As you’ve probably heard, Michelle and her heavenly team at MJSE did a fantastic job handling the Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag wedding this past Saturday. But guess who dropped in to check out the the Speidi festivities first hand. Why none other than Perez Hilton! He arrived at Social Hollywood midway through the reception, threw back a few peach margaritas and did a little mingling. Perez & Michelle had a nice chat in the Velvet Room about the beautiful reception and the Speidi papparazi madness surrounding the day. Amazing photo by Feather Love Photography.
The hip ones over at The Flashdance just posted a fabulous interview with MJSE owner, Michelle Lynn Buckley. The website is run by a super cool wedding DJ and aims to bring together vendors and couples who are looking for a particular style (hey, we have that!). Michael, aka Mr. Flashdance, gave us a sample mix of music and let’s just say it has a permanent home in the Mint Julep Mobile. Check out the fresh interview here!
Q: A few of my friends have suggested that I set disposable cameras out on guest tables during my wedding reception. I have mixed feelings about this; what would MJSE do?
A: Drop the cameras and step back slowly. There are numerous reasons why this is a no-no, so we will gladly walk you through them:
- You hired a photographer, silly! It really is an insult to your professional photographer to have “backup” photographers (meaning your guests) and assume that they would capture any decent photos whatsoever. Let your guests enjoy the toasts, the music, the magic. If they were really excited to photograph the event, they probably would have brought their own Canon.
- Confusion abounds. You might be surprised at how confusing the simple placement of cameras on a table can be to guests, but trust us, it is perplexing. Guests often wonder if the cameras are for them to take photos with and then take or if they are expected to leave the cameras on the table where they found them. Even a note perched next to each camera with clear instructions will be brushed aside in the dim mood lighting and chatter over the toys will ensue while poor Grandpa Joe is trying to give a toast.
- Your moolah is better spent elsewhere. Seriously? You do not have any extras on your wishlist that you would like to buy? Of course you do! We urge you to put your “camera” funds into perky napkin treatments, monogrammed coasters for the bar, or a signature drink.
The bottom line is that giving guests tasks, however small they may be, is never really well received, nor should it be. Guests are present to participate, yes, but a gracious hostess never makes her guests feel obligated.
Questions about your event? Email info@mjse.com. Photo by Michael + Anna Costa.
While the traditional photographed engagement session has recently taken an unexpected but welcomed turn away from khaki-clad couples prancing in the sand to wild antics in edgier urban environs, a few of our couples have taken it one hiptastic step further, forgoing the entire process and hiring artists. Wow! We’re very excited about the recent clamor for painted portraits. So classic! It’s growingly becoming less and less unusual for a bride and groom to sit patiently in front of an easel rather than a camera. One of our favorite Los Angeles artist, was hired by one of our MJSE Summer Couples, Brian & Candice, to display her skills in a cheerful but unexpected arrangement of acrylics. How awesome would a framed painting of your lovely faces look over the mantle? We think very awesome.
A year’s worth of preparation culminated at this year’s annual Snowball Express charity event (the last to be held in California). MJSE helped coordinate the third day of this multi-day event with Oakley at the Anaheim Convention Center. ”A Day in California” was the theme and everyone from Knott’s Berry Farm to Dave & Buster’s came out to help put a smile on the faces of children who have lost one or both parents in combat since 9/11. With about 3,000 attendees there HAD to be plenty for the kids to do. We brought in three enormous bounce houses; a “house” filled with Tarina Tarantino baubles and interactive jewelry-making stations; a pro-skating ramp with demos by Oakley sponsored athletes; and dozens of other stations sponsored by a slew of generous donors. The families were treated to a day of fun filled with gifts and entertainment. A good time was definitely had by all! Special thanks to my girls at MJSE – Amafel, Amanda (pictured below with Nestor Carbonell), and Briana.
The Japanese American Cultural & Community Center in the Little Tokyo district of downtown Los Angeles is quite a hidden gem. We recently toured the space and were floored by the size of this urban site. Not only is there a gorgeous oasis of a Japanese garden (think of the options!), but a grand brick pavillion area adjacent to it that can be used for events of up to 500 people! Did anyone even know there was such a space in downtown? Now we do! The best part is that the JACCC has so many cultural resources (Buddhist monk officiants, Taiko drummers, Kabuki dancers) at their disposal that any person can simply pick and choose unique elements to customize their event. Not only that, but the JACCC is planning on a few major upgrades to improve the site as an event venue (new elevators, new bridges in the garden, 2nd floor cocktail area). They informed us that 2009 is wide open for now, but expect bookings to pile up soon!
