Ok, it was my birthday recently… I have been 30 already once before so I am not disclosing my age on this blog.  I decided this year to invest in great facial cream and eye cream. I’ll let you know what I get!. Well, sneaky Brooke and Michelle plotted and planned my birthday dinner as I was thinking it was going to be an intimate group of 3 or 4….little did I know my husband knew about it too, along with many others!  My heart stopped, and skipped a beat, because I was in shock….not good for a control freak like me.  I was absolutely delighted to see everyone and even my little Maddie showed up too with dad.  They are so close…I am so lucky to have him as a husband, who is an amazing father and so supportive of my weekend job and weekday job!  Sweet Jasmine Star and JD were there to document my speechless but happy expressions and Grace, created a mini me cake topper Hawaiian party style (topper has better body of course)!  What a night, great memories and the perfect meal, Saba Steak Salad from Tommy Bahamas.    And of course, red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting.  SLIDESHOW by Jasmine
I realized I forgot to make a toast, usually my hubbie does those. But BIG Thanks to all those that made it and to those that couldn’t, I love you all! Cheers!

For all the Nor Cal brides…you may heard of Gene Higa, just recently awarded American Photo Magazine: Among the Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the World!

So that does not mean you need to have your wedding in the bay area in order to hire Gene? Hmmm, he has been all over the world: Greece, Italy, India, Brazil. Spain, Thailand, Jaimaica, Mexico, etc etc…so yes, yes, he is available for travel!  

I had the pleasure of meeting Gene about 2 years ago through a past bride, Kathy (one with the RED background shot below)  Gene has built a solid reputation as a wedding photographer with 4 key words.  “DARE TO BE DIFFERENT” 

Gene just relaunched his BLOG www.genehiga.net  Congrats Gene!

Atelier Isabey means LUXURY INVITATIONS…well not the literal translation as I do not know French but that is my take on these beautiful paper goods.  Margot Moussempes is the great granddaughter of the Isabey family. Jean- Baptiste Isabey was a famous French miniaturist painter in the early 19th century in Versailles.  Many generations later and talent in the blood, Margot continues to create art by personalizing and designing invitations and stationery.  This is my first time working with Margot and it has been smooth and easy; with my clients living in Seattle and Margot in NY and me in California.  Here are some images of the pieces she designed for Dana and Andrew, who are getting married in June. Of course, wedding colors are light pink and butter yellow!  Also, a few snapshots of some of MY favorites from her portfolio.  To see more, check out www.atelierisabey.com