Best of 2009

Presenting a belated Best of 2009.

Brought to you by…

Best Engagement Look

I tend to favor dresses for engagement sessions, but Laina and Ray impressed me with their fall-perfect wardrobe. It didn’t hurt that I have a thing for elbow patches.

Best Ring

Judy’s ‘something blue’ was a second ring gifted by her Jing Jing. You know what they say… a diamond is a girl’s best friend. Two BFFs in Judy’s case.

Best Shoes

I think I had the hardest time choosing this category because of all the amazing shoes we’ve seen. Ultimately, Hannah’s sophisticated Kate Spade’s won for their unique color.

Best Bouquet

I appreciated this modern take on the traditional cascading bouquet for Nhung created by Elizabeth Designs.

Best Hair

Stephanie’s hair looked divine in finger waves for her vintage chic wedding.

Best Bridesmaid Dresses

What are the chances that the same exact dress shows up on bridesmaids of two different weddings right after the other? These purple Ann Taylor dresses looked amazing on each one of the pretty ladies.

Best Decor

Something that I really loved about Michelle and Ben’s wedding was that they incorporated their engagement photos in so many ways – from their save-the-date magnet to the reception seating chart to the personalized M&M’s to the tags on the cupcake party favors. Also, they brought in lighting and draping which definitely transforms a space. And to top things off, they had an impressive dessert bar!

Best Cake

Most cakes are topped with frosting or fondant, but this one shimmered and sparkled with the meticulously made edible gardenias. Coincidentally, it was made by the daughter of my own wedding cake maker, and the same company who made my 2007 pick. To this day, I have yet to come across a better tasting cake. And believe you me, I eat a lot of cake. They go by referrals so they don’t have a website. Let me know if you’d like their contact information.

Best Venue

Oh my gosh. I cannot rave enough about this place! A winery with a majestic view of the mountains and Columbia River. So peaceful and breathtaking. Every single person on Cave B Inn’s staff was genuinely friendly and provided exceptional service.

Best Groom Attire

Scott looked dashing in his khaki suit. I like how he went with something different than the standard black.

Best Dress

This dress was actually just the reception dress for Lillian, but I absolutely adored it. It was made by one of Lillian’s friends who designs for Nicole Miller.

Best Overall Wedding

Something about backyard weddings make them my favorite. Amber and Brian’s wine-themed celebration was held in her parents’ backyard and there was no detail left unturned. It was truly a spectacular celebration with a firework show by Amber’s brother and sister-in-law to prove it. And it just so happens that last year, this category went to her Matron-of-Honor.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S “BEST OF 2008″

And The Emmy Goes To…

GINNIFER GOODWIN!

For Best Dressed at The Emmys 2009. In my style book anyways. :)

Something about her flowy magenta Yves Saint Laurent gown with her glass statement necklace. It just worked.

Image via E!

TODAY’s Wedding Gown

I love this gorgeous CHRISTOS ‘Julianna’ gown that was chosen for the “TODAY Throws a Wedding” bride. Lucky girl!

And of course CHRISTOS is under the creative direction of Amsale, the designer of my ”Best of” picks back-to-back. Who else? :)

Click the image to view larger and details.

Best of 2008

Today is Tax Day and that usually doesn’t make for the happiest day for most, but hopefully this post will brighten it up a little for you.

Presenting the Best of 2008 brought to you by…

Best Proposal

This might have been the only proposal that GH Kim shot last year, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that this proposal was truly dynamite, just like TNT.

Best Engagement Look

Michelle and Quoc looked spot-on in dressy casual chic.

Best Ring

In a sea of round and princess cuts, Lauren’s pear-shaped ring stood out to be unique and gorgeous.

Best Shoes

Red is a color of strength, passion, and love. When a woman wears a pair of red high heels, it doesn’t go unnoticed, and that definitely was the case with Kathy’s pair.

Best Bouquet

This was a no brainer as ranunculus are my absolute favorite blooms (I even had them in my own bouquet). Michelle’s bouquet is so soft and delicately pretty.

Best Hair

Monique’s hair was exquisitely crafted into a low, side chignon with a wrap around braid by Angalina Sandoval. And the birdcage veil added a lovely touch.

Best Bridesmaid Dresses

Now Jamie did well in ensuring that her bridesmaids would really really be able to wear these short navy blue dresses with pockets again. Complimented with chartreuse green shoes and shawls, this color combination is sophisticated and fresh.

Best Decor

This aisle runner says it all. Our DIY bride Vivien, incorporated her favorite color, peacock blue, into everything.

Best Cake

All throughout their reception, guests of Joanne and Jaime constantly swarmed around the cake table, oohing and aahing at the adorableness of the
cake topper and the perfection of the cake.

Best Performance

Stephen and his groomsman pulled out all the stops and gave a memorable performance for Michelle and all their guests.

Best Venue

It was extremely hard choosing all of these, but especially in this next category. So I ended up choosing two that were completely different from each other. One of them, a breathtaking locale in Tulum, Mexico where Sarah and Clay hosted their celebration. And the other, Carrie and Jeffrey’s historic and nostalgic setting at Seattle’s Union Station.

Best Groom Attire

Scott is someone who moves to the beat of his own drum and that shows even in the way he dresses. I was hoping that one of our grooms would show up in a grey suit and it happened, pin-striped at that!

Best Dress

The moment I saw this dress hanging in Julie’s hotel room, I just knew it was going to be my favorite dress of the year! What’s not to love about this ethereal empire gown with floral embroidery and ruched tulle? And it’s pure coincidence that I picked another Amsale gown two years in a row.

Best Overall Wedding

Each and every wedding is so special because of the energy and personal touch that each couple puts into it, but there was one particular wedding that went above and beyond in taking care of EVERY. LAST. DETAIL. The romantic Parisian theme fused with a black, white and fuschia palette was interspersed throughout, making the celebration aesthetically seamless. And I’m sure it didn’t hurt to have the fabulous Maegan of Bridezilla Events coordinating their special day.

Best Groomsman

Last but certainly not least, my hubby who was workin’ the camera like no other.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S “BEST OF 2007″