Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Feb 10, 2012, 3:00 am
A year or so, I wrote an article on what should a bride to do prepare for a floral meeting.  I think that article needs to be revisited because it's still a good read.  So, I've rewritten and updated new information to help all those 2012 brides.  Enjoy the article. ______________________________...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Feb 8, 2012, 3:00 am
Everyone owes their start to a group of people.  In my group there were family members, friends, clients, and then industry people.  One of those individuals is Cristine Traub-Thomas of Today's Bride SF.    Cristine gave me my first opportunity to showcase my work in her magazine.  For that, I ...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Feb 6, 2012, 3:00 am
Many years ago I was on a guest panel for an industry event.  Someone asked me where I got my inspirations.  If memory serves me ---- I think my answer was department store windows, travels, food, and magazines.  And to that I added  that I read nearly 50 magazines a month.  It was probably a b...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Feb 3, 2012, 3:00 am
Congratulations to one of my vendor friends, Kelly McLeskey-Dolata for the launch of her children party planning business.  Kelly is the owner and founder of A Savvy Events in Wine Country. I am thrilled that Kelly's A Savvy Event has now expanded into the children and teen world with it's ne...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Feb 1, 2012, 3:00 am
Once again I've borrowed a wonderful article from Pink Blossom List. When the original post came out in early 2011, who would have known that Korean inspired flavors and food would be everywhere helped by the popularity of David Chang's Momofuku restaurant, Chef Beverly Kim's Top Chef stint, Kim Chi...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Jan 30, 2012, 3:00 am
"What floral designers inspires you?" Rarely do I get asked that question.  And when I do, I am not shy in telling people that I love Preston Bailey's work as a whole.  Conceptually his designs are so unimaginable and complex, making them extremely inspirational. Locally, I just adore ...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Jan 24, 2012, 8:59 pm
Happy Chinese New Year wishes to everyone. Here are some of my favorite Chinese New Year traditions.... It is traditional for every family to thoroughly clean the house prior to New Year's.  Cleaning or cleansing the house is a way to sweep away any bad luck and of course to make room for incomin...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Jan 23, 2012, 3:00 am
Sometimes when you meet a couple, you know instantly that they have this connection.    I felt that the moment I spoke with Elle and Zach over a conference call in 2010.  Even through the phone lines, I could sense how much they cared about each other and it really shows!  Look at these amazing ...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Jan 19, 2012, 3:00 am
Everyone wants to know what's hot now but also what will be hot for this year.  Here's what I think is going to be hot in weddings for 2012. Post Vintage Yes, we've loved vintage for so long.  We are definitely entering a post Vintage era.  The more brides I see, the more that I hear that they do...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Jan 17, 2012, 3:00 am
Heavenly is how I would describe this Winter Motif Cake. It's perfectly balanced. The proportions of this cake is lovely. I just wished I knew who made this cake. If you can help us identify it, I would be so grateful. It was originally on Pinterest with no cake credit so your help is needed.  S...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Jan 15, 2012, 3:00 am
So appropriate for winter are fudge desserts.  Once again I've borrowed something from Pink Blossom List.  Enjoy these tempting images....Gotta to run and grab some fudge! ____________________________________ Love chocolate but are looking to keep things fun and interesting at your wedding? Experi...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Jan 13, 2012, 3:00 am
Thank you Style Me Pretty for featuring Leslie and Jeffrey's Alfresco Chic wedding in your Best Weddings of 2011. It was an honor to work with a fabulous team which included Gloria Wong, Jubilee Lau, Lisa Lefkowitz, Paula le Duc, Good on Paper Design to name just a few. The wonderful images by Lisa...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Jan 11, 2012, 3:00 am
A couple weeks ago I got the best(truly best) holiday card from the creative genius behind Tic Toc Florals, Eddie Zaratsian. His beautiful, moody holiday card featured this ethereal, luxe, glam tablescape. I was totally enraptured by it's simplicity luxe beauty - which was artful, wintry, serene, a...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Jan 9, 2012, 3:00 am
If you are reading my first "Lessons" post of 2012 you will realize that the news is not good at all for some wedding professionals.  It turns out that CareerCast has listed "Event Coordinator" as one of the most stressful jobs to have in 2012. Event coordinator aka Event Designer, Event Planner, W...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Jan 5, 2012, 10:03 pm
Someone once told me that the beginning of the new year will dictate how the entire year will unfold.  I sure hope that is right. For our first post of 2012, I couldn't have picked a brighter, more cheerful wedding to feature.  And I hope and wish that the entire year is equally blazing and festiv...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Dec 30, 2011, 7:48 pm
These are the last days of 2011.  For my last entry for the year, I ask you to pause for a moment to reflect, to remember, to relive. As this year's journey ends, it is only fitting for us to wonder and ask.... what are you most looking forward to?what are you happy to leave behind?what will you mi...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Dec 28, 2011, 3:00 am
New to the e mag scene is the global design magazine from down under called Est Magazine. We of the iPad world are ever so lucky to have it available to read on our "tablets".    Can't wait to sit down with myi Est magazine and a mug of hot apple cider during this winter break. Like dwell and Wall...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Dec 21, 2011, 3:00 am
From all of us at Nancy Liu Chin Designs and especially from my family, we hope 2012 brings you.... Peace at LastAbundant LaughterMoments of TranquilityLong PausesLingering Smiles We thank the ever talented Lisa Lekfowitz for this beautiful image! Bear HugsShorter LinesMore Homecooked MealsRandom Ac...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Oct 31, 2011, 2:53 pm
Halloween is an essential DIY/Craft opportunity.  Whether you are dressing up for a soiree or getting ready to entertain some zombies and vampires guests, this year, I am going to my Pinterest for new twists to Halloween fun.  Pinterest has ample ideas plus that magical spark to get you motivated ...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Oct 31, 2011, 3:00 am
Lara White of Geoff White Photographers has been a good vendor friend for ages.  I remember the first time I met the White's.  We met at Plump Jack Resort in Squaw Valley for a summer wedding.   That wedding featured ribbon details, colorful candy, stuffed elephant favors, and bright colors.  Ev...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Oct 28, 2011, 3:00 am
Cakes and Bouquets should go together like peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti and meatballs, and Kelly and Regis.    When both pieces come together - it's a symphony of color and textures.  I just love it. This gorgeous combination makes me smile.  It's everything right about a wedding.  Colorf...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Oct 25, 2011, 3:00 am
To tell you the truth, I'm not a great mood board maker.  I mean, I can do it but I'm just impatient.  Searching the internet for ideas can be daunting.  That's why I love and prefer pinterest because it gives me quick assess to myriad images.   For now, here is another wonderful inspiration boa...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Oct 23, 2011, 3:00 am
I'm blown away by these images by fellow wedding photographer, Sara Atkins, who captured these fabulous images from Molly and David's summer wedding.  All the elements were carefully selected by one of our fav planner, Kelly McLeskey-Dolata of A Savvy Event.  Details included a sign in vignette f...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Oct 21, 2011, 3:00 am
Seriously - this cake is way adorable. 3 tiered, soft pink, fondant, sugar flowers.  Perfect.  What's there not to love about it? Thank you Peggy Porschen CakesOne reason why I picked it as Best Thing Ever is that it features sugar Anemones flowers.  As a floral designer, I strongly recommend tha...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Oct 19, 2011, 3:00 am
This beautiful Carmel Valley(one of my favorite places in California) wedding designed by the talented planner, Julie Briggs Dunn of JBD Events and photographed by Bay Area's Allyson Wiley deserves to be featured.   When you have a gorgeous setting, near perfect weather, beautiful and charming cou...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Oct 18, 2011, 4:07 pm
My job as as floral designer is evolving.  It's no secrets I love flowers in all shapes and sizes.  I love things organic and natural like foliage, branches, twigs and more.  But my job is changing and I'm learning new things like making fabric leaves, tissue paper garlands and felt flowers.   I...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Oct 17, 2011, 3:00 am
Misunderstandings happen every day because often in our communication it's not what we say but how we say it that can and may be misinterpreted. Too often we say too little or in my case, too much. Communication skills are one of the most important and powerful tools that we can develop.  A success...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Oct 14, 2011, 3:00 am
A week or so ago, I announced that I would be featuring some of my favorite posts from Pink Blossom List. Today, I'm featuring some of Erin's Food posts. Being a lover of biscuits, this article makes me hungry which is so appropriate as fall is a season for restoring the soul.  With the fall har...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Oct 12, 2011, 3:00 am
I cannot tell a lie. Getting a real wedding featured in a magazine, blog, website is such an honor. Thank you Orange Turtle Photography for sharing this wedding with Style Me Pretty. Thank you to our lovely couple Lina and Henry who never once hesitated when I said, "you should do this...". Eve...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Oct 10, 2011, 3:00 am
In the mid 90's, I had dabbed in wedding planning and floral design but I truly had never made it an official career until Oct of 2001 a month after 9/11. The realization that life indeed was unexpectedly shorter than one hoped hit me like a ton of bricks. The meaning of 9/11 was not lost on me an...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Oct 7, 2011, 3:00 am
Summer is slowly becoming a dream. To honor this summer, I'm loving this wonderful short film by my darling hubby, Kevin Chin Photography + Cinematography. All the vendors worked so hard on this Botanical Garden photo shoot at Quarry Hill.  A Savvy Event did the wonderful planning.  I love partne...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Oct 5, 2011, 3:00 am
Yes, I am Smitten! Smitten with everything about this new glossy e-magazine, whose tagline is aptly titled, "The Lookbook for Wedding Fancy"!  It's completely true --- everything is beautifully crafted in that Southern, charming way.  Editor and co-founder Della MacNicholas first started in the w...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Oct 3, 2011, 3:00 am
I believe in many things. Everyone has a twin.You can't pick your family but you can pick your friends.It's so much better to be nice.George Clooney will never get married.The strike zone in baseball is ridiculously inconsistent.Marriage is easy, planning a wedding is hard.Too much of a good thing, ...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Sep 30, 2011, 8:49 pm
Dear Faithful Brown Baggers I'm back. For a few hours a day, I've been trying to write new posts. Though my thoughts aren't always coherent, I'm writing. I'm writing again. Such that I am far from a true writer, coming up with something even remotely entertaining can be quite daunting. At first,...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Sep 29, 2011, 3:00 am
... buddy of mine wanted to get back into the wedding industry so she asked me to partner with her ... decided to ring in the holiday with this darling American baseball themed inspiration board. What do you think? Inspiration: All-American Classic BaseballColors: Cola Cola Red, Mustard yellow, ...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Sep 21, 2011, 8:02 pm
I have seen some wacko(truly crazy and bizarre) inventions in my life.  Sometimes what sounds great doesn't always work.  When I had first heard about a save the date card that opened up into a knot, I couldn't image what it could look like. However, seeing is believing (Rubin, are you paying atte...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Sep 15, 2011, 3:00 am
Poll results indicate that an Updated Ballroom Soiree is the style of real weddings that you want to see more of.  I couldn't agree with you more!!!! Board courtesy of Pinterest , Photography by Sherman Chu. Flowers by NLC Designs Others are looking for more Regal and Grand or Modern Concepts. Wha...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Sep 13, 2011, 3:00 am
Photography from Leslie and Jeff's wedding by Lisa Lefkowitz Thrilled that some of the floral details from Leslie and Jeff's Refreshingly Beautiful wedding was featured in Vogue Japan. If the images look familiar, it's because some of the details of Leslie and Jeff's wedding designed by my super ta...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Aug 31, 2011, 3:00 am
Mandi & Khoa | Asian Art Museum Wedding from IQvideography on Vimeo. Mandi and Khoa are such a sassy and sweet couple.  Mandi is inherently kind and warm. Khoa is reserved and calm.  Together they are just perfect.   I'm so honored to have worked with them on their Asian Art Summer Soiree!!!! Thi...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Aug 29, 2011, 3:00 am
A year ago, I had the misfortunate of getting into a bicycle accident while on vacation in Anguilla.  That journey has been a long one of healing and mending. In a few days, I go under the knife again.  Like the previous other 3 surgeries, I am glad that I have my family and friends for their unco...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Aug 24, 2011, 8:39 pm
So excited.....we've been added to the vendor guide at Elizabeth Anne Designs in the floral section.  We are so thrilled and excited.  This is such a great blog and website.  And look at the company we are in. Swoon.
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Aug 22, 2011, 3:00 am
Many people have asked me what is the one secret ingredient that sets you apart. Initially, I would say that it's our classic but modern floral arrangements and personable service. But lately, the more I think about this, I would say that patience is a key component.  Though I wouldn't necessarily ...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Aug 17, 2011, 6:51 pm
Recently I was doing some research on backdrops.  I don't know how it happened but my internet search led me to this amazing table.  I was blown away by this wall of paper flowers.  Amazing - yes.  Fabulous - definitely.  Inspiring - absolutely.  Beautiful - for sure.  Transforming - positive...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Aug 3, 2011, 3:00 am
It's so true.  To have one of our weddings featured in a magazine or blog never gets old. So excited to see this lovely Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay wedding featured on Style Me Pretty. What made this wedding so wonderful was working with planner Frances Liu of Charmed Events.  Her professionalism...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Jul 29, 2011, 3:00 am
Dear Brown Bag Fans... If you've been following me on twitter, you will recall that a couple days ago I announced that we have a New Dog. Rocco LiuLiu Chin arrived last week weighing at 22+ lbs.  Rocco is a true blessing and an answer to prayers.  I've been wanting a playmate for Chin Chin, our so...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Jul 25, 2011, 3:00 am
Many of you have been voting on what real weddings you would like to see more of.  In response to that I'm so excited that Style Me Pretty picked this Solage wedding that was anything but typical ballroom or wine country rustic.  It's about Modern Lines. Yolanda and Gary's sensible tastes started ...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Jul 22, 2011, 3:00 am
Today wraps up my posts on the AIFD Symposium.  These are more innovative and creative designs.  Some border on the sublime while others are influenced by more traditional designs. These represent some of my favorite designs like this from Hitomi's floral group utilizing non floral materials. How...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Jul 20, 2011, 3:00 am
Futuristic.  Innovative. Simple.  Organic.  Structured. These could be some of the adjectives that you might use to describe the European bouquets designed by Pim van der Aaker.  Whether you like them or not,  Pim's techniques and skills are inspiring.   He was by far one of my favorite expert...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Jul 18, 2011, 3:00 am
Two weeks ago, I was lucky enough to attend my very first AIFD Symposium in San Francisco.  The AIFD Symposium is the Super Bowl for Floral Designers.  Expert designers from around the world fly in to touch and see new techniques and learn from the world's foremost experts. This year's speakers an...
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Nancy L. posted an article on Brown Bag - Jul 15, 2011, 2:46 pm
We've started a poll question last month and I feel that a few more days of voting would do us good. So give us your answer. Thanks!
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