Lisa N James

Let me introduce you to one of our favorite photographic teams - Lisa N James.

They met while James was shooting a Super 8 film project. Lisa's background was in cinematography, then coordinating weddings at one of San Francisco's most prestigious hotels. 

They bring all their talents to the field of photography along with a keen eye for detail, a willingness to try anything, a laid back attitude and an understanding about what a wedding day is all about. 

I love the way they capture movement like this bride on a carousel.

I love the way they capture a casual moment between two people so that they look natural.

If you'd like to see more of their work, please come visit a private wedding faire. Lovely Details Showcase, this Sunday, February 22 from 11 - 3 PM at Fort Mason, Building A, Golden Gate Room.  Open to the public and totally FREE!

DK Designs - Extraordinary Flowers

Take a look.  Take a close look.  Isn't that a beautiful flower?  Diane Phillips of DK Designs makes stunning flowers...out of clay!  They are sooo realistic and light as a feather.  

We saw them in the hair of the models at Wedding University; we've seen them as cake toppers. And last night at Lea McIntosh's party, I won my very own petite arrangement.  I was so thrilled!

Diane Phillips is so sweet. Every time I see her, she is smiling and her eyes are dancing.  That pure sweetness is infused into each of her works of art.

You have an opportunity to see Diane and her little treasures at the Bridal Faire at Ralston Hall Mansion on Sunday, February 22 from 1 PM - 4 PM. Admission is complimentary and as a great big bonus, you can WIN A WEDDING GOWN! Also, two free tickets to the MOVIE-ME SEMINAR will be raffled.

As for me, tomorrow I'm going to set a petite Valentine's Day table with this arrangement as the inspiration and centerpiece. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Bella Bridesmaid, You're Beautiful

If you asked a friend you REALLY liked to be your bridesmaid, where would you go to find her a beautiful dress?  Bella Bridesmaid, of course! And what dress might you choose? One from Hannah Williams who just happens to have a trunk show of her Queue dress collection on February 14.  Great fabrics. Great colors. And I love the little flower appliques the designer carefully places on the bodice, around the hem or even on the whole skirt, like the full length gown in the picture to the left.  

Another adorable little detail you just have to see are the cocktail length dresses with a tiny bit of tulle peeking out. The designer created her collection so each dress worked well for weddings as well as for other events.  Finally.  It's no longer a lie - you CAN wear that beautiful dress again.

As I was looking at all the gorgeous bridesmaid's dresses at Bella Bridesmaid, it occurred to me that some of these bridesmaids dresses could be worn by a bride.  Some of the designers such as Alix & Kelly and Jenny Yoo offer just that - simple silhouettes, in white or off-white, in sensational fabrics such as silk, chiffon or taffeta for as little as $650.  For a non-traditional bride, imagine accessorizing with a metallic shoe or just a touch of feathers in the hair.  For the groom?  Maybe a '40's or '50's retro tuxedo or dark suit with tie to complement the bridal party.  

The ladies at Bella Bridesmaid are just so nice and the store is airy and inviting. So before the big Valentine's Night celebration, take your bridesmaids to 2250 Union Street and have a bella, bella beautiful day.

Let 'Em Eat Cake Coquette

Who doesn't love cake?  And who doesn't love Gabreille at Cake Coquette? Gabrielle is vivacious, smart, witty, creative and sweet. She has had plenty of experience baking cakes, first as a student at the California Culinary Academy, then as pastry chef at the W Hotel in Seattle, then at Cake Divas, a prestigious cakery in Los Angeles. 

It's hard to decide which is my favorite flavor - the dark chocolate cake glazed with coffee Kahlua syrup and filled with mocha buttercream or the light lemon cake with tart citrus syrup layered with smooth citrus creme. And it's even harder to decide which is my favorite design. From elegant to whimsical each cake is unique and special.

And now, I'm not the only one who has discovered Cake Coquette.  Gabrielle's work will be featured at the prestigious Gump's Wedding Chic Bridal Show on Sunday, February 8. Visit and taste!