Here is one of my favorite shots from the movie Snow White and the image I gave my father to paint the wishing well.

A highlight in his career with Walt Disney Productions was working with designers John De Cuir, Nino Novarese, and Herb Ryman on the “Hall of Presidents” attraction at Walt Disney World, Florida. Over the years, as a consultant with Disney Imagineers, Martinez worked on numerous projects. One in which he takes pride is the design and painting of “Fifth Freedom – Free Enterprise”, a 55-foot long by 6-foot high oil-painted mural. The mural, located in the exit lobby of the “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln,” artistically depicts the people who contributed to the technological and creative growth of America. A portrait of Disney, which had to be approved by his family, is pictured in a prominent place on the canvas, recognizing his creative contributions.

A project with Walt Disney Productions, which gave Martinez much satisfaction, was the design and art direction of the “Mexico Pavilion” at World Showcase, EPCOT Center, Florida. It was during the research for this project that he was inspired to continue his studies of the ancient American culture of Mexico.

Melissa from Flowers by Cina, once again, blew me away with her completely innovative outside the box floral design. I knew Melissa would be a perfect match for Caroline and Elias, because she does events on such a grand scale with Disney and we needed creativity with no drama! She knocked it out of the park by incorporating all those vibrant colors into a completely elegant look.

Duke Photography and his staff were also fantastic. They were there from the beginning to end and made the entire process seamless. We had a red carpet step and repeat wall by Li’K Designs upon arrival for all guests to stop and take photos like they were walking the red carpet to a major event. From the moment they got out of their car they were pampered with a breathtaking view, passed Bellinis, Cosmos, Lemon Drops and warm sunshine.

Caroline and Elias’ ceremony was so beautiful. They selected the amazing Rev. Clint Huft to officiate their wedding. He tied many traditions into the ceremony and I loved how they had their wedding party participate with a reading from Antoine de Saint-Exupery “The Little Prince, ” Plus a reading by Judith Viorst: “Infatuation is when you think he’s as sexy as Robert Redford, as smart as Henry Kissinger, as noble as Ralph Nader, as funny as Woody Allen, and as athletic as Jimmy Conners. Love is when you realize that he’s as sexy as Woody Allen, as smart as Jimmy Connors, as funny as Ralph Nader, as athletic as Henry Kissinger and nothing like Robert Redford — but you’ll take him anyway.”

Music was also very important to Caroline and Elias. They had a solo guitarist for the ceremony and cocktail hour on the lawn overlooking the ocean. He played contemporary, classical and jazz. The passed appetizers after the ceremony were tasty and beautiful and consisted of Tuna Tartar, Thai Spring Rolls, Lamb Kebabs, Mini Beef Sliders, Bruschetta, Goat Cheese Tuile and Fingerling Twice-Baked Potatoes….this all before an amazing 4-course served dinner!

Wedding Planner: a Divine-Occasion
Florist: Flowers by Cina
Photographer: Duke Photography
Venue: Montage Laguna Beach
Stationary: Li’K Designs
Catering: The Montage and In-n-Out Burger
Cake: The Montage
Linens: Wildflower Linen and Fusion Linen
Videography: Elysium Productions
Decor: Barker Decor Service, Inc. and Dazian Rentals
Beautician: Andrea Buhler Hair and Make-up
Cake Stand: EventLuxe Acrylic Cake Stands
Entertainment (DJ): Invisible Touch
Lighting: Five Star Audio Visual
Officiant: Rev. Clint Hufft
Photobooth: Elegant Fondue and Photobooths
Rehearsal Dinner Venue/Catering: Choura Special Events Catering
Rental Supplies: AFR Event Furnishings and Baker Party Rentals
Seamstress: A Stitch in Time

I passed them out personally at my bridal shower because I wanted to see people’s reaction to them. My friends and family were blown away by them, saying how elegant they were and that it was the most beautiful wedding invitation they had ever seen in their entire lives. Liz exceeded my expecations by leaps and bounds. I started out with a very small budget for all the printing, but because the invitations were so beautiful, I insisted on building the entire wedding theme around the invitations and kept adding items for her to print with that same design – the menu cards, the programs, the table numbers, the seating chart, the name placecards, and finally, after the wedding, the thank you cards, which I just got yesterday and can’t wait to send out to all of our friends and family. I still don’t know what I actually spent for all the printing because I kept paying as I went and told Liz never to give me the tallied up figure because I didn’t want to know. I just had to have it, and I didn’t care about the cost and never want to know. Price was never an issue after I saw her work. Although, her prices are very fair and reasonable, and a little too low if you ask me, and I hate to admit it because I find myself thinking of other projects with which I’d like to work with her. Not only is Liz’s work genius, but I couldn’t wait to see her when I could. She is so upbeat and genuine. I feel like I’ve made a friend for life.

Cassandra Caldarella

I have loved the Ayres Hotels for years so I am thrilled for our Wedding and Party Planning Center to partner with Catering Sales Manager, Jocelin Poon at the Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa.

Karen Tambellini, The Event Consultants; Jocelin Poon, Catering Sales Manager / Ayres Hotel & Suites Costa Mesa and Liz King, Li'K Designs