We would like to pass on a few tips that can help you have the best time possible on your big day. This tip is related to planning for photos before your ceremony.

We always ask our wedding couples if they are willing to see each other before the ceremony. Why we ask: because taking family and bridal party photos before the ceremony frees up the time after the ceremony for special portraits of just the bride and groom. If everything is planned with consideration to the sunset time (and the weather cooperates), your post-ceremony portrait session will be bathed in beautiful light.

Some couples are enthusiastic about doing as many "formal" photos together before the ceremony so they can reserve that sunset time for their private portraits. Other couples are adamant about not seeing each other, and there is no further discussion. For those who are on the fence about this issue, though, we suggest scheduling a private "first meeting" moment before any group photos and before the ceremony.

The first meeting allows the bride and groom some quiet time to see each other for the first time, thus preserving the emotional element of the groom seeing his bride for the first time and the same for the bride seeing her groom. Nader scouts a location that is away from the general craziness of the wedding day set-up and usually brings the groom out first. A minute or two later, the bride makes her way to her future husband and the moments are documented from a little bit of a distance, to give them time to enjoy the moment.

With the first meeting completed, the bride and groom can proceed with any group family and bridal party photos they would like. We do encourage our couples to try to keep the "formal" photos to immediate family members and bridal party in order to allow Red Lantern time to capture the many details and spontaneous moments that will occur and that the couple may not see.

The photos you see are a first meeting between Kim and Christian, a charming couple who live in Manhattan. Christian has a wonderful sense of humor and he made Kim (and the rest of us) laugh throughout the wedding day. We love Kim's wonderful expression and unbridled joy. Kim and Christian were married at Rancho La Quinta Country Club. David Bowman and Eric Edmunds of Rancho La Quinta smoothly directed all plans and set-up. We had the pleasure of working with Celebrations of Joy again. Cathy, Dorry and Shelle were invaluable in helping to coordinate Kim and Christian's day.

It was an honor to document Kim and Christian's wedding!

Venue: Rancho La Quinta Country Club
Coordinator: Celebrations of Joy
Florist: Charlotte Groves
Hair & Makeup: John and Neeraja at Loran Loran, Rancho Mirage
Videography: Jon and Caroline Ruffridge, Epoch Productions
Band: Shaken Not Stirred

The beautiful magazine, The Bride and Bloom, is looking for couples who are still looking for a florist for their big day.

The featured couple will be given three design options for their wedding day florals and be included in the magazine's July issue.

Details are available on the Bride and Bloom website, or by clicking the image above.

The Bride and Bloom has attracted the keen interest of wedding professionals across the country in the almost-two years since it's been in publication. Editor Carol Poon has created a magazine that includes creative ideas for flowers, invitations, decor and more! If you haven't yet seen it, go and get a copy!

Hello! Just a note to let you know that our voice mail system has been restored by Verizon and you should be able to leave messages on our office number if we are not available.

760.771.4499

Julie and Bob are a testament to the power of love and enduring friendship. They were work colleagues for many years. Sometime after Bob was widowed and living in Seattle, he decided to take a trip to Southern California. He re-connected with his dear friend Julie, and to their mutual surprise, they fell in love almost instantly! After becoming engaged in Palm Springs, Julie and Bob decided that Spencer's was the perfect location for their wedding.

They were married by Cathy O'Connell, of Celebrations of Joy, in a touching ceremony on a lush bed of scarlet and ivory rose petals. A special performance was given by Bob's daughter, Devon, who sang "My Romance." Celebrations of Joy also coordinated the event, ensuring that Julie and Bob's special day flowed with elegance and ease.

Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres were served poolside as the sun set over Mt. San Jacinto. Guests moved into the Bougainvillea Room for dinner and dancing to the live music of the Bob and Donna Power Band. Julie and Bob made their "grand exit" amid a blaze of sparklers.

We couldn't have asked for a nicer couple! Our warmest congratulations to Julie and Bob!

Officiant & Event Planning - Celebrations of Joy
Makeup - Samantha Bishop, Le Mirage Salon and Day Spa
Hair - John Harden
Flowers - Jensen's Market
Ceremony Music - Hannah Penna
Cocktail and Reception Band - Bob and Donna Power Band