weddings and special events and private estates: Just Got Engaged? Tips for the First Time Bride and Groom.

Happy Valentine's Week.

Since it is Valentine's weekend, I thought it would be fun to write a blog with tips on how to plan a successful wedding, plus our picks of the week.

Research potential event professionals carefully. Please check them out on the internet and Yelp before you hire anyone.
Don't pay anyone in full for their services - best to spread-out payments.
Set a realistic budget and prioritize what is important to you and your fiancé.
Take good care of yourself - drink plenty of water and get enough sleep.
Spend quality time with your fiancé. Remember, the wedding will last one day, but the relationship can last a life-time.
If you find yourself becoming impatient or short-tempered, step away from the planning and take a break.
Don't forget about the details.
Consider hiring an event planner to handle the details that you don't have time to pursue and focus on the projects that are important to you.

Fraud Alert -Avoid Scam Artists via On-line Dating.

Our company has been fortunate enough to have planned some beautiful weddings for clients, who have met and fell in love via on-line dating. However, we recommend that you are aware of con-artists who prey on dating sites, especially around the holidays which includes Valentine's week.

Here are some red flags -

They live far away and they claim to be in the military or working overseas.

He or she wants to meet with you, but his or her travel plans keep falling through. This person might even email you a photo of their plane ticket to show that they are serious about traveling to see you.

After a short time, they start asking for money for their flight or if you can help them out of a sticky financial situation.

Beware of fake dating profiles and Facebook pages.

Some scammers may even ask you to move money around for them, which in turn can make you an accomplice to their scheme.

Our Estate Pick of the Week - Malibu 8536