I promise you guys [cue terribly long, terribly punctuated run-on sentence riiiiiight now!], I don’t know how it happens, but I truly feel so fortunate, undeserving, and full-on blessed to end up with such tender, love-oriented couples who just happen to take pictures radiating those feelings for one another! Melissa and Fonzo are certainly no exception. When Brandon Kidd [their super fab photog] blogged their engagement session last week… I fell out of my chair. Okay, okay… not literally [but I certainly did emotionally- and then I emailed the link to every single team member working on their wedding... which is 4 of them. 4 + me = 5 members of the awesome-sauce committee]. They looks delicious and stylish and in love and sweet and- well, they look everything that they truly are! I cannot WAIT for their June wedding.

In case you didn’t notice about me yet… I love a good “pop color”- and Melissa is rocking that shirt like it’s going out of style! But, you know, color never does!

Possibly my favorite picture of them ever ever ever:

Happy hearts make happy weddings.

I know you’d all GAWK if I told you that there’s still more over on Brandon’s Blog that weren’t posted here but it’s true! So go visit, leave him some lovely words and ooey gooey notes of pretty things! M+F… you know I’m thrilled about your pending nuptials. I’m so honored to be a part of it! You two are the real deal. And for that… I love you!

Spend some time with living green things today and remind yourself that you’re alive!

xoxo,

A.

I can’t believe I’m even going to say this, but… seven years ago today, the wonderfully talented [and humble and sweet and loving and generous.... and more] Josh Auer asked me to be his wife.

He took me to Huntington Beach, where we parked out on a large stretch of empty sand just the two of us, his guitar and a blanket. He played me a song he wrote for me- the first song he’d ever written. Ever. For the wife of a now-full-time songwriter, it’s pretty unbelievable! Then he got down on his knee, and proposed. At 21 years old, I didn’t have a doubt in the world. And I never have!

Five months later we tied the knot in a wonderful whirlwind full of love [and, admittedly, chaos]. I’m so thankful that he “knew” enough to ask me to be his wife. I’m thankful for our story, and for who we’ve become together. Not everyone can survive being married and still having to grow up together- as man and wife. But we can, we did, we are, we have, and we’re going to!

Here’s one of our engagement photos, taken by a college friend of mine [now a high school photography teacher], Jette Via:

And just for fun, one from our first married Christmas [just a few months later]:

Never forget to celebrate the little things- and never forget the importance of your story! Becoming an “us” is one of the most fun experiences I’ve had in my life! And I’m in love with each day that I get to wake up as a wife of the man I love. Truly an honor!!

xoxo,

A.

And now that their wedding planning is well on it’s way, I’m thrilled to say that this is going to be one of the most special events of the season for me! Not only because Tom and Steph are my friends, but because they’re actually tying the knot at the same place my husband and I did nearly SEVEN years ago [crazy, how time flies]!! Working a wedding at The Oak Knoll Club in Ladera Ranch will be so fun- but Steph’s vision for the big day [think Paris shrouded in black, cream and chocolate tones with a cocktail-style dessert affair] is even more highly anticipated!

Their engagement pictures are courtesy of Trever Hoehne, an ever-fave of anyone with an eye for artistic ability and heart! I’m pumped, y’all! Totally 100% AMPED on this event! So, to get you into the spirit of it all… here’s some of their actual engagement session by Trever:

This image was shot in one of my favorite locations of all time- Santiago/Trabuco Canyon. It’s where I grew up and went to Elementary School. The area, the lush surroundings, and the vibe of the canyon hold such a special place in my heart. This picture represents it so accurately!

Is Steph not the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?? ADORE the dress. Adore the style. Adore the “darkness” of the shot!

Counting down the minutes until their July wedding!!

xoxo,

A.

And then…there’s Heather and Joe. To say that they are a match made in heaven is an understatement. And to say that I love them just a little…well that would be an understatement as well. They met at work. They sat in cubicles just inches apart from each other, and were friends for what seemed like forever. Then one Valentine’s Day they both found themselves single and decided to couple up, just for the day of course, and be each other’s “date” for the evening. It couldn’t hurt to go out just as friends, right?

Cut to three years later, and we’ll be watching these two “friends” walk down the aisle as husband and wife on the anniversary of their first date. Valentine’s Day 2010. It is going to be an affair to remember, on one of the most romantic day’s of the year. And I am so so honored and blessed to be a part of it.

So without further ado….I present to you…Heather & Joe!

They took their engagement pictures in downtown Laguna Beach, having a blast finding all of the cute little nooks & crannies trickled among the artful streets that line the area.

Now I wasn’t there, but I know with 100% certainty, that the face that Heather is making on the right means that Joe just said something to tease her. In a very loving way of course. ;)

And then it was time for an outfit change, and change of scenery to match!

This image takes my breath away.

Ahhhh…..Love!

Well, what did I tell you? Amazing right? Just make sure you go over to Adrienne’s blog HERE to see the rest of these beauties. You won’t be sorry, I promise!

~ Alicia

A coordinator hired by another coordinator!?! Can you think of a bigger compliment?? Seriously! That’s why when I got the inquiry to do the wedding of Leah, of Sweet Pear Events, I was beyond thrilled! And as I saw her vendor line up begin to fill up, I continued to jump for joy. She has made some great choices, and I am SO honored to be a part of this all-star line up.

Last year, In The Now was honored to coordinate for Jen, one of the other members of Sweet Pear Events, as well. You may remember her fabulous wedding from May, but if you don’t, check out some of her images here. So we are SO glad to have Leah joining our happy wedding family as well!

Ok, so back to these fabulous vendors I mentioned, I was thrilled to hear that Leah had selected Brandon Kidd as her photographer, but when I saw her engagement session pop up on his blog, I did a small happy dance. Think Irish Jig while wearing my PJ’s…

Just check out these A-mazing engagement pictures he took of Leah & Josh in Palm Springs.
The shoot started at The Viceroy, where Josh had proposed to Leah back in January.

Those yellow heels are KILLER right?

And when you can’t get the yellow heels in the shot, a yellow door will do just fine!

I love the way she’s looking at him here.

But this one is my favorite. You are Fierce girl…FIERCE!

Wow! That’s what you’re thinking to yourself right now right? And that you wish you could see more? I know, I know, I’m a mind reader…it’s a gift. Well, it just so happens that you’re in LUCK! This was seriously just a sampling of Brandon’s amazing work. So make sure you check out the rest of his goodies on his blog HERE!

~ Alicia

Kellee and I clicked from minute one. She’s just so HER. And of course, I’m ME. My quirky, spastic, emotional and ridiculous self. And she loved it. And that made me love her even more! Her and Nick are wonderful together- can’t you seeeee from these images?

These make me even thatmuchmore excited to work with Jill Denny of RustyBoy Photographers. And the good news? I don’t have to wait long at all!! Take a peeksie:

Their wedding is the merging of two cultures, two lives, two hearts… I am so so SO in love with their plans for the big day! And what’s better? It’s at Nick’s family’s private residence that has a panoramic ocean view. I’ve seen nothing like it. Truly incredible!

FAVE:

I’ll end with this quick lesson of “How-To-Spot-A-NOW-Client” [as told to me by Kellee, just this morning]: the week before their big day, they’ll be breaking in their wedding shoes around their house, in jeans, with socks, to ensure the shoes are prepped and stretched for the marathon-of-a-wedding-day to come! How amazing COOL are they!!!

I am surely the luckiest duck in the pond. :) Proud mama bear smiles to all of you!

xoxo,

A.

Mandy and Jordan knew that they wanted some type of “engagment” session, but really, they wanted it to be more fun, quirky, and high-fashion then they did lovey dovey. And their photographer, [who flew out from the midwest to shoot their wedding] Ryan Russell was the perfect fit.

The day before their wedding- yes, they DAY before- they went out with him to shoot these bad boys. I am crazy for the vintage feel. Crazy for the styling [all done by M&J, and their friends], and crazy for this couple. Essentially, I’m kookoo for cocoa puffs.

VERY personality heavy in this one:

The closest we’ll get to schmoopy:

These next two are so gorgeously 70’s-esque!!

This one reminds me of Austin Powers and the femme-bots, for some reason. I looove that’s she’s pushing him away and being so coquette!!

Even THISCLOSE to a wardrobe malfunction, Mandy keeps her cool- this picture is epic:

And, just in case you were wondering, their personalities, to the T, are displayed once again below:

The theme of the shoot rolled into this photo, awkwardly gorgeous:

Absolutely loooooove the feel of this one down here…

like an old rat pack photo. UGH!

This old theatre provided the perfect back drop, in the heart of downtown Oceanside!

So cool with his cigarette “prop”!!

Love this [Katy Perry song inspired, on my end] Waking-Up-In-Vegas look they’ve got here:

Hands down, my favorite:

I’m pretty sure that Ryan shoots 100% in film, which is what really gives these photos their character. I’m so so SO looking forward to seeing the shots he grabbed on the day of the wedding, too! But, seriously, how is THAT for a unique and fun engagement session??

Hope you’re having a better day than I am- my computer gave me the sad face last night, so it’s into the Apple store I go! Wish me luck!!

xoxo,

A.

Karri contacted me back in August of last year. Maybe even before that. We talked on the phone. Loved each other. And then, I never heard from her. Until 4 weeks ago. She called, randomly, out of the blue. I had her number saved in my phone, randomly, out of the blue [because who plugs someone INTO their cell phone who isn't yet a client?]. She was convinced I was already booked. I wasn’t! It was MEANT TO BE. Right? Right! Since then, it’s been a whirlwind romance full of in-person hugs, conference call meetings and site walk throughs. This amazing couple is getting married at the consistently-amazing Villa Del Sol D’Oro [a venue I've been dying to work] and I am thrilled!! The colors: olive, platinum/silver, mossy green, and white. Perfect for the tuscan-style backdrop of the Villa! Okay, I’m gabbing on and on… here are the pics:

Tell me that the color aqua doesn’t look incredible on her skin. You can’t. Because it does!

Nicky @ Eight 20 Photography took these stunners and although I won’t be working with her on their big day, I am happy to report that they’re in the safe, wonderful hands of Jordana Hazel this Saturday! My favorite, 100% convinced, is this image that the team of Eight 20 snagged:

THAT my dears is why I live, breathe, and stress the way I daily do.

Ugh I love love! Lots of stuff coming out in the next few days, weeks, months… times they are a-changin’, and we are changin’ right along with ‘em. Rolling with the punches, going with the flow… doing the bull dance.

Cross something off of your to-do list tonight. Even if it’s a smallie errand, it’ll make you feel great!

xoxo,

A.

Hello to all! It’s Brittany again on the blog front. Hope you’re not getting sick of me already. Some wonderful news to share with you…Amel and Ashraf are getting married! Yup, that’s right, they’re goin to the chapel, well not really. Actually they’ll be beach front in a matter of days at the stunning venue The Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel.

Not only do they have an amazing venue, but also a very talented photographer, Tony Florez. He shot Amel and Ashraf’s engagement sesh at the Mission Inn in San Juan Capistrano where they took some pretty SEXY pictures. These two should be models or something….come see for yourself!

One word: BREATHTAKING!

Amel is totally workin that camera. You go girl!

And lastly, my all time fav! They really are meant to be together….sigh

heart,
b.

Are they not the cutest EVER?

They’ve been together a whole 7 years, so it’s right about time for them to take their vows!

This is what happens when you go to college and your friend says that she knew a Persian girl in high school who’d be perfect for you:

[She IS perfect for you.]

These pics are courtesy of Scott A. Nelson and boy am I excited to have HIM on board for today!! Can’t WAIT to see Nassikins all dressed to the nines and PUMPED about this big event! Let’s dance ’til midnight!

xoxo,

A.

L&P [or, should I say Elizabeth and Pedro, because that's their real names!] are the CUTEST, CUTEST, CUTEST couple ever. When Lisa told me that she and Pete were planning their engagement session at the Queen Mary with a retro throwback feel, I squealed with glee. I’ve always known Lisa was gorgeous but seeing her with her love… eeeep!! I couldn’t keep this all to myself!

Outfits picked SO appropriately…

The green shoes in this “look” Lisa’s wearing match Pete’s shirt. Perfectly. I LOVE that.

Possibly my favorite, EVER:

And of course I saved this one until the end- on purpose to torture you because that’s how I roll.

BAM! Look at those faces?!?!? GLAMOR GIRL. I cannot- NOT NOT NOT- wait for her wedding on Saturday. Lisa, how did this creep up on us so quick? I must say- Lisa’s had me booked forEVer now and being able to have such a fun relationship with her has made me even mooooore excited. Plus I’m doing flowers again because I’m a crazy person [at least from my home this time and not from a hotel]. When I finally get to meet their photographer, Hector Perez, I’m instantly going to ask him where the HECK he puts his photos online [as I can't find him anywhere] and thank him for this lovely session with two of my lovely dovely birds.

SO ready for the weekend of fun after taking a lot of time this week creating new spreadsheets and looking at pretty pictures. DIGGING my hands into the things I love… how ’bout you?

xoxo,

A.

See, I mentioned a little something something about how we [me, J&P] are cooking up something super-duper-extra-special for their invitation suite. Yep, you’ve guessed it… they’re the funsies that I alluded to. And no, I don’t know why they’re so cute. I just can’t HELP but attract the most darling couples!

Caroline Tran seriously, like, SERIOUSLY, outdid herself on these. I LOVE the casual vibe. I LOVE the settings. And of course, I LOVE the couple!

Told ya they were gorgeous! Did I mention that they’re tying the knot at one of Pasadena’s most exquisite sites EVAH?? Their lovely August event will have The Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa as the backdrop. Perfection!!

DYING.

DEAD.

I know, right? Are YOU in love with them, too? I so lucked out. Now, scootch on over to Caroline’s blog and sing her praises.

I had to debate posting this too, because I’ve got so many yummies to share with you. Aren’t you glad we’re back on track? I hope you’re loving the connection with me as much as I am LOVING my connection with you!

Loving love today!!

xoxo,

A.

The reasons I am looking forward to Megan & Brodie’s wedding:

1) They’re getting married at the fabulous Marvimon in Downtown L.A. The place is just oooozin with character!

2) They are two of the most awesome people that I’ve ever met. Like seriously, fun, happy, loving people. And with style, OH what style, to boot!!

3) Their wedding is being photographed by the uber fun Jordana of Hazelnut Photography who I can not WAIT to work with again!

4) They are two of the most awesome people…..oh, wait, did I already say that? Ok I’ll say it again! They’re Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!!!

Here’s a couple of their engagement pics taken by Jordana that I just LOVE!

How cute are those glasses?!?

And this one is my favorite, Jordana I can’t believe how perfectly you capture that dandelion!

And as always, I left out juuuust a few of these bad boys so you’ll be forced to visit Jordana’s blog Here to see the rest!! Enjoy!

~ Alicia

Take a look. See for yourself. I’ll bet you’ll fall into heart-melting, gut-wrenching, over-the-top love with them, too!!

FAVE of the day, hands down:

When I see images like these… I fall in love with their love. And that’s just ME. Imagine being them, right? So great. I cannot WAIT for for big day this July. Super duper ooper fun to be had!

Hope these pretty pretties are the perfect mid-week mind break!

xoxo,

A.

Her and Ron’s wedding is set to be epic. Seriously. We just did a walk through at her venue, The Cravens Estate in Pasadena, last week and it’s perfection for her “vision”. I am so so SO excited to get my hands into this wedding- and trust me, I will be… more than you can guess!! But we’ll talk more on that once May approaches. That’s not the point [their coolness, in text]. The point is… their coolness… in image.

Sarah K. Chen as always, consistently, rocks my socks. Clear off of my feet! I love these images of Ronthia. As they, themselves said, not even because of how they look in them as much as they love the memory of how much fun they had taking them. Isn’t that truly what marriage is all about? It’s what MY marriage is all about and I’m proud to say it! So, have some fun looking at them…

A.

If this doesn’t prompt you to look at more from the talented newbie [I mean that in the best way EVER April] April Smith… then I don’t know how to please you!!!

Ruby and Jereco are SO fun. I’ve gotten to work with them closely on their upcoming May wedding and I always enjoy Ruby’s random and jam-packed emails as much as I love her infectious laugh in person. She’s candid, funny, inspired, and had such big plans up her sleeve for the big day! She emailed me last week all non-chalant about her engagement pics- as if I wouldn’t care. Geez, she was wrong! I was thrilled. My jaw dropped. I love them. I heart them. I am currently trying to hug them. A peek:

I know, right! Winner, winner… chicken dinner! [Ugh, don't bother, I almost hate myself for typing that. Yet I leave it?]. And to just give you a teensy tinesy preview of the love we have in store, here’s what Anne at The Paper Stylist created for them:

SO. FUN. It’s not even Friday and I’m in love! Teeheeheehee. Hey, at least I’m having a good time around here!

Seriously though, go check out the rest of the hottness over here at April Smith’s blog. They’re amazing!!

xoxo,

A.

Grace and Brian are getting married in just a liiiiitle over a month from now at the utterly amazing, oh-so beautiful Rancho Las Lomas. So I was soooo excited when I finally saw these engagement pictures of the two of them pop up on Henry Chen’s blog Here.

It was so apparent from the first time I met these two, that they were head over heels for each other. To say that Grace’s beautiful brown eyes were filled with anything less than utter love and devotion every time she looked at Brian is saying the least. I can’t wait until their wedding day is here and I get to help bring all of Grace’s hard work together, to make her candlelit, romantic, French/Korean inspired wedding come to life!

Ok, now on to the eye-candy! I am so in love with these two outfits Grace chose to wear. Those bright colors look so amazing on her, and are a total reflection of her bright personality. Enh, enh…you see what I did there?? Bright clothes…bright personality? Man I’m clever!

See, what did I tell you? Suuuuper cute dress right??

There’s that look of love I was talking about!

Killer outfit number TWO for Grace!
And Brian doesn’t look too shabby himself!! Way to work a suit man!

Love this picture…

But this has to be my absolute favorite, hands down! How sexy does Grace look?!? Brian you better watch out. Hotty Pa-Totty Grace is comin to GET CHA!!!

So head on over to Henry’s blog to see more of his amazing images from Grace and Brian’s engagement session Here. If these pictures are any indication of the beautiful work that is to come for Grace and Brian’s wedding, I can’t WAIT!!!

~~ Alicia

You’ll remember them from my “In The Mix” sessions that I posted here, here, here, and here! Yep, they’re awesome. I’ve been so SO lucky to worth with them each step of the way in their wedding planning process and now that their day is quickly approaching, a huge rush of emotions is accompanying it!

I knew from the moment Alex mentioned her love for Jan and Tey Garcia that we were a match made in Heaven. They are some of the most superb photographers I’ve worked with and I enjoy their company to boot! That always helps, right?! [Plus, HUGE bonus points for them posting their session on their blog and then shooting me an EMAIL to let me know it was up- even without me asking... holla!!]. Their images truly speak for themselves:

I love Jan’s photo journalistic and artistic style. Each photographer is truly unique with their art and they’re REALLY got their angle nailed down!

Plus, they capture “the hottness” with ease. Anyone that captures “the hottness” is great in my book!

Heartbreaker, huh??

This is possibly my engagement photo ever. Possibly because this laughing, gorgeous face is something that graces my presence about twice a month. :) I always look forward to meetings with Alex and her mom, Debby, because we spend so much of our time together really being TOGETHER and getting excited for this rapidly-approaching special day!

Sigh… I couldn’t pick a favorite, so I posted every single one they blogged. Is that bad?? Hopefully you loved the sweet Friday treat as much as I did! More to come- possibly even over the weekend despite the busy days ahead- so stay tuned with me, kay y’all!

And Alex- keep that sanity! Hold one for ONE more week and then, you’ll be walking the aisle in your designer kitten heels [on sale, mind you, and JUST her size] like a champ!

xoxo,

A.

I HEART that they shot in Downtown LA, right by where Erin’s wedding will be [ceremony on the USC campus and the reception nearby at the City Club on Bunker Hill- the makings of a perfect day are already in place [complete with detailed folders full of contracts, timelines, and info given to us today IN THE MATCHING WEDDING COLORS]. You know I love her, right? Of course.

LOVE this one, soo cute:

Hands down, my FAVORITE:

E+A: you know Miriam is SO looking forward to your big day and all of the personality and warmth that you’re infusing into it. We’re so happy that we get to represent you and what your love is about. Only a few more weeks, and I’ll get to see you on the OTHER side of the ring!!

xoxo,

A.

THAT was Erica. Right off the bat, we talked like old friends. Our meeting was full of full laughs and swapped stories, and friendship in bloom. For that, I am so grateful. It makes me even MORE anxious to meet Aaron! Their impending wedding has been on my brain for for-eva and I cannot wait for our site walk-through next month. Yip. eeeeee.And I’ll be honest- the fact that they are working with Renee Broughton is an even bigger bonus. I only got to work with Renee once last year and of course it was fabulous. So, here’s some precious eye candy compliments of the go to gal herself!

‘dorable. As in ah-dorable.

And my fave:

These are soo hot-off-the-press, they’re still in the “yet to be blogged” folder on Renee’s end. I’m hoping that when she DOES blog ‘em, she gives me some freshies that I haven’t seen. E&A: the countdown is officially ON!xoxo,A.