4 things...best present of all

I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays.  It is a special time of year, and I just can not help but get excited every time it comes around.  With just a few weeks left in the year I am trying to take as much time to relax and catch up with friends and family as possible.  It has been an incredible year and this holiday season has been the icing on top of the cake.  I have gotten to spend more time with my family then I have in the past few years.   Of course I also got the best present of all when my brother and mom told me they were moving to San Diego.  I have always been close to my family, but since college I have not been able to see them as much as I would like to.  Now that they are moving to beautiful San Diego I am in for a treat.  Not to mention I get to watch my nephew grow up and experience the world.  I hope everyone gets a chance to slow down and enjoy the rest of the year as well. 

Pinning: We wish you a Merry Christmas board.  I have said it before, and I will say it again, Pinterest is incredible.  Just about any inspiration you wish to seek you can find on Pinterest.  I am having a great time finding all sorts of holiday ideas, from wrapping to pictures to decorations and more.  I think Mike and I are going to try and make the candy cane marshmallows, and maybe even a good ole' gingerbread house.

Reading: Darling Magazine issue 10.  Darling magazine has become a great source of inspiration for me.  The pages are filled with thought provoking dialogue that leaves me feeling full of purpose.  I look forward to every issue I receive because I know there will be something within its pages that will stop and make me think.

Watching: Annie the movie.  It has been years since I watched Annie, and I forgot how amazing it is. As soon as I pressed play I remembered all the times I would sit and sing a long to the entire movie.  What great memories.

Dreaming of:  Christmas morning with my Nephew.  I can not wait to see his face light up when he starts playing with his new gifts.  His joy will be the best present of all.

Happy Holidays everyone.

xoxo,

Suzanne

The $40,900 Question: Samantha Saad from the San Diego Museum of Art

When a bride and groom set out to search for possible locations for their special day, people like Samantha Saad help woo the couple over with their extensive knowledge of their venue. Samantha knows the beautiful and versatile venue that is the San Diego Museum of Art from the inside out. Who wouldn't want to get married surrounded by masterpieces? Read on to find out more about Samantha and the San Diego Museum of Art!

1. What makes the San Diego Museum of Art such a wonderful wedding venue?

The San Diego Museum of Art sits in an enchanting setting within Balboa Park, with Spanish Architecture and the views of the California Tower in our Sculpture Garden. It has the capability to be customized to any couple's vision, opportunities are endless.

2. Where do you draw inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from the art collections we have on display, Balboa Park, and trends I see brought into the venue weekly. We work with really great coordinators who are consistently bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to our space that we have utilized in future events, both internally and externally.

3. Describe your signature style.

I love modern, contemporary styles. Clean lines, splash of color, and unique layouts that excite you when you arrive to an event.

4. What is the most thrilling aspect of your job?

I love the wide array of events we get to work on, from exhibition openings, weddings, Art Alive, and so many more. There is never a dull moment, and we get to create lifetime memories for these people both attending and hosting the events.

5. How did you get into the coordinating business?

I studied Event Management in college, it provided me with a hands on learning experience and I found passion in utilizing creativity on a day to day basis.

6. If you could have another job, what would it be?

I honestly love what I do so much, I couldn't imagine doing anything else. I hope to have the opportunity to broaden the types of events we plan even further, and to be a leader in curating new concepts within the museum.

7. What has been inspiring you lately?

I've been inspired by the increase in interest in the culinary side of events lately. We are so fortunate to live among some of the most talented chefs in the country, and you are starting to see those trends emerge in the catering/events side.

8. Color pallets that you have been loving lately?

I love black and white weddings with a little pop of color.

9. A piece of advice for a bride to be?

Spend the money on a full time coordinator and photographer. The full time coordinator will help you have fun with the planning process and your photographer will capture all these memories. Everything else will fade over time, so from there prioritize your dollars on the details that matter to you.

10. If you had $40,900 to spend on one trip, where would you go and what would you do?

I would spend two months travelling throughout Italy. I have always been a fan of Italian wines, and am enamored by the culture and sights to see throughout that country.

One Pic : Charlotte

“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.” -Henry David Thoreau 

4 things...Holly Jolly

Happy Sunday.  I hope everyone enjoyed the little bit of winter weather we got this week.  The rain on Friday was so refreshing.  Everything is always so beautiful after the rain, it feels like all of nature is rejoicing.  It is also the perfect weather to stay in and work to.  The light pitter patter of rain on the ground outside is the perfect relaxing cadence to offset a long work week.  I hope we get a bit more winter weather this holiday season, it always feels more like Christmas when its cold outside.Singing : Christmas carols.  Mike got me tickets to the Holly Jolly Holiday Trolley as an early Christmas present.  We went last Sunday and it was rad.  You get to ride around Gaslamp, Balboa Park, Embarcadero, and Old Town to see all of the festive lights while singing a long to Christmas Carols led by the conductor.

Hosting : Tonight Jen Nesovic, Vlad, Mike and I are hosting our 3rd annual gift exchange.  I can't wait for tonight.  Our gift exchange has become one of my favorite traditions during the holiday season.  Every year it brings us together in the midst of our own holiday chaos, for a night that is nothing short of wonderful.

Relaxing : Gretchen Seitz acupuncturist is amazing.  I am always overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude after seeing her.  This is the perfect time of the year to reset and let go, and I would highly recommend her to help you do so.

Dreaming : A spring trip.  Mike and I delayed our winter trip to the spring.  There was so much going on we decided to put a pin in it.  Now I have the fun task of daydreaming where to go next.  I'm thinking March or April, maybe Chile and a few days in Cusco Peru! We shall see. Vamos a ver.

xoxo,

Suzanne