Have you ever been emailed: “Id love to grab a coffee with you and get to know you and your business more?”.  Actually what some mean to say is…  Can I ask you everything about what you do and how you do it?  May I ask you politely back, “Is my time to you worth just a salad and some bread sticks or a few dollars for a coffee?” If the answer is yes, then I don’t know if we are starting off on the right foot : )

We all have to start somewhere. I remember the first email returned back to me when I reached out in this business and I also remember all the emails that were never returned. I was so crushed, but I understood the value of working hard and persistence. What did it take though?  Me, asking if they’d meet for a latte? It was much more than just that. I’m so thankful for the people along the way who said “yes” to me. They helped me to get to where I am today and therefore I am inspired to pay it forward and help others as much as I can.  However as my friend Jose Villa said to me, “We all put in our time and have earned our stripes”.

So I ask you: “What are you doing to earn yours?” Are you Taking? or  are you Giving?

For many of  the wedding business start ups out there: the game has changed so much for you. I can see that via social media, you tweet or facebook a few people and show up to an industry party and you’ve made it! You can go to a workshop or a conference and you’re “in”.  You can mentor under someone and voila now you’re in demand and shopping for tv show gigs and you’re a photo shoot guru. Lucky you!  This is a different time then when I started and when people way before me started. While I am immensely grateful for the evolution of our industry and enjoy how much we all can learn and grow from one another, I feel that we need to also respect each other’s time and the value of what we each contribute. If you value what I have to offer you then there is a price associated with it and visa versa.

I am humbled daily as I constantly reach out of my comfort zone to think bigger and work with those that I don’t know. People I wish I could know better and would love to sit down with and connect. I know that they are generous and give so much all the time. So I remember-to not take without giving. I too have to keep sight of that.

Many of my coaching clients tell me who they would love to get to know and work with more and they ask me me to help them to figure out how they can do this. I always tell them: “Its not what those people can do for you to help you out and your career. If you want to work with them- then think about What you can do for them”.  If you want to collaborate and network with them, then what do you offer?  What type of value do you bring to the table that would have them accept a meeting or a coffee? It certainly wont be a “can I pick your brain” session that will move them. You want to be featured on blogs?  You want to work with your favorite magazines and vendors?  Don’t burn bridges by continually taking from those who are kind enough to give. Maybe you should consider investing in their many years of expertise, in advertising with them, or in offering your services gratis to them.  Yes, there are a lot of generous people out there, but I would advise us all to not use and abuse our wedding vendor community.

The Question is NOT: What  can they do for you?  Start Asking: What Can You Do for Them?

Image from davideunson.co.uk

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May You Be Inspired,

The wedding is getting closer and closer and I realize I have been revealing my details very slowly. I thought today I let you in on one of the key features. My fiance and I love wine and wine country, in fact that is where we were engaged. We are getting married at a beautiful estate on a vineyard. It feels so us and I am so excited. I love the rustic yet manicured beauty of the rows and rows of tethered vines and stacked barrels. The way the sun sets in a vineyard is different that any place I have ever seen. Maybe it is all of the green foliage  highlighting the golden hue of the sun rays… I am not sure exactly what it is, but it is simply breath taking. I can’t wait for my wedding guests to have that experience.

Photos by Jesse Leake

Photo by One Love

Photos by Jose Villa

Photo by Stephanie Williams

Photo by The Image is Found

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May You Be Inspired,

I am always completely stunned when people do not like the taste of chocolate. I can’t even imagine what that would be like! For those of you who are kindred in my love for chocolate, I bring you Chocri: Mein Schokolade. A sight and service dedicated solely to make delicious and custom chocolate bars. Founded in Germany and just recently brought to the US in January, Chocri offers the most options out there to customize your bar, there are more than 100 topings!  Here is our office we ordered 3 bars, very different but all delicious! Once you visit their website and concoct your custom creation, it is had crafted and shipped to you.

Do not by any means think any part of the exereince is not purely posh- as all of the chocolate is organic, fair trade chocolte from Belgium. On top of the taste, Chocri also cares about giving back! They donate a percentage of their revenues to DIV Kinder which is an organization that supports children at the Ivory Coast, and you are free to add your own donation at checkout. These facts basically make the custom bars a perfect wedding favor! A delicious treat and charitable giving all wrapped together! To find out more or make your own bar (highly reccommended) visit www.createmychocolate.com. You can also follow them on twitter and check out their blog.

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May You Be Inspired,

]]> http://www.inspiredbythis.com/2010/03/love-this-chocri-customized-chocolate-bars/feed/ 2 http://www.inspiredbythis.com/2010/03/real-wedding-wednesday-sweet-alma-matter-engagement-shoot/ http://www.inspiredbythis.com/2010/03/real-wedding-wednesday-sweet-alma-matter-engagement-shoot/#comments Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:50:40 +0000 Leila http://www.inspiredbythis.com/?p=11656 To subscribe to our weekday blog posts via RSS or to receive them in your email click here!

College sweethearts Jon and Emily, decided to return to their Alma Matter: The Rhode Island School of Design in Providence for their engagement session, as that is the place that their love was born. Lisa Berry captured all of the beautiful images and said, “they just walked around the school reminiscing about college and remembering all of the emotions of the early days of their romance.” It is no wonder they look so at ease in their setting. Lisa shared with us what she learned from the couple during the shoot. She shared, “  This was a good reminder that the aesthetics of the site certainly matter, but finding a place that your couple has a deep connection to is also a great recipe for beautiful images.  And the photographs become more meaningful for them in the long run.”  What a nice thing to remember. In the planning of my own wedding, I have realized over and over and with greater impact the special role that wedding vendors are allowed to play in the lives of two people in love. Thanks so much for sharing this great engagement session with us Lisa!

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May You Be Inspired,

The book has surely opened up some fun opportunities lately! Last month we got to shoot an episode of a new show on the food network and held two book signings. I only got to attend the southern CA signing, but it was so fun!! It was great to get to spend some time with so many great vendors. I am excited to see what other doors, Wedding Wisdom opens. Thanks to everyone for all of the support! Bella Weddings and Events pulled everything together. The photos of the books signing are courtesy of  Trista Lerit.

Wedding Wisdom Book Signing from Isabel Gonzalez on Vimeo.

great cake from The Buttery End

Food Network Tv Show Dinner: Images by Jasmine Star and all event styling by JL Designs

Stay tuned to find out when the episode will air!

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May You Be Inspired,

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Inspiration board by Snippet and Ink

Here goes part II of my bridal shower blog hijacking! ( you can see Part I here) So planning an event for a wedding expert was not easy! I mean come on…my sister as many of you know, has a very specific style and an eye that is very discerning. Carissa of JL Designs and I went back and forth discussing a theme that was unique  that still incorporated some of Leila’s all time favorites. I was able to sneak a couple pages out of Leila’s inspiration binder (yes she has one!) that has tons of magazine clippings she has been collecting for years.

We wanted to use a color palette that is totally different from her engagement party and her wedding, so we chose a peachy, blush, and dusty rose. We wanted the décor to be fun, feminine, but have a classic signature look.  Some of you may or may not know Leila loves peonies and parrot tulips, Carissa will be incorporating tons of them throughout the event.  The lockets are part of the “L is for…” theme that will be incorporated into the décor and games! So much fun I don’t want to ruin he surprise but for now take a look at the images Carissa, Courtney, and I used as inspiration for tomorrows event!

Found on Style Me Pretty

Found on Flickr

Photos by Sarah K. Chen, Florals by JL Designs

Pulled from past issues of Martha Stewart Weddings

Pulled from past issues of Martha Stewart Weddings

Pulled from past issues of Martha Stewart Weddings

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]]> http://www.inspiredbythis.com/2010/02/inspired-by-leilas-bridal-shower-inspiration/feed/ 3 http://www.inspiredbythis.com/2010/02/love-this-leilas-bridal-shower-vendors/ http://www.inspiredbythis.com/2010/02/love-this-leilas-bridal-shower-vendors/#comments Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:36:44 +0000 Kellee http://www.inspiredbythis.com/?p=11348 To subscribe to our weekday blog posts via RSS or to receive them in your email click here!

In celebration of my sister, Leila’s  upcoming wedding, I have hijacked her blog for the next two days to share with you some details of  Saturday’ bridal shower.  Carissa Jones of JL Designs and I have been working over the past 2 months to put on a fantastic and fun bridal shower for the bride to be!  Partnering with some of the most amazing vendors in the industry, we were fortunate to have several talented contributors on board.  I am so excited for it all to come to reality this Saturday and for Leila to get to enjoy a day with her friends and family!

I’d like to start off by saying, I am in no way, shape or form an event planner and after attempting to put together this event I have so much more appreciation for all of you planners in the industry!   That being said I was so excited when Courtney Toney of Joyful Weddings & Events came on board to help make sure no detail went over looked.  Jane Jeon of Olive Hue Paper is creating adorable printed materials to appear throughout the event.  I’m most excited for the delicious sweets and treats provided by Pinkberry, Cupcakes Couture of Manhattan Beach, and The Sweet &  Saucy Shop.   The event will be documented by the talented, Jessica Claire and video by Ben Potter and Drew Barefoot of Cana Video Productions .

A special thanks to Stacia  & Sarah at our venue, High Profile Productions, Kristy Rice of Momental Designs for her handed painted invitations, Nethanial Neubaure at Contemporary Catering for his gourmet food, Carissa Jones of JL Designs for gorgeous florals, Classic Party Rentals, Elegant Designs Specialty Linens and Fabian from Level 4 International for furniture.

Stay tuned tomorrow for a sneak peak at the inspiration behind the big day!

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]]> http://www.inspiredbythis.com/2010/02/love-this-leilas-bridal-shower-vendors/feed/ 6 http://www.inspiredbythis.com/2010/02/real-wedding-sweet-and-simple-purple-wedding-with-a-true-love-story/ http://www.inspiredbythis.com/2010/02/real-wedding-sweet-and-simple-purple-wedding-with-a-true-love-story/#comments Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:17:38 +0000 Leila http://www.inspiredbythis.com/?p=10122 Kevin Weinstein of Kevin Weinstein Photography recently sent us Mandy & Petar’s wedding. They have been together for 12 years and although they grew up and lived 10 minutes apart in Chicago, they couple met at a soccer tournament in Canada. Eventually they found themselves as High school sweethearts and then now newlyweds. Kevin asked them why it took them to long to finally tie the knot. Kevin explained that this about the couple, ” They were never in a hurry.  I think, for them, time passed too quickly as they both enjoyed year after year of each other’s company.  High school, college, finding jobs: basically, starting a life individually, as well as together, was more important to them than a certificate.  They started to talk/plan the wedding a few years ago, but one of their father’s passed away, and then the other father passed away shortly thereafter.  So it didn’t seem like the right time.”

When the right time came, there was no stopping this wedding! Kevin described seeing “a true understanding and acceptance” between the pair. How much more wonderful is it to be a guest or vendor at a wedding where you know the couple is the real deal and they are really going to make it, no matter what life throws their way.

The ceremony took place at the Joseph Bond Chapel on the University of Chicago Campus while the reception was held at the Smart Museum of Art also on campus. The bride wore a beautiful Monique Lhullier gown while the groom donned Versace.

Love these sweet first look photos

Such a great idea to use parents and grandparents photos in your wedding

]]> http://www.inspiredbythis.com/2010/02/real-wedding-sweet-and-simple-purple-wedding-with-a-true-love-story/feed/ 16 http://www.inspiredbythis.com/2010/02/tuesdays-tips-saying-no-and-creating-boundaries-in-your-business/ http://www.inspiredbythis.com/2010/02/tuesdays-tips-saying-no-and-creating-boundaries-in-your-business/#comments Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:53:56 +0000 Leila http://www.inspiredbythis.com/?p=11316 To subscribe to our weekday blog posts via RSS or to receive them in your email click here!

Creating boundaries in your business is imperative to mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health (and as my sister reminded me last night…also Social health).  It’s something I am working on everyday. We are in a service based industry and when we love what we do so much it becomes so easy for us to give and give and somewhere along the way we lose a bit of ourselves. I had a conversation with one of my favorite photographers last week about his workshops and how sometimes he and others he works with give too much. Is that bad to say?  NO. Its important to admit. How can we say: “No, I’m so sorry I cant help you with that or my schedule is booked, I cant take that on?”. Some people have no problem asking the world of you, but if you continue to let them, well you can’t blame them. One word: PRACTICE.  To me it seems like a new exercise.  Something we have to do quite a few times before we get over the soreness and we have it mastered.  This past weekend I did something for myself and my relationship- I said yes to him and No to work.  No to Twitter, No to Emails.  It was uncomfortable at first but then once I got the hang of it, it actually felt really good.

Do you say yes too much?  “Yes” to 100 emails until 11pm at night?  “Yes” to Twitter all day long (and yes some of you clearly do almost nothing else but twitter) I realized I said “Yes” to scheduling more meetings and appearances, coachings, and travel then I probably should have.  I’ve got a wedding coming up people and I need to say “YES” to planning that and giving time to me.

I think we all give a little too much here and there and sometimes not enough to the people and relationships that mean the most.  Don’t answer that email after business hours!  It can make you too available. Make a plan to shut it down so you can ramp back up. Sometimes it feels like we are on auto pilot and we never rest enough to be fully recharged.

We need to put ourselves, families, faith, and friends first. Clients and Brides second.  When you are centered and take care of you first, then you are able to say “Yes” and take care of them. Right?

Image from Esquire

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May You Be Inspired,

When it comes to wedding planning, the guys don’t tend to be involved too much and sometimes get slighted when it comes to being incorporated in the wedding. I wrote a post awhile ago paying homage to the groom and his men, offering a few items that can help the men feel more accounted for.  One of those being their boutonniere.   As much as I love the bridal bouquet, the grooms boutonniere is equally as intriguing to me. I am so excited to plan with my floral designer what kind of boutonniere my fiance will wear the day he is my groom. I love seeing real flowers that are not traditionally found on a bout, and also appreciate those creative couples who use other objects to adorn the groom’s lapel.

Photo by Sarah Rhoads

Photo by Jessica Claire

Photo by Jose Villa

Photo by Our Labor of Love

Photo by CarolineJoy

Florals by JL Designs Photos by Jasmine Star

Photo by Amelia Lyon

Photo by Tec Petaja

Photo by Love Me Do

Found on Entertain with Jordan

Very cool non-floral BoutonnieresPhoto by Simply Bloom

Photo by Angelica Glass

Boutonnieres by Eventcetera

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May You Be Inspired,