The pandemic’s impact can be seen in weddings this year.
My Creators Syndicate article looks at 2021 wedding trends, including wedding size, meals, the honeymoon and more.
Here’s an excerpt:
Earl McCoy at Penny Photographics has noticed couples, especially brides, are getting more comfortable and less formal within their respective weddings.
“Brides are choosing comfortable shoes over high heels and not just wearing them for the dancing afterward, but wearing them throughout the day,” he says. “They want to be comfortable and most of them know that wearing heels for 12+ hours would be exhausting on their feet.”
He says many brides, instead of veils, are choosing simple headpieces or nothing at all, explaining, “This allows for more movement and freedom to hug, dance and move around without worry.”
Fall is such a great season. Even in San Diego, the temps are cool(er) this time of year and it’s fun to wear cozy clothes and accessories in rich, autumn colors. I’ve been layering more and wearing knits and velvet.
My accessories and makeup have taken on fall tones as well. I love burgundy, crimson and deep shades of brown.
Jane Iredale sent me their Naturally Glam beauty collection to try out and I’m loving it.
There’s a five-color eye shadow palette featuring shimmery neutrals, as well as a bubblegum pink blush which has delicate gold shimmer.
They also sent this soft makeup mitt, which is so useful to wipe off the day’s makeup.
My favorite items? The gorgeous, seasonal lip colors: PureMoist lipstick in Gwen, an apple red and Just Kissed lip plumper in Paris, a sheer light port wine.
These lipsticks have been the star of my fall. I’ll continue to wear them during the holidays.
There’s something so appealing about Hawaii. The tropical smells and sound of the ocean are so inviting.
I recently got a feel for the Hawaiian Islands when I attended a Hawaiian-themed party for San Diego Style Weddings – the wedding magazine for which I’m the editor.
The magazine’s “Mix.Mingle.Schmooze” event, which was held at Bali Hai Restaurant, featured all sorts of Aloha vibes, from the food to the music to the décor.
The flowers were so colorful and tropical. Each woman received a flower to wear behind her ear. Single women wear the flower behind their right ear, while married women (or those in a relationship) wear it behind the left ear. Haydee de la Cruz of Haydee’s Creative Flowers designed these blooms!
The photobus photo booth from Pacific Coast PhotoBus was fun. I loved the props, including a captain’s hat and fuzzy boa.
The menu included yummy pot stickers, coconut shrimp, jerk chicken lollypops and coconut rice.
The Ohana cupcakes tasted as great as they looked! I love those personalized “SDSW” cake toppers.
In addition to local wines, we sipped cocktails like Snake Oil Cocktail Company’s “Snake Oil Coco-Loco,” which featured coconut milk, applewood infusion, fresh ginger, pressed lemon and club soda.
The “Passion of the Tiki” drink (seen here) was made with smashed passion fruit and pomegranate, almond, orange flower water, pressed citrus, island spice reduction and Angostura bitters.
The “it” drink? Fresh coconut milk, served in a coconut, which was branded with the San Diego Style Weddings’ logo!
Here are a few photos of me with the San Diego Style Weddings’ team, including publisher Dena Nolen-Malasek.
With SDSW publisher, Dena Nolan-Malasek.
L-R Abby Barenholtz, social media; myself; Dena Nolen-Malasek, publisher; Suzi Battle, Account executive; Kateri Hansen, sales; Adam C. Walter, production.
With Abby Barenholtz who handles social media for SDSW.
I recently attended the “Mix.Mingle.Schmooze” magazine release party for San Diego Style Weddings – the wedding magazine for which I’m the editor.
The latest issue of San Diego Style Weddings.
The party, held at Mission Brewery, featured great food, beer and wine, and of course wedding inspiration.
Another awesome party hosted by San Diego Style Weddings’ publisher Dena Nolen-Malasek.
Posing with SDSW’s publisher, Dena-Nolen Malasek. Photo credit: Paul Barnett Photography.
Some of the highlights included:
The amazing paper flower backdrop created by Esmeralda Luxury Paper Flowers. What a colorful backdrop for photos!
I’m a sucker for photo booths and Captured Photos Booths didn’t disappoint!
Yummy milk and cookies from the Cravory. I especially liked the chocolate truffle and lemon bar cookies.
Comfy and stylish seating from Lounge Appeal
The “Idaho Nachos” (create your own potato ship nachos) from caterer Feast on This were great – a perfect late night snack at any wedding or event.
Cool caricature drawings from Caricatures by Dave.
Caricatures by Dave
With my husband – does the caricature match us? Photo credit: Eisenhower Photography
Tasty mini donuts and deep fried Oreos from Sensational Treats.
Pretty floral arrangements from local florists like Studio Flourish and Haydee’s Creative Flowers.
Fun fact: Mission Brewery is located inside a former Wonder Bread factory in downtown San Diego. The building has lots of open space, exposed brick and great city views.
Check out the latest issue of San Diego Style Weddings online and in local stores.
From flowers to centerpieces to invitations, being a do-it-yourself bride (or groom) seems easy but often it’s a struggle. Still some crafty wedding projects (like food favors and photo booth props) are doable. For ideas and expert advice, check out my San Diego Style Weddings’ article on DIY Weddings.
Here’s an excerpt:
“In all honesty, there are plenty of ideas and themes out there to create a fabulous DIY wedding,” say Jaime Beck and Diane Reichenbach of Whimsey Florals. “It can and has been done. It takes a large support system to do it, and lots of time and patience.”
Kristen Castillo 