San Francisco Bride in the City: Melissa Chiu

Style Unveiled, as hard as we try, knows that sometimes it takes a woman who's walking in your same 'heels' to help with something like planning a day as big as a wedding.  And while we will always be here to help with inspirational photos, real weddings, vendor suggestions, venue ideas, our Perfect 10 lists, and more ... we want to bring you something priceless ... Advice from brides who are doing the same as you (right now!!) ... PLANNING THEIR WEDDING :)  Our blog addition, Bride in the City will give you inside info from other brides to help you along the way and make you feel like you're not the only one :)  So ... get ready to bond with Bride in the City guest:  Melissa Chiu

When did you become engaged?

June 12, 2009

When is the big day?

August 21, 2010

Who are the wedding vendors that you have already decided to hire?

Venue: Rengstorff House
Photographer: Danny Dong
Florist: Signature Bloom
Caterer: China Stix
Makeup: Makeup by Sophie
Hair: Beauty by Deana
Cake: Jen's Cakes
DJ/Videographer: Sound in Motion
Officiant: Emily Lin
Wedding Coordinator: San Jose Wedding Consultants

 What is your venue and why did you choose it?

We are getting married at the Rengstorff House in Mountain View, CA.  We picked it because we loved the idea of having a historic home as a backdrop for our outdoor wedding and having both our ceremony and reception at the same location.

What are you most excited about for your wedding day?

Bringing all our closest friends and family together in one place, spending quality time with the people we love the most, eating!, dancing!, goofying around, making new memories and celebrating love, love, love!  And all with my new hubby by my side!

Is there anything you are nervous about for your wedding day?

A lot!  I'm nervous about being able to put words together (in my vows) to even come close to truly expressing how much my soon-to-be husband means to me, how much I love him, and how excited I am for our future together.  At the end of the day, I also want everyone to have had a great time!

What is your wedding theme or concept going to be?  What inspired it?

Simple, romantic, outdoors and cheerful with lots of splashes of yellow.  My favorite color is yellow and I love the idea of an outdoor wedding and playing up, but not overshadowing, nature's own "decorations."

Did you decide to hire a wedding coordinator?  Why did you decide this?

Yes, I hired a wedding coordinator to help see that everything goes seamlessly on the wedding day, without me finding out about any (almost) mishaps (at least until after a great wedding day)!

Where are you planning to go for your honeymoon?

We are going on a week long Caribbean cruise packed with lots of adventure and even more relaxation. Or maybe the other way around?

What are some of your favorite wedding planning blogs and tools?

Theknot.com.  Yelp.  Google. My favorite websites for inspiration were Ruffled.com and Stylemepretty.com.

Is your husband-to-be helping with the planning?  What are his jobs?

He planned our entire honeymoon, contacted vendors, and remained updated on (most) of our wedding planning with the help of our joint email account.

What is your best advice to brides who are currently planning their wedding?

It's never too early (really) to start THINKING about ideas for the wedding or starting the process of actual planning.  Time will fly!

Don't forget to keep an open mind throughout the planning process and be flexible when new ideas or more cost-effective solutions present themselves.

Most of all, when you feel the stress is about to kill you, STOP and do something you love.  Unwind, go out, eat a yummy meal, spend time with people you enjoy being around, LAUGH, relax, laugh some more!  Laughing is underrated!  And remind yourself that it will all be worth it...(at least that's what I've heard)!

Are you planning to see each other before the ceremony for photos?  Why or why not?

Yes.  I think those quiet moments before the wedding, before (or after) all the craziness of the entire wedding planning process and wedding day, will be extra special, especially because it's the last time the bride and groom will spend time together before officially becoming mr. and mrs.

What are 3 words that describe how you feel right now?

Renewed excitement for "the big day"!  Writing about our upcoming wedding (it's practically tomorrow!) leaves me feeling all mushy inside and brings back that sappy, oh-so-happy, i'm in loooove feeling where you can't wipe the silly grin off your face.

{DARLING} Eye-Candy Submitted to us by Danny Dong

Update:  Make sure you check out this post on engagement photo ideas.