ABC LA Workshop

Yesterday I went to the ABC LA workshop on blogging, branding and balance at the Bungalow Club. This was the best bang for my buck in a long time. Even though I was like an hour late because of the good ol' 101 freeway, I got there just in time to sample some yummy dishes and hear the fabulous speakers from The Broke-Ass Bride. Dana LaRue and Hunter Stiebel were the most informative, entertaining, totally prepared speakers I've heard in a long time. In spite of the minor technical difficulty they were experiencing with the power point, they had everyone completely engaged throughout their whole presentation. Plus they are a super cute, newly married couple.

This cute cartoon is just a taste of all the fun stuff you'll find on their site.


I took away from this some great handouts, great notes, and great advice. Hey, look at me, I got out of my own way and I'm just blogging! Woohoo!

The Bungalow Club is a very cool place to have dinner, just hang out and have amazing events. This is where Dana and Hunter had their wedding reception. The food was delicious too. I was in the mood for comfort food yesterday and there was a chicken and mashed potatoes dish that came my way and I enjoyed it very much.

Another thing I really enjoyed was the cute little dessert bar provided by Bittersweet Treats. I walked 5 miles yesterday so it canceled the calories of the 4 yummy treats I had. I had initially brought 3, but my table mate Julie Hopkins of Camera Creations tempted me to get the 4th one. (Shame on you...but THANK YOU, you were right, it WAS good!!)

It was great to see familiar faces (I love Melissa Allen from the Ebell L.A.) and get to talk to people I had only seen from afar at past meetings (Doyle Borden is My Flower Guy, we shared some table space and chit chatted a bit).

This workshop was worth the hours on the freeway. I'm excited to use the new information I learned and looking forward to seeing how it will positively impact Pleasant Surprise Events.

Christina and Jason, Part 2 School themed wedding/Musical themed reception

We love Christina and Jason! They are so sweet and so fun!! They're both teachers and they both LOVE musicals, so we decided to have everything leading up to the reception to be school themed and then the reception would reflect all the other things they love.

All the paper goods were DIY originals by Christina and her sister, printed by the nice people at Bethel Card and Paper and Bentley Printing and Graphics.











The ceremony was at the New Life Community Church in Artesia, with lots of natural light and enough seating for their many guests.



The reception was held at the Brea Community Center. A perfect blank slate with hardwood floors and clean, neutral walls.





We totally one-stop-shopped at J and M Entertainment. DJ/MC, Lighting and Videography. The trek out to Valencia was totally worth it.

There were two catering companies involved. They had a simple reception at the church hall immediately following the ceremony for their parents' church friends catered by Nak Won Catering . Then they had the reception with dancing and all the festivities catered by Four Seasons Catering. Both buffet style, both delicious.

The beautiful flowers were done by my aunt Janet Chung of Robinson's Flowers. We're not really related, but I've really grown to love her as if we were.







The tasty cake and desserts were from Michelle's Cake House, as well as some yummy cheese rolls from Porto's. Porto's made an earlier appearance during the cocktail hour with some savory favorites of Christina and Jason.




There were two elements that set this wedding apart from the rest. First was their transportation. School teachers ride in school buses!









Then the introduction of the bridal party. The whole bridal party exited off the bus to "We're all in this together" from High School Musical and made a tunnel for Christina and Jason.



Instead of being introduced into the room, they entered the reception first so they could welcome the guests to "Be our Guest" from Beauty and the Beast. Jason said a few words of thanks then the MC announced each couple to songs from different musicals. They had props, a video background and some very entertaining choreography. Can't wait for the video!

My little surprise for them was the custom card boxes I made in the shape of a school bus.



Last, but not least, their photographer was none other than the very talented Youkeun Oh. I'm so glad I finally got a chance to work with him. Thanks so much for the images!

Everyone had a blast at this wedding, including us! It was a long day, but it was so worth it! We wish Christina and Jason all the best! We love you!





Hair and make up for Christina, her bridesmaids and both mothers was done by I*Thie Total Beauty in Buena Park.