Way back in the day, when we lived in Pasadena and we had opened our first business having nothing to do with weddings, we needed some head shots.  Being a recent bride, I trotted over to the Los Angeles wedding board on The Knot and queried the group for a name of an up and coming photographer.  Enter Jordana Hazel, owner of Hazelnut Photography.  A recent transplant to LA from North Carolina where she attended Wake Forest University, Jordana ran around the Caltech campus taking formal business shots for us. 

When I entered the wedding industry, I knew Jordana and I would meet again, and this time it was a bit different.  I visited her charming Hollywood home, which she and her husband have been remodeling since they moved in.  Her living room inspires with much of her work adorning the mantel and walls. 

Less than two years since first starting her photography business, her client list has exploded.  Her work speaks for itself, it is clean and soft, capturing intimate and emotional moments.  Other shots are bright and explosive, displaying the subject's excitement or surprise.  A growing list of happy clients continues to refer.  But do not fret, Jordana has not let it go to her head.  She is approachable and down-to-earth; I know she is genuinely interested in taking delectable pictures for each and every client.

Jordana's photos have graced the pages of Ceremony Magazine, and her work has been blogged on wedding sites LA Style Unveiled, Elizabeth Anne Designs, and With This Ring.

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An Idea

Sara Gray, a fabulous photographer who I have blogged about previously (see entry here) and I had been kicking around an idea to do a mock wedding shoot.  But you know how things are in life--it seems like so much work, what if no one wants to help us, what if it rains--the shoot got sidetracked.  Finally, back in February I tossed an idea to Sara over tea one evening. 

How about a lemon and lime theme, with the fruits mixed in tall glass hurricanes?  White linens and natural chiavari chairs?  Sara loved it (thank goodness!) and suggested navy as an accent color.  The deal was sealed.  We set a date for March and divided up a list of vendors we would each contact.

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I am so excited to finally be able to interview and blog about a bridal salon.  It was a pleasure to visit The Ivory Suite Bridal Boutique in South Pasadena for this purpose. 

Meet Gina Mason and Nicole Cherry-Yu, owners of The Ivory Suite.  This dynamic duo opened their shop a few years ago and have selected wonderful designers and committed themselves to a very high level of personal service for their clients.  Their salon welcomes you in with soft lighting, rich brown drapery, and lovely photos taken by Gina's husband, wedding photographer Sean Mason. 

The gown lines are personally selected by Gina and Nicole, who thoroughly vet their designers to ensure they can provide top quality gowns and styles which range from classic to modern.  There are two generously sized dressing rooms, and the smallness of the shop is actually one of its greatest assets, as it allows Gina and Nicole to provide personal service to each bride.  As I talk to Gina and Nicole about The Ivory Suite, I can tell their clients have wonderful experiences here. 

Read on to learn more about The Ivory Suite.

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Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Janette and Vincente Galindo, the duo behind Elegant Designs Speciality Linens.   Janette and Vincente began their business 15 years ago when a cousin who worked for a hotel complained about the sub par quality of the chair covers which were brought in for weddings and other formal affairs.  The couple, who had previously designed swimsuits together, quickly got to work making a pattern for a chair cover.  That weekend they had their first booking, renting chair covers for a wedding. 

The company has grown steadily over the years, expanding into larger and larger spaces to accomodate an ever-growing inventory of items.  They now employ a staff of 23, and have helped family members expand the business to Texas and Florida.  However, do not fear that their egos have grown along with their business.  Janette and Vincente are sweet and delightful.  They pride themselves on quality service and going the extra mile for clients. 

Read on to learn more about my interview with Janette and how Elegant Designs Specialty Linen can provide you incredible products paired with excellent service for your wedding.

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South Bay, Los Angeles

I thought a post about Los Angeles and Orange County would be fitting, since I am in the area for several weeks now.  Ahh, the sunshine and palm tress, I just cannot get enough!  In this third, and certainly not final, installment of my Favorite Things, I'm bringing it to you LA and OC style. 

Every Summer we would travel to Balboa Island in Newport Beach for a family vacation.  Most Christmases were spent in Pasadena.  One summer I took courses at Pasadena City College.  I first started Elizabeth Ann Events in Pasadena.  So, there are lots of favorite things from LA. 

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I'm sorry, did someone just say cheese?

Never before has a vendor who specializes in cheese contacted me.  But when Brandon Weeks, owner of PDX Cheese Works wanted to get in touch about providing a unique culinary experience at wedding receptions and other events, I was intrigued.  Sure, I'd be happy to talk about cheese. 

Read on to learn more about what Brandon and his team at PDX Cheese Works can do to make your reception stand out from the rest.

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