/20

2010-01-27T10:21:00.001-08:00

Please Join Us - Thursday, May 20

An Evening With the Experts!

6:30pm - Wine and Cheese

7:00pm - Discussion Begins

Our panel of event professionals will reveal:

* priceless tips on booking various services

* what to know AFTER you've booked your vendors

* what goes on behind the scenes

* the lastest trends in each field

* answers to those hard to ask questions

* and so much more!

Sip wine as you learn and share ideas.

You won't want to miss it!

No charge, but space is limited.

Please RSVP today to:

cynthia@alegendaryaffair.com or (310) 372-5200

2010-01-19T07:38:00.000-08:00

Wedding Planning Seminar

WEDDING PLANNING 101 by April Whitney Events
Monthly - 6:30-8:30pm

Whether you are just starting your plans, or down to the final details --- this seminar will provide you with invaluable information and ideas. Are you searching for the right location? We refer to April as "The Location Whisperer"! Do you have concerns about the "B" Word? April has answers to those sticky "Budget" questions. Do you want to know who to tip and how much? Are you having sleepless nights and need help with the details of your "day of" itinerary?

Join us for this lively & entertaining experience. April is here to ease your stress and help you enjoy the process. Come once, come every month!

Cost: Only $10 per person
Kindly RSVP!

Wedding Planning Share-apy (Group sharing that helps like Therapy!)

2010-01-01T12:44:00.000-08:00

Events in the A Legendary Affair Showroom:

"WEDDING PLANNING SHARE-APY"
Group sharing that helps like therapy!

Facilitated by: Mary Dann-McNamee
Wedding Planner, Author, MA Clinical Psychology

Date: Every 2nd & 4th Tues. 6-7:30pm
Next Date: Tues. 1/26
Next Topic: Blending Families, Traditions, Ideas, and Expectations
Location: A Legendary Showroom (directions)
RSVP: cynthia@alegendaryaffair.com
or (310) 372.5200
Cost: $25 per person - cash or check

Brides, Grooms, Family, Friends and anyone navigating the wedding planning journey are invited to join us after hours at the A Legendary Affair showroom for these confidential group discussions. You may want to come once or on a regular basis. Keep checking back for session topics.

Each session, Mary will share words of wisdom on situations that can cause roadblocks and stress. The discussion that follows can go any direction from there, depending on the challenges of the group. You can chose to share, or simply learn from the examples shared by others. Either way, you are sure to gain new insight and tools to help you keep this wonderful time just that ... wonderful!

I have had the pleasure of knowing Mary for over 13 years. We have followed similar paths...both of us working for the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and then venturing into wedding planning businesses at the same time. Mary has been a member of our A Legendary Affair Showroom since we opened in 1996 ... and we now share a wall, with neighboring offices in Manhattan Beach.

As a Wedding Planner, Mary is a leader in the Industry. However, her brilliance, attention to detail and commitment to excellence extends further than the event itself. With her professional training in Clinical Psychology, she is able to offer her clients tools to soothe and navigate the emotional challenges that naturally arise during the planning stages of a wedding.

Knowing the specific challenges that face brides, grooms and families during the planning process, Mary recognized a need for "Wedding Planning Group Therapy" to reach further than her individual client base. She can address any issue - large or small. You are welcome to come once, now and then, or every time her sessions are offered....and while you're here - you can check out the showroom displays and get some planning ideas at the same time!

Should you have any specific questions for Mary about her planning services or these sessions, you are welcome to contact her directly at 310.413.2526 and view her beautiful website.

Cheers!

Holiday Entertaining Tips from the Wine Country!

2009-12-01T14:01:00.000-08:00

Each month, I send out a VinNote Newsletter to all my wine-loving friends and connections. The December edition has a great article on entertaining - wine country style. I thought you might enjoy these great tips:

In Wine Country, we like to keep holiday entertaining easy, casual and fun. No standing on ceremony, but plenty of celebration. Here are just a few ideas and tips on making your holiday entertaining a joy rather than a chore.

Think Fresh:
In Wine Country, surrounded by nature’s bounty, it is easy to think fresh. But bringing freshness to the table can be as near as your favorite supermarket. Whether it's fresh fruit from the local market or a bumper crop of your own zucchinis, bring whatever is fresh to the table and enjoy. It is more important to have a delicious tomato than a three-tiered cake!

Fresh also makes for beautiful centerpieces and special touches. Here in Wine Country one might see a simple grapevine as a napkin holder. The same can be done in your home with fresh cut ivy or a sprig of lavendar. Try sunflowers on the table, clusters of grapes and loaves of homemade bread, artfully arranged. By adding candles you can turn up the wattage and the glamour.

Invent and Innovate:
Wine Country home cooks use what is in their gardens to decorate their tables. You can do the same! Create your own organic still life and your own signature style. Vegetable centerpieces can be a sensation: cabbages, turnips, asparagus. Think big! Do simple, unexpected things.

Set your entertaining budget, but don’t skimp on three important ingredients: music, wine and stemware. Download your favorite holiday tunes or hire an excellent student musician. Serve beautiful wines in beautiful stems and you’ve totally upgraded the evening to A-list.

Need some simple place cards? Use wine corks by slipping a place card (or the name of a cheese for your cheese board) into a slit in the cork. Or, write the name on the cork with flair. Need a simple, innovative dessert? Everyone craves a little sweet at the end of a meal. In Wine Country, dessert can be one freshly picked peach and a homemade cookie. Whatever you choose, keep it simple. Add the last perfect touch by filling a flute with fresh berries and pouring sparkling wine over the top!

Think Buffet:
When most of us think of Wine Country, we see mile long tables made of oak, in the middle of a vineyard; the afternoon sun glittering on crystal stems filled to the brim with red and white wines. But, most Wine Country home cooks stand by the buffet as the easiest way to entertain.

You can begin your buffet evening with a simple wine and cheese bar. Set out white wines, red wines and sparkling wines and let guests help themselves. Offer cheeses that pair well to your wine offerings and you’ve set the stage for a fabulous evening.

Celebrate at Your Own Party:
If you are in the kitchen working, you are ruining your own party. Make things ahead with just a little last minute assembly. That way you can be the guest, too.

Sparkling Holiday Punch
2 cups sparkling wine
1 cup pomegranate juice
1 cup seltzer
1/2 cup citrus vodka (optional)
Lemon twists, for garnish

Combine sparkling wine, pomegranate juice, seltzer and vodka in a large bowl or pitcher. Serve over ice with a twist of lemon.

NUTRITION
Per serving: 128 calories; 0 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 7 g carbohydrates; 0 g protein; 0 g fiber; 5 mg sodium; 72 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Antioxidants.

Kitchen Tips for "Nearly-Weds" - Fresh Cranberry Relish

2009-11-05T12:28:00.000-08:00

As a "Nearly-Wed", you are starting new traditions as a couple. One of the "biggies" - is Thanksgiving Dinner! Since I am far from the title of "domestic goddess", I rely on the talented people in the world around me to provide wisdom in their art and area of expertise. Chef Mary Ellen Rae from Hermosa Beach developed this recipe for a fresh cranberry relish which has been featured in the Los Angeles Times Food Section. It appears to be surprisingly simple to make - and even I might try this on Thanksgiving day...much to the surprise of my relatives, I'm sure!

As some of you may remember, last month I participated in a GREAT cooking class in Manhattan Beach - taught by Chef Mary Ellen Rae from Hermosa Beach. In anticipation of the big feast ahead, she has provided tips and her favorite Thanksgiving recipe for "nearly-wed" chefs ... and the rest of us, too!

Here's what Chef Mary Ellen says:

Thanksgiving dinners are filled with sacred family favorites, and unfortunately some family members are not willing to stray from the expected. I found that out one year when my editor at the L. A. Times asked me to develop a fresh cranberry relish for the Thanksgiving edition. I love the idea of a fresh (uncooked) relish instead of the usual stove top version. The texture is crisp and zingy and it only takes minutes to make. The tangerines and sugar soften the pucker of the berries and the blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, fennel and pepper in Chinese five spice powder add a beguiling new spice note. I serve this every year now, but I still hear from time to time, “Where’s the canned cranberries?”

Purchase spices in small quantities and store tightly sealed in a cool dark place. Experiment with small amounts of Chinese five spice powder mixed into spice rubs and marinades for poultry, pork and beef. Add to salt and brown sugar when roasting nuts or add a pinch to apple pie fillings.

Fresh Cranberry and Tangerine Relish (Serves 12)
Note: This recipe developed by Hermosa resident Mary Ellen Rae was adapted from article previously published in the Los Angeles Times Food Section.

1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries
1 seedless tangerine
½ cup sugar or more to taste
½ teaspoon Chinese five spice powder

Rinse and drain the cranberries, discarding bruised ones. Peel the tangerine, scraping off excess strings from segments. Use a sharp paring knife to scrape the pith from the inside of half the peel and finely chop. Measure out 1 tablespoon, discard the rest.

Place the cranberries, tangerine segments, 1 tablespoon chopped peel, sugar and Chinese five spice powder in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 8 to 10 times to reach the desired coarse consistency, adding more sugar to taste. Spoon into a glass serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight. Stir before serving.

Chef Mary Ellen Rae is the owner of Personal Touch Gourmet; specializing in private and group in-home cooking classes and small event catering. Contact Personal Touch Gourmet at 310-403-5682 or MaryEllen@PersonalTouchGourmet.net

Cheers!

Can you have a wedding without a Wedding Planner?

2009-10-20T17:19:00.000-07:00

April of April Whitney Events has showcased her service at A Legendary Affair for over 10 years! Each month she hosts Wedding Planning 101 in our Showroom. (Upcoming dates are listed in our Showroom Events Calendar on the left column). Those of you who remember her as "Ape" the DJ at KROQ in the 80's will know that she has LOTS of personality - and will entertain you as she shares her wisdom and expertise. I have heard April speak countless times - and you will still hear me laugh out loud as she shares outrageous stories and creates unlikely examples to prove her point.

Read on to learn more about April and what she has to offer Brides and Grooms...

Q: Is it possible to have a wedding without a Planner or Coordinator?
A: Absolutely! Hundreds of thousands of weddings go off every year without Wedding Planners. The difference is...

-how much you will work before, during and after the event
-how much frustration you will experience
-how much time you will have to spend learning about what is available
-how much research you will need to do to find reasonable pricing of goods & services
-how many problems you will encounter
-whether or not you will stay within your budget
-how much you, your family and friends will work the day of your wedding
-whether or not you will be plagued by questions and problems throughout the day
-how the event will flow overall and how much you will enjoy the process

Q: Do some Brides and Grooms need a Wedding Planner more than others?
A: Yes. Couples who really need and deserve a great Wedding Planner are those who...
-work full time jobs or are in school vs. those with lot’s of free time
-live in another city or are planning a destination wedding
-have parents or wedding party who live in other cities
-are having a “home” wedding or a wedding at a location where you bring everything in such as caterer and rentals
-want to relax and enjoy the process as well as the big day
-want their event to have design elements & creative touches that stand out above the rest

Q: Will the Wedding Planner "take over" and not allow us to contribute our ideas?
A: A great Wedding Planner will not take over. Rather, a great Wedding Planner is a partner in the planning process, helping to inform you, educate you, & guide you - to make sure that it is your vision that comes to life!

Q: What if we have already done all the work planning the event?
A: Instead of a Wedding Planner, you can hire "Day of" Wedding Coordinator. This is the best gift you can give yourselves for the day of your event. A great Wedding Coordinator will...
-take care of any problems that arise throughout the day
-carry an emergency kit and do all of the things you would do if you weren’t busy getting married
-confirm your vendors
-direct your rehearsal
-track down the limousine
-pin on boutonnieres
-get water
-oversee set up
-manage your vendors
-answer questions
-shield you from little problems
-take care of you and calm your nerves

And that’s just before the ceremony!

In addition to getting you down the aisle, a great Wedding Coordinator will...
-oversee set up of the reception
-set up place cards, set out favors
-make sure the cake is set up properly
-tuck menu cards in to napkins
-place table numbers
-double check assigned seating
-manage the entire location
-get you and your wedding party ready for your Grand Entrance

And that’s before the reception!

A great Wedding Coordinator will...
-oversee the flow of the entire reception
-answer questions
-give cues to the entertainment so that the photographer & videographer are ready to capture the next event
-cue toast makers
-set you up for and assist in your cake cutting
-find your comfortable pair of shoes when your feet get tired
-make sure all of your plans are carried out
-keep your vendors following the itinerary
-keep the event flow on time and in accordance with vendor & venue contracts
-make sure that the entertainment is playing the right song for the first dance
-keep you informed throughout the event of what is coming up next
-keep you abreast of bar costs
-load gifts to your car
-pack up all of your personal items such as guest book, cake knife, toasting glasses etc…

Phewwww....

So, to answer your question...Yes, you can have a wedding without a Wedding Planner...but do you really want to? It is your one day to shine. Do you want to remember what a great job you did or what a wonderful time you had?

April Whitney Events would be honored to help you bring your dreams to life on your wedding day! Reserve your space for Wedding Planning 101 and get to know April in person.

Notes from a Cooking Class - Great tips for Nearly, Newly, and Already-Weds!

2009-10-15T13:24:00.001-07:00

As some of you remember from a previous post, I met Chef Mary Ellen Rae of Personal Touch Gourmet at an event and signed up for one of her cooking classes. Those who know me were a little surprised ... not because I am a domestic goddess and don't need any pointers - quite the opposite! I have never shown much interest in this subject, until lately. Maybe my wine tasting business has expanded my horizon in the whole arena of food and wine - or maybe I have been enjoying more wine and realize it might be a good idea to add a little food to the equation. In any case, I went, I cooked, and I loved it! First off, Mary Ellen is a lovely person and such an expert in her field. 10 of us gathered in a catering kitchen in Manhattan Beach and after 2 hours of slicing, chopping, combining, stirring, mincing, grilling (yes, we covered it all), we ended up with Stuffed Pasta Shells, Halibut Fish Tacos, Wok-fried Chicken, Chicken Cilantro Soup --- and Dark Chocolate Cookies with Hazelnuts and Dried Cherries. Here are a few of Mary Ellen's tips that might help you "Nearly, Newly and Already Weds" ---- as well as the "Single Chefs" out there:

Supplies to keep in your pantry:
Chicken Broth
Kosher Salt
Olive Oil
Vinegars
Canola Oil
Pasta
Black Pepper
Rice
Sugar
Unbleached All-Purpose Flour

Dry Goods to keep on hand:
Garlic
Onions
Potatoes

Things in the Fridge:
Butter
Mustard & Mayo
Parmesan Cheese

With these items available, all you need is a quick trip to the store for fresh items, and creating a meal (should be) easy.

Here are some interesting tips we learned:

SALT: The standard salt that most of us have in our cabinet can taste metallic and should be replaced with Kosher Salt for everyday cooking (Smart & Final), Fine Sea Salt for baking (Trader Joes), and Maldon Salt as a finishing touch. This salt has a very heavy grain and you just need a pinch.

SPICES: Usually need to be replaced after they have been opened for 6 months to a year. To test, rub the spice in your fingers. If the color is off and/or you can't really smell it --- toss it! (Seems obvious, but if you're like me, you probably have a cabinet filled with spices - that are "scary" old!)

KNIVES: You only really need a couple in the kitchen. It's better to invest in just the few you need rather than the whole blocked set ... something to keep in mind when you are registering for your wedding gifts! She suggested a large chef knife, a santoku knife (serrated), a large bread knife and a paring knife. Depending on how often you use them, you should get them sharpened professionally every 6 months to a year. Local readers might want to visit a vendor in the Manhattan Village Mall who sharpens knives and charges by the inch.

Now for a recipe....My cooking partner and I made the soup, and it was absolutely delicious. If I can do it ---- anyone can do it. Of course, Mary Ellen was on-hand to answer questions, but it was actually pretty easy and is a great item to make in bulk and freeze...

Chicken, Cilantro and Rice Soup (Serves 4-6)

2 tablespoons canola oil
1 1/2 cups diced yellow onion, about 1 medium
1 tablespoon minced garlic cloves (available already peeled in a container at Maraki Market)
1/4 cup seeded and diced jalapeno
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
3 piquillo peppers, pat dry and diced (available in a jar at Trader Joes)
1 (14.5 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
2 (24 ounce) containers chicken broth (free range, organic)
3 cups shredded cooked chicken (easily made from pre-roasted chicken)
1 cup long grain rice
1 cup chopped cilantro leaves
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Garnish with: diced avocado, shredded jack cheese or cheddar cheese, sliced green onions and tortilla chips

Heat canola oil in a large saucepan. Add onions and saute over medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, jalapeno and cumin, cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Stir in the piquillo peppers, tomatoes, and chicken broth and bring to a boil. Turn down heat and add shredded chicken and rice, gently simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender. Stir in cilantro leaves and season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper. Serve immediately with garnishes.

We paired this with my WineShop at Home Fleur Bleu Zinfandel - which was a delicious combo. Of course, I had to mention the wine...

I hope you enjoyed a glimpse of my experience. Mary Ellen is talking about having a couples class in February --- so be sure to visit her site if you are interested in contacting her!

Bon Appetit!

Post Your Favorite Toast Contest

2009-10-14T17:25:00.001-07:00

As the upcoming season of celebrations approaches, it's time to raise a glass to friendships, amazing events (big and small), happenings that touched the heart and soul, successes, laughter at silly things ... and whatever it is that you have to be thankful for during this time of year!

I wanted to share my favorite toasts in hopes that you would share some of yours. There will be a prize for the best entry....

May the dreams you hold dearest
Be those which come true,
The kindness you spread
Keep returning to you!
CHEERS

May the friendships you make,
Be those which endure,
And all your grey clouds
Be small ones for sure.
CHEERS

May you live a long life
Full of gladness and health,
With a pocket full of gold
As the least of your wealth.
CHEERS

Here's to you and here's to me,
Good friends we will always be!
But, if by chance we disagree,
To 'el with you! Here's to me!"
CHEERS

There are good ships
And there are wood ships,
And there are ships that sail the sea,
But the best ships, are friendships,
And may that always be.
CHEERS

My friends are the best friends -
Loyal, willing and able.
Now let's get to drinking-
All glasses off the table!"
CHEERS

Wedding Gown Preservation Manhattan Beach, CA - FAQ

2009-10-10T11:49:00.000-07:00

The wedding is over, you're back from your amazing honeymoon, and now you are settling into "happily ever after"! Just when you thought you were done with your wedding checklist, you remember one final detail ... getting your dress preserved! We are here to make that easy for you. I receive so many calls at A Legendary Affair about this service that I thought it would be helpful to answer some of the questions brides and moms frequently ask about wedding gown preservation:

Q: Do I need to clean my dress before getting it preserved?

A: No. Cleaning is included in the process so that it is done throughly to ensure a proper preservation.

Q: What is the process to clean & preserve my gown?

A: Call us at (310) 372-5200 to let us know you are bringing in your dress. We help carefully package your dress and prepare it for shipment directly to the experts at the Wedding Gown Preservation Company, who have specialized in this process since 1913. Upon receipt, each dress is evaluated to determine the best cleaning process based on fabric and design. All processes are safe, gentle and environmentally friendly. Then, your dress is carefully fitted into an acid free bust form and packed in an acid-neutral preservation chest. It is not vacuum sealed, as that has proven to be damaging to fibers over time. Your dress is then shipped directly back to your doorstep.

Q: What if my dress has stains and needs some repairs?

A: 95% of all stains can easily be removed. Common stains include mud, grease, food, grass, blood, tar, perspiration, cake, wine & beverages. Expert repair service is also available for a nominal fee. Simply request a call upon receipt to discuss repairs and receive a quote.

Q: How can I be sure it is my dress when it is returned to me in the preservation chest?

A: Your dress and veil are displayed in a window box. An outer box protects against sunlight.

Q: Is my gown guaranteed?

A: Yes! Wedding Gown Preservation Company provides a 20 year guarantee against caramelized sugar stains and yellowing. If any stains reappear, you may return your gown to be reprocessed. You will be refunded the cost of preservation if this process is found to be unsuccessful. Be sure to store your dress in a cool, dark, dry location and not in an attic or garage.

Q: How long does this process take to complete?

A: It usually takes about 4-6 weeks from start to finish.

Q: What is the cost of preservation?

A: $179 plus tax includes cleaning, preservation and round-trip shipping via UPS. Upgrade options are available.

Please give us a call and we would be delighted to help you with this service!

Cynthia Adkins

A Legendary Affair - Wedding & Event Invitations & Planning Showroom

505 N. Sepulveda Blvd., #10 - Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

(310) 372-5200

A Legendary Affair partners with Einvite for Online Wedding Invitation Shopping

2009-10-07T14:23:00.001-07:00

Are you an online invitation shopper - or do you prefer shopping for invitations with an Invitation Specialist at a local invitation studio? There are pros and cons for each option. Whichever your preference , we can work with you at A Legendary Affair. We are pleased to partner with A Legendary Affair's Einvite for one of the most beautiful online collections of enchanting & whimsical or chic & sophisticated Wedding, Bar/Bat Mitzvah & Party Invitations. Ordering is easy and there is assistance with customer service when needed. Be sure to visit for a quick look at the latest color palettes and designs.

If you are in Southern California and prefer to see and feel the samples first-hand, as you relax in the care of an Invitation Specialist who will assist you with wording, layout, design and follow through - then, be sure and visit us at A Legendary Affair's Invitation Studio in Manhattan Beach!

Today's invitation tip: Did you know that the line: "request the honour of your presence" is reserved for a church wedding? If you are getting married outside of a sanctified ground, the appropriate wording is: "request the pleasure of your company" - even if the ceremony is of a religious nature. Wedding Etiquette - Take it or Leave it!

Wedding Planning 101 Seminar at A Legendary Affair!

2009-09-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

WEDDING PLANNING 101 by April Whitney Events
This Tues. 5/25 - 6:30-8:30pm

Whether you are just starting your plans, or down to the final details --- this seminar will provide you with invaluable information and ideas. Are you searching for the right location? We refer to April as "The Location Whisperer"! Do you have concerns about the "B" Word? April has answers to those sticky "Budget" questions. Do you want to know who to tip and how much? Are you having sleepless nights and need help with the details of your "day of" itinerary?

Join us for this lively & entertaining experience. April is here to ease your stress and help you enjoy the process. Some couples come more than once!

Cost: Only $10 per person -
Kindly RSVP!

Gourmet Cooking Classes in Manhattan Beach this Fall

2009-08-26T20:08:00.000-07:00

I just received this information from my friend Mary Ellen Rae who is a wonderful personal chef and cooking instructor. She has some great classes lined up in Manhattan Beach this Fall. This would be perfect for new brides and grooms (and all of the rest of us) ... so I wanted to share it with you. Maybe I'll see you there!

Personal Touch Gourmet Cooking Classes in the South Bay

Join Chef Mary Ellen in a cooking class this fall at a commercial kitchen site in Manhattan Beach.
Work with ingredients sourced from local farmers markets and specialty food purveyors while you enjoy an evening filled with delicious food, culinary tips and techniques.

September 16th Fall Seasonal Favorites $75 6:30-9:30
Rustic Italian Bread Crostini with Ricotta Cheese, Spanish Chorizo and
Balsamic Caramelized Red Onions
Persimmon Salad with Baby Arugula, Candied Spiced Almonds and Herbed Goat Cheese
Asian Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Fresh Grilled Peach Salsa
Pear and Hazelnut Cobbler with Sweet Marsala Cream

October 14th Healthy & Quick “Family” Friendly Dinners $75 6:30-9:30
Cilantro Pesto Grilled Halibut Tacos with Crunchy Slaw
Not Too Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Wok Fried Chicken with Asian Flavors
Basil, Spinach and Fresh Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells with Quick Marinara Sauce

November 18th Holiday Appetizers for Easy Entertaining $75 6:30-9:30
Spicy Mango Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Mint Yogurt Sauce
Broiled Baby Lamb Chops with Moroccan Spices
Parmesan Stuffed Applewood Smoked Bacon Wrapped Dates
Pears Roasted in Maple Syrup and Cognac with Pecans and Taleggio Cheese on Crostini
Crab, Tarragon and Snow Pea Salad on Endive Spears

Personal Touch Gourmet Cooking Class Registration
All Classes require advance reservation and payment. Cancellations must be made at least 4 days in advance of class to receive a full refund. Cancellations made less than 4 days of the class date are not eligible for a refund, but you may send someone in your place. Space limited to 10 people. Students who register for all three classes will receive a 10% discount.

Contact Chef Mary Ellen via email or phone to confirm a space before sending payment to:
Personal Touch Gourmet 1830 Springfield Avenue Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Include your name, address, phone number, email address and class title and date.

What to Bring and Wear: Feel free to bring wine or a beverage of your choice. Bring an apron and a sharpened chef knife. For your safety, wear closed toed shoes, no sandals, and comfortable clothing that will not get caught on kitchen equipment.

See you in the fall!

Mary Ellen Rae
"Your Personal Gourmet"
310-403-5682
MaryEllen@PersonalTouchGourmet.net

Thank you for Supporting your Local Small Businesses!

2009-08-26T14:36:00.001-07:00

As I blog about thank you note etiquette ... I realize that I really want to thank you, my customers, for your support of my local small business during the past 13 years! OK - sometimes it makes me feel really old when brides from past years stop in with their 3 kids to order Bar/Bat Mitzvah invitations ... but I love it! I also appreciate your referrals of friends & family over the years. What a huge compliment. As I drive from home to work along PCH and see over 30 "For Lease" signs where favorite shops used to thrive - I feel sad but also grateful that I am still going strong at A Legendary Affair, thanks to you! Be sure to keep checking our blog as we branch out to showcase exciting new offerings that extend beyond weddings & events. Cheers....Cynthia

Wedding Invitation Etiquette - Thank you notes

2009-08-25T12:56:00.000-07:00

In addition to our vendor displays and resource showroom, A Legendary Affair specializes in invitations. Whether your style is creative and fun, formal and traditional, elegant and sophisticated or a variation of styles, colors, and design --- I would be delighted to assist you in finding just the right invitation and just the right words to set the mood for your event. When I receive your etiquette questions, I will share them on my blog, as I am sure that others will benefit from the answers. Today I received an email with a great question regarding thank you notes...

Question: My wedding isn't until April, but my Fiance and I are already starting to receive wedding gifts. I've been seeking out answers online but am finding mixed reviews so I wanted your opinion on Thank you notes. I'd prefer to send notes as gifts come in; however, some sites recommend sending closer to the date of the wedding. It seems odd to me to wait 8 months to send a note for something I received last week ...can you confirm that I may send notes as gifts come in?

Answer: Your instincts are correct! Thank you notes should be sent as soon as possible. For gifts received up to 1 week before the wedding, notes should be sent out within 3 weeks. For gifts that arrive immediately before the wedding or on the wedding day, it is acceptable to send out notes within 4 weeks of receipt. Your note reassures the giver that you have received the gift and that you truly appreciate the time, money and thought spent on your behalf . Remember that the notes you send out before the wedding should be from the two of you - but you should not use your married last name or married monogram until after the wedding takes place.

I welcome your emails with etiquette questions - and will do my best to make the invitation ordering process very easy for you when you come in.

Cheers...Cynthia

Bridal Gown & Accessory Sale at A Legendary Affair!

2009-08-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

As you are zooming by Sepulveda and 5th Street in Manhattan Beach - make a quick right into the parking lot just north of Taco Bell --- take a deep breath, relax, and check out our A Legendary Affair - Summer Sale Boutique! You'll find great accessories (guest books, pens, thank you notes, gifts for attendants, frames, garters, etc. etc.) on our $10 table. Tiaras and bridal handbags for under $20. And - Sample Wedding Gowns from Richard Desgins, UK on sale for 50% off the retail price. These dresses are 100% silk, created in England - and "Simply Elegant".

While you're here , you can learn about wedding professionals for your event, upcoming showroom seminars and wine tastings, and browse through our extensive collection of Wedding Invitations. We specialize in Service, Style & Selection at a Savings!

We are open for walk-in's Tues-Fri 11-6 and Sat 10-2. You are welcome to call for an appointment as well. Cheers and hope to see you very soon.

The Art of Hosting a Summer Wine Party

2009-08-14T14:01:00.000-07:00

Hello to my wine-loving friends out there!

My Vin-Note Newsletter just came out -- and in case you're not yet on my mailing list, I thought I would share these great tips on hosting a wine event with you. We just came out with our Fleur Bleu wines that are absolutely delicious and are true crowd pleasers...especially those who love Zinfandel! Check them out on my site: YourWineConsultant.com. If you would like to attend my tasting in Manhattan Beach this month, please let me know!

Cheers and have fun....Cynthia

Season Finale: Taking the Last Sips of Summer

These sandy beaches and long, warm nights will soon give way to golden leaves crunching beneath our feet and fall’s first chill. Now is the time to take the last sips of summer with simple home entertaining that is easy on the host and easy on the wallet.

Send Out the Invites:
The promise of glasses overflowing with wine is always a winner. If you’re pressed for time or don’t want to bother with the snail mail, go to www.evite.com to create a great invitation that includes your theme (wine of course has got to be center stage). To make it extra easy on yourself, invite each guest to bring a dozen of their favorite appetizers. Easy on them. Easy on you. Fun to share, compare and trade recipes of favorites.

Pick The Perfect Spot:
Take the party outdoors and take advantage of the late afternoon or early evening. When twilight comes the magic truly begins. Go for lots of candles – from simple votives floating in a bowl to tapers placed in your best crystal or silver (yeah, remember those wedding gifts? Or, the gift from Aunt Edna tucked away in the closet. Bring them out and let them shine up the night).

Set the Mood:
Here’s the deal. A great party track can make your event memorable. They’ll be humming those tunes long after they’ve said goodnight. Put your DJ face on and create your playlist, download your favorites and let the music soar. Here are some suggestions for a large outdoor gathering : "A Minha Menina" by Os Mutantes, "The Noise of Carpet” by Stereolab, "Lebanese Blonde" by Thievery Corporation, "Dance with Me" by Nouvelle Vague, "Let me Down Easy" by Bettye LaVette, “Summer Wind” by Frank Sinatra, “Blue in Green” by Miles Davis and “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young.

Pop the Cork:
Chill the white in a large bucket of ice (pouring water into the ice makes it easy to push the bottles down for a better chill), pop the cork on the reds and you’re good to go. Arrange wine stems on top of a bar, table or tray and let guests help themselves. Pitchers, or decanters of still or sparkling water (toss in a sliced lemon if you choose) make a nice touch. Add non-alcoholic beverages to the offering so there’s something for everyone. Enjoy the season’s finale with family and friends. Toast to their health, their joy, their happiness. The memories will last all winter long.

A Legendary Affair - One Stop Wedding Shop in Manhattan Beach

2009-07-22T16:47:00.000-07:00

What is A Legendary Affair? What do you mean it's a "One Stop Wedding Shop"? How can it be a "Free" Service???? Huh? Who? What???

My business concept is a bit different from the "norm" ... fitting of my personality, I suppose! What I do is often confused with the services of a Wedding Planner --- like Franz in Father of the Bride, or J Lo in The Wedding Planner. To better explain how my service works, the following article I wrote for a wedding publication should be helpful....

He proposed. You shed tears of joy and excitedly call family and friends. Then suddenly; reality sets in! The place? The food? The photos? The music? Take a deep breath; relax … now there are One Stop Wedding Stores to help relieve Wedding Planning OVERWHELM!

As a free service to brides and grooms, these showrooms provide displays of information about everything from reception location options, to invitation possibilities, to honeymoon ideas … and every detail in between. Instead of waiting for the next bridal show to take place – or combing through the endless listings on the internet, these showrooms are available anytime the urge arises to tackle the wedding planning checklist!

Save time and energy by making one stop to compare style, quality and pricing of dozens of pre-screened wedding services and products! You will find photographs, price information and product samples; a DVD viewing room to preview the talents of entertainers and videographers; and a consultation room for convenient meetings with professionals. Even specialized services such as Make-up and Hair previews, Wine Tastings and Marriage License Services are available in select showrooms. Seminars by seasoned wedding planners and other industry professionals offer information, tips and the latest trends. Because of the convenience and efficiency of this type of service, brides will find that their grooms are more likely to get involved.

Our suggestion for busy brides and grooms is to visit these showrooms early in the planning process. All of this information and service - at no charge - will seem too good to be true!

Our Favorite Wedding DJ's ... and First Dance Songs!

2009-07-15T16:38:00.000-07:00

First off, I must say that we have a GREAT selection of DJ's on display in our Manhattan Beach Showroom & on our website. Each one is different but shares the attention to detail, professionalism, experience and warm/wonderful personality that is soooooo important for this particular service. You might not have to totally click with the person who bakes your wedding cake, or the artist who designs your florals - but your DJ is right there in front of your guests all night - creating the personality of your event. Visit our Music/DJ's page to learn more about Robin Fellows/Spinners DJ Service, KC Campbell/Vox DJ Serivce, and Allen Layton/AAA DJ Service.

Over the years, I have polled DJ's, brides, & Wedding Planners to find first dance song suggestions for our brides. Here are some great options - depending on your style and whether you want a classic or a modern love song. So, grab your "grande latte", log into itunes, and comb through this list. Maybe, just maybe, one of these options will become "your song"...

-Love - John Lenon
-I Will Be Here - Steven Curtis Chapman

-In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel

-The Best of My Love - The Eagles
-Love is Waiting - Brook Fraser
-Lucky - Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat

-Faithfully - Journey

-Always - Bon Jovi

-Could Not Ask for More - Edwin McCain

-Your Song - Elton John

-It's A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong

-I Do It For You - Bryan Adams

-Better Together - Jack Johnson

-You Are The Sunshine Of My Life - Stevie Wonder

-Maybe I'm Amazed - Paul McCartney

-Let's Stay Together - Al Green

-When You Love Someone - Bryan Adams

-When a Man Loves a Woman - Percy Sledge

-Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis

-Making Memories of Us - Keith Urban

-Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
-Warm Whispers - Missy Higgins

-I'm Yours - Jason Mraz

-Love Is Here to Stay - Harry Connick Jr.

-How Sweet It Is - James Taylor

-All I Want Is You - U2

-She's Got A Way - Billy Joel

-I Don't Want to Miss a Thing - Aerosmith

-Lost in This Moment - Big & Rich

-Come Away With Me - Norah Jones

-Check To Cheek - Fred Astaire

-Can't Take My Eyes Off of You - Lauryn Hill

-One Love - Bob Marley

I would love your suggestions, too!

Cheers --- and Have Fun!

Rehearsal Dinners at Union Cattle Company, Hermosa Beach

2009-07-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

A Legendary Affair is delighted to add a unique rehearsal dinner venue to our showroom of services. Not only does Union Cattle Company provide variety within your budget for your event --- they also offer A Legendary Affair clients 10% off the designated food & beverage minimum, as well as two tickets to a show at their sister location, Saint Rocke, upon signing the proposal!

Long gone are the days of “Chicken or Fish?” rehearsal dinners. Union Cattle Company has the ability to be a lot more flexible than just offering you packages A, B or C. You have the ability to choose what you would like to offer your guests right from the pages of the dinner menu.

Not only can you choose your menu, you can also choose the style of service you would like: tray passed appetizers with a full service dinner, buffet service only, cocktail party with tray passed appetizers all night…what’s your preference?

How does this work with your budget? UCC’s private event department operates on food & beverage minimums. Meaning, to have one of the spaces private for your group, you sign to guarantee a certain amount of sales in food and beverage from your group. Minimums are based on the day, time and space - so they can work with your budget to find a great space, at a great time, with great food and service.

And while we all know that it’s not just the food that can drive up a dinner bill, UCC also has the ability to work with you on how you would like to handle the bar service. You want to have an open bar, great! A little nervous that some guest might take advantage – just buy them beer and wine... Want to make sure the first round is on you, no problem!

Yes, your wedding day is the most important celebration, but your rehearsal dinner is often the night where you get to spend quality time with family, close friends and loved ones from far-away. While nothing is foolproof, you do have the ability to come close to pleasing everyone and doing it within your budget.

To hold your rehearsal dinner or any other celebration at Union Cattle Company, please contact Event Manager, Debra Saal at 310-800-3708, events.debra@yahoo.com . (Be sure to mention A Legendary Affair to receive your exclusive discount and show tickets at Saint Rocke!)

Get your Marriage License in Manhattan Beach!

2009-07-09T16:16:00.000-07:00

If you are getting married in LA County within the next 90 days, you can set up an appointment and get your license at A Legendary Affair in Manhattan Beach, on select Saturdays, by appointment. Simply contact Rosalind Thompson of Marriage License Express and set up your time. She will provide you with all the details of her specialty service....

What: Marriage License Express will issue licenses in Manhattan Beach

When: Select Saturdays, by appointment

Where: A Legendary Affair - 505 N. Sepulveda Blvd. #10 - Manhattan Beach, CA

How: Call for an appointment - Rosalind Thompson (310) 701-0210

Bonus: Mention this Blog and receive $10 off if you purchase a Name Change Kit on the day that you get your license plus a $20 coupon toward preserving your Wedding Gown through A Legendary Affair.

Hope to see you soon!

Cheers and Congratulations on your upcoming Wedding!

Wedding Photography: Formal Portraits Before or After?

2009-07-01T17:32:00.000-07:00

In the days of arranged marriages, it made sense to hide the bride from the groom and his family in the event no one approved of her! Back then, the bride wore a veil which covered her face up until the vows were made and rings exchanged. It wasn't until "you may kiss the bride" that the veil came up and the truth revealed!

Nowadays, most grooms are well aware of who they are marrying, eliminating the need to keep the bride under wraps. There are no religious or biblical reasons to hide the bride - as a matter of fact, in Jewish weddings the groom must see the bride beforehand, remember what happened to Jacob in the Old Testament?

Taking your formal photographs before the ceremony relieves much stress, allows the couple to join all their friends and family during the cocktail hour and guarantees the use of natural light. Many ceremonies end as the sun sets, which is not the best lighting for portraits. You can more easily schedule leisure time before the ceremony than immediately following. A creative photographer will orchestrate a special "first" meeting for the couple, in private (with the photographer 100 feet away with a long lens). It's possibly the only time a couple will be alone together before 2:00 AM in the honeymoon suite.

Talk about your photographic schedule with your photographer and follow their recommendations. Sticking to old traditions can leave you in the dark!

--
Mimi Teller Photography
www.mimiphoto.com
(310) 372-6464

Paraduxx Winery, Napa Valley and WineShop at Home

2009-07-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

During my visit to Napa this past weekend for our annual WineShop at Home Convention, I had the opportunity to spend 2 afternoons doing one of my favorite things ... wine tasting!!

As wine consultants, we are members of the Wine Industry, and offered complimentary tastings by the gracious hosts at the wineries. One of my favorite experiences this year was the tasting at Paraduxx, along the "less travelled" Silverado Trail. We were escorted to a "seated tasting" outdoors in a beautiful garden...very serene and peaceful. The setting was only surpassed by the wine itself. We were served 4 wines (in Reidel glassware, no less) along with a plate of tasting foods to pair with the wines. My two favorites were the 2004 Paraduxx Napa Valley Red Wine and the 2006 lateral blend. I love the spices of Zinfandel - and this wine with 65% of this grape is exceptionally smooth with just the right layers of spice. We did not want to leave --- but we had 3 more stops to go, so off we went. Be sure to treat yourself to this winery when you want the true Napa Valley experience.

Wedding Photography - Name Your Price Offer!

2009-04-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

Michael Adams of Adams Studio is one of the very talented photographers on display at A Legendary Affair. He is very creative in his work and in the opportunities he offers to potential clients. I just now opened my mail and received his latest offer. It is so unique and such a GREAT VALUE, I am excited to get the word out to everyone who may be interested. Here's the scoop...

Dear Bride,

If you're looking for a photographer, you're in luck. Also if you're looking for a videographer, you're in luck.

Let me explain.

I just bought a state of the art camera that does both High Def HD video and HD photography - at the same time. This camera changes everything!

My purchase is your luck.

I need some weddings to show off our new work. I need some brides that want something different and don't want to pay our normal price of about $9000 for both photography and videography. Is that you?

Here is the deal.

You get to name your price. Make me an offer. You heard me right. Make me an offer to create both your videography and photography in HD

Now, you may be thinking: what is the catch? Here they are:

1. I don't have to accept your offer. I probably will. Just consider that I have created wedding memories for twenty years. Honestly, anything reasonable will be considered.

2. I may already be booked for your day.

3. I get to use your wedding as a sample.

4. I can afford to create 7 name your price weddings.

So, what is the downside? You make me an offer and either I'm booked or I say no. Either way, it's no big deal. We both move on. However...

What's the upside? You make me an offer and I say yes. you get incredible memories, my twenty years of experience and you save thousands on your photography and videography.
What Should You Do Now?

If all this makes sense, then go to www.michaleadams.net, click on wedding models, and fill out our on line form. Sorry - for this special wedding model search, we only take applications through our online form. Phone and email are not accepted.

Remember, I can only afford to create 7 name your price weddings.
Please fill out our form today at www.michaeladams.net

Sincerely,

Michael Adams
Adams Studio
444 Zacahary #116 - Moorpark, CA 93021
805/529-2170

Manhattan Beach/Redondo Beach Skin Care - Creating the Wedding Day Glow!

2009-04-24T14:17:00.000-07:00

OK - so the wedding is approaching in a few months and the pressure is on to have that "Wedding Day Glow" that everyone always talks about. Are you asking yourself ... What if it doesn't happen? What if I just look OK? As if you didn't have enough to think about right now! No worries, Ardyce of Skin Care by Ardyce has put together a simple plan that will help you ease into skin care perfection -- and de-stress along the way...

3 to 6 months prior
Book your Initial Facial and Consultation
Your facialist will evaluate your skin condition, life style, and skin care products and will personally design a maintenance regimen for you to follow according to your goals. Continue with professional facial treatments every 4-6 weeks.

3 months prior
Custom Brow Design
Your facialist will shape your brows to perfectly frame your face and accentuate your own natural beauty. Maintain every 3 weeks.
Lash Tint/Lash Perm
Start tinting the lashes in advance to ensure deep, dark color that is cry-proof, and will last through your honeymoon! Maintain every 3 weeks.
Wedding Day Make-up Preview
Trial run to discuss and apply the perfect colors to accentuate your own beauty. Book wedding date to insure availability.

2 weeks prior
Sunless Body Bronze and Skin Polish
This process exfoliates and smoothes your skin, adding a sunless glow from head to toe. Maintain daily with home product until wedding day.
Final facial before the wedding day

5 days prior
Bikini Wax Final Brow Design, Lash Tint, and Beauty enhancements before the big day!

If you want to check "get my skin in shape" off your list, call Ardyce now at (310) 791-1991 to insure that you will NATURALLY look your best on your most memorable day! Skin Care by Ardyce is a select vendor of A Legendary Affair. Be sure to stop by our showroom - we'd love to help you!

Summer Promo - $5 off the New Bride Name Change Kit

2009-04-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

SAVE $5 ON THE NEW BRIDE NAME CHANGE KIT...

You'll love this time-saver!! Instead of spending hours figuring out all the details of what you need to do to change your name, you can get all the official forms and documents in one simple kit...including detailed directions and a checklist - so you won't miss a thing. The Official New Bride Name Change Kit uses the marriage certificate to effect the name change. I have sold these kits in my shop for years and can barely keep them on the shelves! I know that brides love them because they frequently come back to purchase them for friends as a shower gift!

Mention this blog listing before you purchase your kit at A Legendary Affair during July, August and September 2009 and save $5. Regular cost is only $29 plus tax. Stop by to pick it up or we can ship it for $4.

This kit helps you easily change your name with:

Social security
Driver License
Vehicle Title
Passport
Voters Registration
Insurance
Banking
Professional Affiliations
Property Records

In the Official New Bride Name Change Kit you will find:

All Government Forms
Instructions
Checklist
Ancillary Record Change Forms
Labels for envelopes
Customization to your State and Local Jurisdiction

South Africa Honeymoons

2009-04-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

I just met with Barbara Matles and Linda Kahn-Ferrell of Robinson Travel Service (right next door to our A Legendary Affair showroom) about their exciting new Honeymoon Package to South Africa. This trip is particularly intriguing to me because traveling to Africa and experiencing a safari is definitely on my "Bucket List"!

This "Southern Wildlife & Roses" package includes --- 4 nights in Cape Town at Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in a sea-facing room and 3 nights in the Manyaleti Reserve at Tintswalo Safari Lodge. Spa treatments, select meals, and wildlife viewing activities are included. Land arrangements start at $4195 per/person. It is a trip of a lifetime --- which is what a honeymoon is all about!

Do You Need A Wedding Planner??

2009-04-17T15:43:00.000-07:00

April Whitney of April Whitney Events in Long Beach, California tells us what a Wedding Planner really does, so you can decide if this is a service that you need...

Is it possible to have a wedding without a Planner or Coordinator? Absolutely! Hundreds of thousands of weddings go off every year without Wedding Planners. The difference is in how much you will work, how much frustration you will experience, how much time you will have to spend learning about what is available and reasonable pricing of goods and services. It will determine how many problems you will run in to, whether or not you will stay within your budget and how much you and your family and friends will work the day of your wedding, Having a Wedding Planner determines whether or not you will be plagued by questions and problems throughout your wedding day, as well as the overall flow of your event and how much you will enjoy the entire process.

Some Bride’s and Groom’s need a Wedding planner more than others. Bride’s and Groom’s that are working full time jobs or are in school will need a planner more than those with lot’s of free time. The Bride & Groom who live in another city or are planning a destination wedding will need a Wedding Planner. If the Bride and Groom’s parents or Wedding party live in other cities a Planner is needed. If you are having a “Home” wedding or a wedding at a location where you bring everything in such as caterer and rentals you definitely need a planner. Or if you just want to relax and enjoy your big day as well as the process leading up to the big day, you need a Wedding Planner.

Sometimes Bride’s and Groom’s are concerned that a Wedding Planner will “take over.” A great Wedding Planner will not take over. Rather, a great Wedding Planner is a partner in the planning process, helping to inform you, educate you, guide you and make sure that it is your vision that comes to life!

Even if you feel that you have already done all the work a Wedding Coordinator is the best gift you can give yourselves for the day of your event. A great Wedding Coordinator will take care of any problems that arise throughout the day, carry an emergency kit and do all of the things you would do if you weren’t busy getting married with many years of experience. A great Day of Coordinator will confirm your vendors, direct your rehearsal, track down the limousine, pin on boutonnieres, get water, oversee set up, manage your vendors, answer questions, shield you from little problems, take care of you, calm your nerves. And that’s just before the ceremony! In addition to getting you down the aisle, a Day of Coordinator will oversee set up of the reception, set up place cards, set out favors, make sure the cake is set up properly, tuck menu cards in to napkins, place table numbers, double check assigned seating, manage the entire location, get you and your wedding party ready for your Grand Entrance and that’s before the reception! A great Wedding Coordinator will oversee the flow of the entire reception, answer questions, give cues to the entertainment while making sure that the photographer and videographer are ready to capture the next event, cue toast makers, set you up for and assist in, your cake cutting, find your comfortable pair of shoes when your feet get tired, make sure all of your plans are carried out, keep your vendors following the itinerary, keep the event flow on time keeping in mind the parameters of photographer, venue and entertainment contracts. Your Wedding Coordinator will make sure that the entertainment is playing the right song for the first dance, keep you informed throughout the event of what is coming up next, keep you abreast of bar costs, load gifts to your car, pack up all of your personal items such as guest book, cake knife, toasting glasses etc…

Your wedding only has one chance to be right. Why risk it? Why spend all the time and money planning your event without making sure someone is there to make sure all of your plans are carried out. Who will fix problems for you on your wedding day?

When you look back on your wedding we want you to remember it as a wonderful event, not to remember “working” it. It would be our honor to help make your wedding come to life!

April can be reached at (562) 760-3095. She also teaches a Wedding Planning 101 workshop at A Legendary Affair each month!

Secrets to a Successful Marriage

2009-04-13T21:50:00.000-07:00

Being in the wedding industry and meeting with couples every day in my showroom, I can't help but wonder how all of these hearts and souls manage to find each other ... and, what will become of each relationship once the "wedding fairy dust" has settled and real life begins. It seems that most of us know only a hand full of couples who have marriages we truely admire - relationships that just "work". Why is that? Is it because these couples are soul mates and are simply "meant to be" - and/or do they have a secret that we all should know?

Soon after reconnecting with a friend from decades past, I could tell that he and his wife have one such relationship. Here is his story...

Secrets to a Successful Marriage
by Jeff Hickey

I will be the first to admit I am lucky. I have told people I am thankful each and every day that I had the great fortune to meet Karen and the good sense to fall in love with her. Ours was and is that rare, and some would say mythical moment, of love at first sight. After 27 years, I call it something else . . . serendipity. It was meant to be.

But to keep that spark, to nurture it, to make it grow, it takes more than the passion of the beginning, or even the later understanding that it is real. I can’t speak for everyone, but I know what has worked for us.

First and foremost, there is trust. You have to let your partner be himself or herself. They have to be free to find their own path; secure in the knowledge that path will always lead back to you. They have to be free to have their own friends, lead their own lives, and pursue the dreams that matter most to them. For some, this is difficult. Too many marriages are controlling, even if that control is seemingly well intentioned. I’ve known people who love their spouse, without a doubt, but their marriage fails because they discourage or put restrictions on individual growth. All of us, as individuals, must be allowed to grow without guilt or having to carry the insecurity of our partner. The old saying is appropriate . . . If you love them, let them go. Believe me, if your partner knows without a doubt that you love and trust them, the time you spend with your partner will be happier and the rewards might even surprise you.

And that brings a key word into play. Surprise. You must continue to play and surprise each other. This can be something simple, or it can be elaborate. But the best surprises often are both. Let me tell you about my favorite surprise. A few years ago, about a month before our anniversary, which happened to fall on a Saturday that year, Karen told me she had a surprise for me. She said that on the given night, I was to make sure our children spent the night elsewhere. Of course, that was enough for me, but Karen had more in mind. So that warm summer evening, with the children gone, and me certain that I was ready for anything, Karen began to unveil her plan. First, she set up a standard sized throw rug on our back deck. She set candles all around it. She sat me down in a deck chair and told me not to move or look around until she said so. She set up the video camera. Kinky, I thought. This was going to be fun. She made me wait until it was dusk, with deep blue twilight sky, and the scent of a nearby jasmine plant filling the air. She lit the candles, and went inside, reminding me not to turn around. In a few minutes, I heard the camera start and then I heard music. It sounded like . . . belly dance music. Within seconds, out she came, in full costume, and performed a completely choreographed belly dance for me. She finished the dance, ran inside, changed costumes, put on different music, and performed another, completely different belly dance.

I was more than shocked. I wasn’t even turned on . . . yet. I didn’t know who she was. She’d never belly danced. She didn’t even like to dance. She’d always been kind of klutzy. And where had she developed abs of steel? I knew every inch of her and the only six-pack I knew was in the refrigerator. Who was this woman?

Turns out, she’d been taking belly dance classes after her work for six weeks with this in mind. Karen would tell you it was the most flabbergasted I’ve ever been and she is correct. I needed time to regroup and decompress. I could hardly speak. Karen couldn’t even tell if I enjoyed the dances. I got up, went into the bathroom and closed the door. I needed a few minutes with things familiar to me. Of course, I recovered pretty quickly when I realized I was going to spend the night with the belly dancer.

Someday, perhaps, I will tell you how I’ve surprised her from time to time, but it always comes back to trust. I trusted Karen was coming home late those nights for a reason. I let her grow on her own. She surprised me. And our love grew. It continues to grow.

(Jeffrey Hickey is an author, which is probably how he was able to write this great piece in about 15 minutes! Thanks so much, Jeff - and Karen, too. I would love to share the stories of other fabulous couples. I hope all of you will spread the word. I welcome your comments and emails!)

Wedding Photography: At What Cost?

2009-04-10T17:19:00.000-07:00

When clients visit the A Legendary Affair Showroom and are seeking a photographer, I suggest that they evaluate each choice based on 3 things ... Style, Value, and Personality. Sounds pretty easy, huh?! Well - maybe not. As with other event related services, when it comes to photography pricing to determine value, it is difficult to compare "apples to apples".

One of our prized A Legendary Affair photographers, Mimi Teller-Rosicky of Mimi Teller Photography has come to the rescue with these helpful insights and suggestions...

As couples navigate the murky waters of finding the perfect wedding photographer (and they do exist!) one of the overwhelming details are the wide ranges of cost. Wedding photography packages can start as high as $100,000 and range down to $750. Assuredly, the $100k range will resemble a lavish Hollywood's Who's Who wedding, while the middle range photographers for us 'normal' folks fall between $1,800 - $8,000, depending on how many albums, photographers and hours of coverage. Still, one wonders, why such a spread?

Allow me to explain why: A lot more goes into shooting a wedding than having a nice camera, a few flash cards and the computer software to process the final product. The overhead for a reliable and knowledgeable photographer should include all of the following:

• The latest equipment, camera bodies (at least two), lenses (at least four), computer and software
• Regular cleaning and maintenance of all equipment (at least three times a year)
• Purchase new flash cards every six month or every 15-20 weddings
• Keep dozens of fresh, professional quality batteries on hand
• Attend one to two educational and informational seminars, workshops or conferences each year
• Subscribe to industry related magazines (and make time to read them)
• Research each client's venue for the best light and shooting locations before the event day
• Understand each client's style, taste and character to best represent those aspects in photographs
• Belong to a few professional organizations (annual fees start at $100 for each)
• Invest in multiple, top quality external hard drives and 100-year archival CDs for backing up
photograph files. Archive each client's event for at least one year.

These are only a few of the items behind the cost of a photographer who takes their work and their clients seriously and will more than likely be around after the fly-by-nighters have found another get rich quick scheme. If you choose to pay less for your wedding photographer, at least present this list to them and find out which items you're willing to live without?

Beach Wedding Do's and Don'ts

2009-04-08T22:30:00.000-07:00

Living in Southern California, many couples are enticed by the prospect of an ocean front wedding, and you can't get much closer to that dream than by having your wedding ceremony in the sand. What better way to say "I Do" in Southern California! Before you send out the invitations, you might want to follow the advise of Wedding Planners, Mary Dann and Holly Lefevre...

Planning for Your Sea Side Celebration

Casual or Formal: Getting married on the beach is really best suited for a casual affair. For a more formal affair, select an ocean front home or special event venue with an ocean view.

Find the perfect sand space: Call the Parks and Recreation Department or Special Events Department in the city you wish to get married. These offices will be able to discuss what is necessary for a sand wedding in their particular city.

Watch out for those special events: Ask the Parks and Recreation, Special Events Department, and/or Chamber of Commerce about other public events taking place. The beach is host to many volleyball tournaments, surf competitions, and street fairs.

Check into restrictions: Do you need a permit or is the beach available on a first come first serve basis? Can chairs be set out? Ask these and other questions before you proceed with the planning.

Call again: Before invitations are ordered (3-4 months prior to wedding) call the city again to reconfirm rules, regulations, and schedule of public activities.

Have a back up plan: Rain, wind, or an unexpected (public) special event scheduled can upset your plans. Ask your reception site if they have back-up space.

Crowds and Uninvited Guests: You will attract passerby's who like to be distant witnesses to your special wedding celebration. Also, try not to plan a sand wedding on a holiday weekend.

Be clear on the invitations: Indicate your wedding site on your invitation. Make it clear to your guests that the ceremony takes place on the sand.

Parking: Secure a parking lot and/or hire a shuttle service for guest transportation.

"Do's and Don'ts" - Helpful Hints from the Experts

DO: Be aware of special needs of older or disabled guests
DO: Provide some chairs for family and older guests (10-12 chairs is adequate)
DO: Consider using a pedi-cab to get these guests from the hotel/parking lot to the sand
DO: Acoustical guitars, flutes, and other "portable" instruments work for beach ceremonies or have a friend operate a (battery operated) CD player
DO: Keep the decor simple...Pre-decorated arches and aisle markers and a few chairs for older guests and/or family
DO: Hold off bringing out dÈcor until 30 minutes prior or have a friend watch over your items
DO: Use a pedi-cab to get you from the hotel to the sand
DO: Hire a Wedding Coordinator
DO: Stake out your spot with towels & sheets to reserve your space in the sand
DO: Have water with plastic glasses and emergency kit available to your guests
DO: Have a basket of towels available, post-ceremony for wiping off feet
DO: Think about golf umbrellas for shade (especially on hot days)
DO: Use walkie-talkies and cellular phones for Strand to sand communication
DO: Have the photographer/videographer bring a sand wagon to carry and secure their equipment
DO: Have a person to secure all the shoes that are left on The Strand (sidewalk that lines the beach throughout the South Bay).

DON'T: Keep guests waiting without seats in the sun. Start the ceremony on time
DON'T: Hire a keyboardist, harpist, or DJ's to provide music or sound for the ceremony
DON'T: Use candles (i.e. a unity candle)
DON'T: Use a (fabric) aisle runner
DON'T: Plan a ceremony longer than 20 minutes

DO: RELAX, TAKE IN THAT FRESH SEA AIR, AND ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF THIS AMAZING DAY!

Wedding Dining Etiquette

2009-04-08T20:41:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, I created a handbook of articles written by each of the very knowledgeable vendors of A Legendary Affair, Manhattan Beach, CA. The following information on Wedding Dining Etiquette provided by Margaret Develey of The Develey International Group proved very helpful...

There are a lot of little details that the bride will have to coordinate when finalizing the details of her wedding reception. One of the most important ones is the seating arrangements of the "parents' table."

Making sure that proper seating protocol is followed is a must during a wedding reception. If you decide to go with a "parents' table" the seating should be as follows: the mother of the bride, would have the father of the groom sitting to her right. The father of the bride, or whoever is accompanying the mother of the bride, would sit across the table having the mother of the groom to his right. The seat to the left of the bride's mother is usually reserved for the person who performed the wedding ceremony. The mother of the groom has the bride's grandfather (or other male relative) on her right side and the seating arrangements go on alternating family members or close family friends.

For everyone who participates, in a wedding reception, it is important to know what part of the place setting belongs to them and what belongs to the people sitting to their left and to their right. As a rule of thumb, all glassware for a place setting, are to the right of that place setting. The bread and butter plate is always on the left of a place setting. Any utensils on top of the place setting are to be used for the dessert.

The napkin can be in a lot of different locations and knowing which one is yours is vital, as it could leave someone on the table without a napkin. Usually napkins are placed in the center of the place setting, but you can also find them next to the forks in the left of the place setting, in the wineglass or the coffee cup if this is set on the table. Another place where the napkin can be found is on the bread and butter plate. Observe the place setting before using the silverware, glassware and napkin.

An important part of both the rehearsal dinner and the wedding reception is toasting. Usually the best man will begin the toasts and then other people can follow.

A toast is a very special honor for the person receiving it. Throughout the course of the meal people will start toasting the wedding couple. The person giving the toast stands. The couple that is being toasted remains seated hold their glasses, but they do not raise them or bring them to their lips to drink. One does not drink a toast to oneself. It is appropriate for the person who was toasted to rise and respond to the toast, to which he/she may drink. Other guests may then propose toasts.

Becoming aware of all these little details will take the guesswork out the day of the special event and will let everyone enjoy the celebration.

Sip Wine To Save The Big Cats...

2009-03-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

Hello and thanks for visiting my blog!

Those of you who know me are aware of my deep love for animals and especially felines ... large and small. I felt it was appropriate to start my blog with an important message about this subject and how it relates to my wine business.

As an Independent Wine Consultant for WineShop at Home, a winery in Napa Valley that produces limited quantity boutique wines, I had the good fortune of attending our Leadership Conference in Sonoma this past January. One of my most memorable moments was the presentation about our new release EVO brand wines and our partnership with National Geographic in supporting the Big Cat Initiative. I was stunned and saddened to learn of the serious challenges now facing our large felines. Can you believe that there are only 6000 Snow Leopards left in the wild? And that the lion populations in Africa have dropped 30-50% during the past 20 years? Our EVO wine labels are designed to celebrate nature and create awareness of ecological causes. The labels on our new release EVO Merlot and EVO Sauvignon Blanc reflect animals that are near to becoming extinct. Each animal is in half profile, communicating that without our help, they will fade completely from view. Part of the proceeds from each bottle of these wines sold will go toward this cause. These wines would make a special gift for your animal loving friends. I would love to go onto my wine website and see that you have purchased EVO. If you would like to buy a case of 12 bottles, call or email me first so I can save you the shipping costs. Since many of us enjoy drinking great wine anyways, why not sip for a really, really important cause!

Cheers!