Castle Green in Pasadena, CA

Last week Brit had the opportunity to visit Castle Green in Pasadena, CA. The entire time she was touring the property she couldn’t stop texting me about how overwhelmingly beautiful the grounds were. We couldn’t resist sharing it with our followers!

The Southern California property is a 113 year old Nationally Registered Historic Monument and Officially Designated Pasadena Treasure. Castle Green was built during the Victorian era and has now been fully restored, including every architectural detail and color.

It’s vast grounds include a lily pond, arched walkways, verandas, and magnificent trees. Along with expansive lawns the Castle Green is the perfect place for an enchanting outdoor ceremony or reception.

The interior spaces are furnished with original Victorian antiques and plush velvet drapes, setting a scene similar to the Golden Age of America. Not much decor is needed, since the surroundings embody luxury. However, if elaborate decor is your wedding wish, Castle Green is more than happy to cater to you.

Something very unique about Castle Green is that they only allow one event per day, which ensures you a private event, with no rushing or distractions.

Imagine your guests watching you say your vows by the pond, moving on to cocktails in the lobby below the Grand Staircase, and ending up in the ballroom for dinner and dancing. At Castle Green your options and nearly endless, making decisions rather difficult! The property has so many beautiful settings.

Photo Source: CastleGreen.com

We LOVE fascinators

Idea of the day: Fascinators. These are all the rage in Europe. Kate Middleton has been pictured wearing several different fascinators. These hair accessories range from subtle to eccentric, which gives you thousands of options.

According to wikipedia…

A fascinator is a headpiece, a style of millinery (hat-making). The word originally referred to a fine, lacy head covering akin to a shawl and made from wool or lace, but mostly feathers. The term had fallen almost into disuse by the 1970’s.

In the early 21st century, the term has made a comeback, but the meaning has slightly changed; it is now used to describe a delicate, frivolous head decoration worn mostly by women. A fascinator may be worn instead of a hat on occasions where hats were traditionally worn—such as weddings—or as an evening accessory, when it may be called a cocktail hat. It is generally worn with fairly formal attire. Fascinators have become popular internationally.

A substantial fascinator is a fascinator of some size or bulk. They have been mentioned in the press, due to Queen Elizabeth pronouncing new standards of dress required for entry to Royal Ascot.

Modern fascinators are commonly made with feathers, flowers, bows, crystals or beads. They attach to the hair by a comb, headband or clip. They are particularly popular at premium horse-racing events, such as the Grand National and the Melbourne Cup. Brides may choose to wear them as an alternative to a bridal veil or hat, particularly if their gowns are non-traditional.

Here are some of the crazier fascinators that I've found. Kate Middleton and many Royal Family members and friends have made them very popular.

Photo Source: Lea-Anne Belter Bridal, WV Brides, & Findafascinator.com

Idea of the day: Classic Cars

Nothing makes a wedding photo shoot like a classic car. Vintage is all the rage right now!

Missy and Vishesh's Engagement Announcement

Extra! Extra!

Missy and Vishesh made this amazing engagement announcement that makes it look like they made the front page! Stay tuned for the rest of the details on their wedding…

The Internation School of Hospitality's Wedding Coordination and Design Program

The International School of Hospitality (TISOH) in Las Vegas is one of a kind. Founded in 2004 by University of Nevada, Las Vegas professors, TISOH offers an unprecedented educational experience. With the pineapple as their symbol, TISOH educates in all areas of hospitality. Their Wedding Coordination and Design (WCD) Certification provides students with the knowledge needed to fully coordinate a wedding.

Recently, I had the amazing opportunity to meet with TISOH’s Director, Timothy Lam, MIBS, MS. With a background in International Marketing, Tim had always loved hotels, which inspired him to make a career change. Tim hopes that TISOH can give other people the same opportunity to follow their dreams in a career they are passionate about. He and the other professors understand that a four-year college education isn’t for everyone, which inspired TISOH’s programs. Along with Wedding Coordination and Design, other programs include Conference Management and Event Planning, Meeting and Event Catering, Hotel Operations, and Concierge.

The Wedding Coordination and Design Program features a unique curriculum covering everything from cultural and religious ceremonies to green weddings, and all of the essentials that go into planning the big day. Taught by industry professionals, classes of six to ten students receive a hands-on education. During the program the students actually plan a real wedding. They are also required to a 30-hour externship.

TISOH’s programs offer a once in a lifetime networking opportunity. Instructors like Brit Bertino, CSEP, who started her own wedding planning company, Simply Weddings by Brit Bertino, build personal relationships with students and enjoy enhancing their education by taking them on as interns and possibly even employees!

Since TISOH’s opening, Mr. Lam has seen many changes. He is proud that the quality of the students continues to improve, and the school’s ability to attract high level industry professionals is increasing. With more alumni graduating each year and returning to help out at TISOH, all of the programs are improving.

Mr. Timothy Lam hopes to elevate the status of the industry by continuing to produce alumni that are fully prepared to plan exquisite weddings.

The Wedding Coordination and Design program is a 90-hour program that can be completed in either a three-month semester, meeting two times each week, or on the fasttrack which means five days a week for one month. For more information on the WCD program click HERE to visit TISOH’s website.

If you’re passionate about planning weddings and want to get your start in the industry, enroll online! TISOH has WCD programs starting on October 31, 2011 and January 23, 2012.

We're pleased to announce that we are now serving Southern California!!!