Our JOURNAL
Looking for guidance? Explore thoughtful tips, real weddings, and endless inspiration
10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Your Wedding Photographer
Choosing your wedding photographer is about more than loving their Instagram. Here are 10 questions to ask before booking, from a wedding planner's perspective, including questions about style, timelines, communication, coverage, and working with your vendor team.
A Wedding Weekend in Los Olivos at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern
Makena and Eric’s elegant California wedding at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos, Santa Ynez Valley, featured garden gatherings, thoughtful design, cocktails, incredible food, live music, and a candlelit celebration surrounded by family and friends.
An Intimate Garden Wedding at The Charm House | Hanford, California
Experience Dianna and Rafael's romantic garden wedding at The Charm House in Hanford, California, featuring a floral meadow ceremony and candlelit dinner beneath the trees.
A Lush Garden Wedding Filled With Romantic Florals and Candlelight
Explore Caleigh and Evan's luxury Central California garden wedding, featuring lush florals, a romantic outdoor ceremony, and an elegant indoor reception filled with candlelight, layered textures, and timeless design. Perfect inspiration for couples planning a refined California wedding with an unforgettable guest experience.
DJ vs Band for Weddings: How to Choose the Right Entertainment (or Have Both)
DJ vs Band for your wedding? Discover the pros, cons, and tips from a wedding planner, plus how to combine both for an unforgettable celebration.
Just Engaged? 5 Things to Do Next
Just engaged? Discover 5 essential steps to start your wedding planning journey smoothly with expert tips from Shelley Ann Events.
Now Booking 2027 Weddings | Limited Fall 2026 Dates Available
Now booking 2027 weddings at Shelley Ann Events, with limited Fall 2026 dates available. Thoughtful, full-service wedding planning for modern couples.
A Romantic Fall Wedding at Kohl Mansion, Burlingame, California
Celebrate Rachel and Robert at Kohl Mansion in Burlingame, California. An elegant Bay Area wedding, featuring the mansion’s grand rooms, rose garden, and timeless charm. Perfect inspiration for couples planning a historic, romantic wedding in the Bay Area.
How to Create a Realistic Wedding Budget: Tips from a California Wedding Planner
Plan your dream day with confidence. In this guide, I share my expertise as a California wedding planner to help you create a realistic wedding budget, prioritize what matters most, and avoid overspending while designing a celebration you truly love.
5 Reasons to Schedule Bridal Portraits with Your Wedding Photographer Before Your Big Day
Planning your bridal portraits with your wedding photographer before the actual wedding day can significantly enhance your overall experience and the quality of your wedding album. Here are five compelling reasons why scheduling a bridal portrait session beforehand is a great idea.
Summer Wedding Inspiration: A Bold Orange and Blue Styled Shoot
Discover summer wedding inspiration with a bold orange and cobalt blue palette. From vibrant florals and fresh citrus accents to chic glassware and patterned linens, learn how to style a playful yet elegant tablescape perfect for weddings, garden parties, and outdoor celebrations.
Unexpected Luxury Details Guests Will Always Remember
As a California wedding planner, I’ve seen how small yet thoughtful touches like custom welcome drinks, bespoke lounge areas, or personalized late-night snacks that transform a celebration into an unforgettable experience. Beyond the stunning venues and beautiful décor, these elevated details create moments of surprise and delight, ensuring your California wedding feels unique and memorable.
A Paso Robles Wedding at Villa San Juliette: Romance in Wine Country
If you are envisioning a wedding that combines the charm of a vineyard with the sophistication of a grand estate, I wholeheartedly recommend considering Villa San Juliette as the setting for your special day. From the scenic surroundings to the exceptional service, this venue has the potential to make your wedding a cherished memory that will last a lifetime.
A California Coastal Wedding Weekend at Hotel Californian
Shand and Tara’s Santa Barbara wedding at the Hotel Californian was the perfect blend of coastal elegance and personal touches. Held on the Summer Solstice, their wedding weekend featured a rooftop ceremony, heartfelt toasts during a Vin d’Honneur, a candlelit reception, and a fun after party at Sandbar—all thoughtfully planned for a luxury yet laid-back California celebration.
How To Word Your Wedding Invitations
Looking for the perfect wedding invitation wording? As a wedding planner, I know how important it is to get the details just right. This blog post breaks down everything you need to know—from traditional phrasing to modern options—so your invites feel true to you and clearly share the who, what, when, and where. Let’s make wording your invitations simple, stress-free, and beautifully on-brand.
An Intimate Airbnb Wedding in the Hills of Tehachapi, California
An intimate Airbnb wedding in California blended natural beauty, heartfelt moments, and relaxed elegance. From mountain views to a weekend celebration with loved ones, it showed how magical a private rental wedding can be. Planning at an Airbnb takes thoughtful coordination—checking host policies and hiring vendors used to unique spaces— the result is a deeply personal, one-of-a-kind celebration.
An Al Fresco Wedding at Allegretto Vineyard Resort | Paso Robles
Experience the magic of an al fresco wedding at Allegretto Vineyard Resort. Dine under the stars surrounded by lush vineyards, with tables adorned in beautiful floral arrangements and candlelight. The breathtaking views and romantic atmosphere make this the perfect setting for an unforgettable celebration.
Yosemite National Park Wedding Ceremony
Embark on a magical journey with a Yosemite National Park wedding ceremony, where nature's breathtaking beauty sets the stage for your unforgettable day. As a wedding planner, I specialize in creating seamless, awe-inspiring experiences amidst towering sequoias and majestic granite cliffs. Here are essential steps to help you organize a memorable wedding in Yosemite National Park.
Stonepine Estate, Carmel Valley, California
Stonepine Estate in Carmel Valley offers a fairytale setting for luxury weddings, blending European charm with California's natural beauty across 400 acres. During a curated weekend experience, I explored the estate’s venues, enjoyed exquisite hospitality, and connected with fellow top-tier wedding professionals. From intimate garden ceremonies to lavish receptions at Chateau Noel, Stonepine is a truly immersive and unforgettable destination wedding venue.