Natalie’s Personal Post

During this time of year I find it’s a time for me to reflect on where life has taken me in the last year and focus on where I want to go next year. Throughout the year I volunteer with different animal rescue organizations to try to make a difference in their lives. I have been an avid animal lover my entire life (I wanted to be a Vet before a Wedding Planner!). Nothing gets my blood boiling more than animal abuse and cruelty! I cry at the commercials, and I simply don’t understand how people can be so cruel to innocent beings, it is just unacceptable!

When I was growing up I was lucky enough to own horses up in Oregon. My first horse, Cash, was not only an animal but he was a friend. In the Summer I would give him a bath, ride bareback in the pasture, lay on his back and soak up the Summer sun. He was a part of my experience’s, my failures, and he gave me friendship and loyaly like no friend can at that age. I tried to be a  barber and took a chunk out of his mane- guess that wasn’t a profession I should have tried! I braided his hair like a girl and he didn’t care one bit. We had so many amazing memories together.  Here are a couple of my favorite pictures with him.

 I try to be a small part of making a difference in the lives of animals who have been abused and thrown away likes trash. If you have the time you should definietly look into volunteering sometime. Even if it’s just occassional at adoption events or by making a donation- every little bit helps. I have had the pleasure of volunteering at Hanaeleh many times and I just LOVE what they are doing for horses. Do you know that there are only a couple of horse rescues in ALL of Orange County? These are large animals that are very expensive to take care of and they can’t be fostered in a home like a dog or cat would; therefore not many of them exist. Elizabeth started the rescue with her passion for these gentle, often misunderstood creatures. I am in awh of how hard she works everyday to make Hanaeleh happen, it really is inspiring. They have several amazing horses up for adoption to a loving home. Check out some of my faves:

         Sweet and Sassy Annie                            

 Handsome Charlie

 Raphael is just beautiful!

Check out all the amazing work that is being done at Hanaeleh as well as how you can sponsor a horse in need here on their website. Also become a fan on their facebook page.

They are also always in need of supplies- grooming materials, muck rakes (it really isn’t fun to use a broken one- trust me!), gift certificates to feed stores, and of course donations. Help these amazing horses during the holiday season!

A Good Affair Wedding & Event Production will be donating a portion from each piece of business we receive in 2011 to animal rescues in Orange County- if you are one of our client’s let us know if you have a specific rescue you would like a portion of your event donated too.

Wishing everyone a great holiday season! Take the time to make a difference in someone’s life- animal or human- there is so much need out there. It feels you with such a sense of purpose, I find it feels good for the soul.

Check out A Good Affair’s Portfolio here

Give us a Ring~ 714.679.1139~ we would love to schedule an appointment at our Newport Beach design studio.

Happy Planning,

AGA

I don’t normally take the time to talk about my personal life since I am always busy talking about A Good Affair’s fabulous client’s, but I wanted to take a moment to share 2 of the most precious gifts in my life with you all. My two dachshunds, Maggie & Piper bring me so much love and joy it’s hard to even put it into words (but I’m gonna try)!

The Mr. and I got Maggie almost 3 years ago at such an amazing time in our lives, it was 2007 we had just gotten married a few months earlier, bought a house, and then welcomed our first pup into our lives. For those fellow dog lovers out there I know you will understand this when I say that Maggie is my soul mate (for a dog- not replacing you honey) her and I have had a bond like I have never experienced with any other animal in my life. I always say if my personality was put into a dog it would be Maggie. She is super outgoing, the life of the party, super friendly, and has the biggest personality I have ever come across in a pup.

Then a year later we got Piper (Maggie needed a friend) and I thought I would be getting another Maggie- they are the same breed after all so not a crazy assumption I might say. Well boy was I wrong!!!!! Not only is Piper 1/2 of Maggie’s size, her personality is TOTALLY opposite as well. She is not outgoing, only likes certain people, and is a total guard dog (that I love by the way). It is so funny because she is super close to the Mr. which rounded out a perfect foursome family.

I love what I do for weddings and events but it often is a high stress and physically exhausting job (not saying I would trade it for the world) so when I come home nothing makes me happier than curling up on the couch with my two babies. It is so true that dog is really man’s best friend. They know when I need to snuggle or when I need a good laugh they bust out something funny I have never seen them do before. Sometimes I look at them and just crack up! They have no worries in this world something we could all try a moment or two in our crazy lives.

A while ago we decided that we wanted to get some great photos of our pups and I called on Molly with Luminaire Images to help me out. she is one of my friends in the biz and does amazing work with weddings but she also has a passion for animal photography and I just love how she captures them.

Take a look at my babies:

Awh my Maggie Mae- such a great shot still can’t figure out how she got her tongue like that!

My delicate little Piper- she will always look like a pup- love it!

Pretty much the greatest shot ever- priceless!

Well we aren’t as cute as Maggie and Piper but here’s a look at the happy family, the 3 loves of my life!

Check out more images on Molly’s blog

Hope you have enjoyed a glimpse into my life and what I hold near and dear to my heart. When I try to express what I feel about these 3 my heart feels like it is going to burst- this is my family and I can’t imagine my life without them!

Check out our portfolio

Give us a ring 714.679.1139

Happy Planning,

AGA

Tonight is our first post and I am super excited to be a part of the blog world! Looking forward to showing current and future client’s fun ideas, advice, etiquette, design and style ideas to help you in your journey through the wedding world. A Good Affair Wedding and Event Production is a company founded with a vision for excellence for each event every time. Our staff has years of experience in all facets of the wedding and event industry, we will bring a professional, creative approach to your event and make the planning process fun along the way! To see our portfolio please check out our site , also check out what past clients have said about us.

If you are just starting your planning process check out informative websites to search local vendors 2 that we love- Weddingwire and  Project Wedding

We look forward to hearing from you too, please leave any comments or suggestions you have on our blog- we can’t wait to meet with you and discuss your vision for your special day or event!

Check out our brand new site we are super stoked about it- www.agoodaffair.com

Happy planning!
AGA