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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Creating the Best Wedding Guest Experience
Make your wedding unforgettable by crafting a guest experience filled with personalized touches, seamless planning, and stunning décor. From interactive entertainment to gourmet dining, every detail should reflect your love story while ensuring your guests feel special. At Shelley Ann Events, we specialize in designing luxury weddings that leave a lasting impression with flawless execution and thoughtful experiences.