Pretty Flowers

This served as the centerpiece to a buffet table. Everyone loved the smell of the pink peonies.

Milena's Christening

Me and the Happy Celebrant!!!
She's so happy she can't contain herself!!!

Marcel and Leilani's Wedding

We were honored to do the flowers for Marcel and Leilani's Wedding. They wanted white flowers with touches of pink for their beautiful spring wedding. The wedding ceremony was at St. Joseph's Church in Fremont and the reception was held at The Bridges in San Ramon.

Thanks Leilani and Marcel for letting us be part of your day!

Below were pin corsages that the mothers, grandmothers and godmothers wore.




Below are the bridesmaids bouquets and Leilani's beautiful orchid bouquet.




Dendrobium Orchids for their pew arrangements.


Sprays for the Altar




Leilani and her proud father.


At the Bridges in San Ramon.



The following pictures were taken by Marcel and Leilani's very talented Photographers, Emma and Alfred Salom.













"Melissa I didn't really get a chance to thank you for the amazing job you did on our wedding. It was just amazing. From the church to the centerpieces to the circle of flower peddles... it was just top notch all the way. We got so many compliments on the floral arrangements! You rule!" -Marcel and Leilani Esguerra

Dendrobium Orchids

Graduation Decorations Flyer

If you have an upcoming graduation celebration, let us help you! Double click on the picture for a larger image.

Leila's 1st Birthday

Ryan & Camille's Wedding Shower

I don't usually do party favors... but I thought these were too cute not to post!!!!
We did mini potted plants for Ryan and Camille's Wedding Shower.









Congratulations Ryan and Camille!!! Can't wait for the big day!

Mama Glo's 60th Birthday

It was a special, special birthday for a special, special lady. The flowers turned out to be amazing. I surprised myself on this one!!! They turned out better than I imagined!!!

This...


...turned into these beautiful centerpieces.
(the following four pictures were taken by my friend, the talented Edwin Leynes)
















Here's the celebrant and her handsome sons who gave her a night to remember forever!

(family picture taken by Edwin Leynes)

Czarmaine & Johmar's Wedding

I was privileged to be able to work with a wonderful couple, Czarmaine and Johmar. They wanted their wedding flowers to be unique and simple.

Czarmaine wanted something out of the ordinary for her and her bridesmaids to carry as they walked down the aisle.

Below is her bridal bouquet.



This is one of four bridesmaids bouquets.


Simple toss bouquet.


Head table arrangement.


*More pictures to come*

Vallejo High School Prom 2008

We were able to do the decorations for my old high school. The event was held at the Turf Room at Golden Gate Fields in Berkeley. The views from the room were amazing and the weather was perfect for Prom Night.






Thanks to Ms. Lucero for allowing us to be part of the student's special night.

Alma's Wedding

Another wedding aboard the Sunset Yacht for Hornblower Cruises.


The bride's bouquet:


The bridesmaids bouquet:

White Carnation Pomander

I created 2 of these pomanders for a friend, up and coming Wedding Planner extraordinaire, Chilou Ballelos who is working on her website for her Wedding Planning Services.

*More pictures to come*

Bouquets to Art 2009

I went to Bouquets to Art again this year. Here's a few of my faves!!!

Extra Flowers

Here's more arrangements from the Wedding Fair that we had on our table!








And below is what i did with the extras that i didn't want to go to waste!!!








Flowers make me so happy!!!!

Hornblower Wedding Fair 2009

MELANA Events was able to showcase our work at Hornblower's Wedding Fair at the Berkeley Marina. There were several yachts in the Marina that were being showcased to potential Hornblower Wedding Clients and were were able to decorate one entire yacht!!

We decorated the Commodore. It's a small boat, and this day it was set up for 33 people. The linens and chairs were picked out for us and were being provided by Hornblower's preferred rental company. Our mission was to provide florals that complimented the rentals items. Below are some pictures that we took.

(I don't know my boat lingo, but hopefully you'll understand what i'm trying to say.)
This is the bow of the boat. The wedding ceremony would take place here, on deck outside at the front of the boat.






This arrangement was at the buffet table on the bottom floor.


Next to the buffet table was this ceiling decoration that we did above the dance floor. At night it would shimmer and shine if we turned on the lights that we put up there. The yacht had pretty low ceilings so it couldn't hang too low. If you were 6 foot tall and you jumped, you'd hit your head!



As you walk up the stairs you'd enter the dining area. Here 6 tables and a head table were set up.










We tried to pay attention to every little detail on the boat. Here is what we did on all the lanterns of the boat.




We couldn't forget about the chairs. We decided to dress up the gold Chivari Chairs with tiny floral arrangements and matching satin ribbon.




And our centerpieces that we absolutely love!!!! For the gold and claret tables we used the deep red roses, burgundy callas, burgundy cymbidiums and filled it with deep colored foliage.






For the claret table tops we wanted to pull out the gold color by using orange flowers with hints of red in them. We used mango callas, orange roses, and orange cymbidiums and used the same deep dark foliage to fill.


Below is the head table. I don't know why it's set for three? Maybe for the couple's child?




Here was are at our table. Mom, Lana and I and Geoffrey behind the camera.


Thanks everyone for their support as we prepared to be one of the featured vendors at our very first Wedding Fair!!! We did really well!!!

Thanks Geoffrey and Eileen for being up all night helping us out!!!! Thanks mom for waking up at the crack of dawn to help us set up!!!

Thanks Michael Magtanong for designing our brochures!! And the many photographers that we were privileged to work with over the years for their beautiful photos!

Back cover Front Cover


Inside Left Inside Right


And thank you for checking out this blog!!!!

Love
Melissa and Lana

Hornblower Cruises and Events Wedding Yacht Showcase

MELANA Events will be one of the showcasing vendors at this event! We'll be decorating one of the yachts. Come check us out!!!

Hornblower Cruises and Events Wedding Yacht Showcase
Saturday, March 14, 200911:00am - 2:00pm

Berkeley Doubletree Guest Dock, 200 Marina Boulevard Berkeley, CA Hornblower Wedding Extravaganza Reservations are required.415-438-8200 ×2200RSVP by March 7, 2009 to rsvp@hornblower.com Imagine your event aboard a Hornblower yacht, surrounded by the breathtaking sights of the San Francisco Bay, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito and the dazzling city skyline. Come see for yourself what a wedding on the water would be. Meet our fleet of distinctive yachts. Hornblower can accommodate any size event, from an intimate setting to groups up to 2200. Wedding packages include your ceremony and full event coordination. Meet our professional sales and coordinating team and sample our fabulous food.Mention Here Comes the Guide when you RSVP and receive $500 off your charter rate or 10% off your wedding package rate when you book your wedding with Hornblower Cruises in 2009 and 2010.

Flowers for Leroy

This bouquet was given to Leroy's someone special on Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Day

We got a big order this year... 67 orders of 12 boxed tulips!!! A million thanks to Eileen, Donna, Geoffrey, my family for helping me and lana out!!!

Sabrina's Baby Shower

Jennifer's 18th Birthday

Ascension Hall in Saratoga, California

Jennifer and Fernan

The weather could not have been any more perfect on September 27, 2008 for Jennifer and Fernan’s Wedding. Both ceremony and reception were located at Embassy Suites in Burlingame, California. The beautiful pictures listed below were taken by Photographer, Mark Stagi of Stagi Imagery. Ceremony & Reception programs by the talented Alexis Carigma.

Congratulations Jennifer and Fernan for letting us be part of your special day!

Napa Valley

We went to explore the Napa Valley for my 30th birthday. I thought the day would be a complete waste since it was off and on rain. But by mid morning it began to dry up and sun decided to come out and shine!!! The colors of fall was abundant everywhere you look seemed like a painting of greens, browns, reds, oranges, purples, yellows… it was absolutely gorgeous! Despite the rain at the beginning of our day, the weather was beautiful. The air was warm and smelled fresh from the recent rains and it was just a wonderful day!

We visited 4 wineries but I only included 2 of the most scenic ones we visited

Vegetative Design

Cheryl and Mark's Wedding

Cheryl and Mark got married at The Church of the Epiphany in San Francisco, California.

The two photos below are taken by my very good friend and photographer Edwin Leynes.






The reception was held at the Marriott Hotel in Burlingame, California.

Photo below taken by Robert Lugtu


Photo below by Robert Lugtu










Wedding Cake by Sweet Dreams in Colma, California
Photo below by Robert Lugtu


Photo below by Robert Lugtu




Congratulations Mark and Cheryl!!!

Kristi and Norm's Wedding

The wedding ceremony and reception was held at the beautiful Heather Farms in Walnut Creek, CA.

Congratulations Norm and Kristi!!!

Wonderful Service ...

Melissa and Lana took care of all the decorations at my wedding. We got married at Walnut Creek Community Center at Heather Farms, and the building is nice, but they transformed this venue to a magical place. The flowers were gorgeous, the balloons were beautiful, the Roman columns behind the head table were an awesome touch, the chocolate fountain was a hit and the arch they decorated was gorgeous.

Not only that, but these ladies are super affordable and easy to work with. My breath was literally taken away. Not to mention they decorated my blah cake with fresh flowers and transformed it to a master piece. Wow... is all I can say!

~Kristi

MNCI Fiesta

Dinner Dance at the Milpitas Community Center for the Mapandanians of Northern California

Marites & James Wedding

Marites and James' wedding ceremony and reception was held at the beautiful Chaminade Resort in Santa Cruz.

The Bride and Bridesmaid's Bouquets

The Flower Girl's Head Wreath




The reception centerpieces




The wedding cake.

Melana Events did a wonderful job on my wedding. What I had envisioned for my dream wedding was brought to life- to the T. Melissa is very professional , affordable and easy to work with. She is very organized and listened to my ideas carefully. During my wedding day, I was not stressed about the flowers because it was all taken care of. The colors and arrangements were beautiful. I loved the way she integrated the lavender , sage, bear grass and seashells into my beach themed wedding. I would recommend her to any of my family members and friends. Thank you for making my wedding a beautiful one!

-Marites & James

Jon Jon's Christening

My handsome face nephew/godson was baptized at St. Vincent Ferrer's Church in Vallejo.


Reception at China Wok in American Canyon.
Cake by Sheng Kee Bakery in Pacifica. Can you spot the typo??


Insider Balloon Centerpieces

Feet Eater

My favorite cute face little boy..





... THE FEET EATER!!

Annily and Johden's Wedding

Annily and Johden got married on Saturday, July 12, 2008. The ceremony was held at the Church of the Epiphany in San Francisco. The reception was held at the Crown Plaza in Burlingame.















Ceiling Decorations by Do Me a Favor, San Francisco CA

Melissa's flowers are great! she is fair and does her best to accommodate to you. She is on time in giving the flowers way before the ceremony. Her flowers are cute and everything is complete! she will try her best to accommodate her time for you to talk about the kinds of different flowers you want, as she is flexible and has great, unique ideas! -to make your wedding look nice and extra special and most of all, would make you smile. She wants you to be happy and make sure everything is in place. She did my wedding and I recommend her for others! If I ever have a big party again, I'd call her for flowers and for other decorations. So give her a chance for her to speak with you on your plans and ideas, she is very understanding. You can bug her and ask questions anytime. She made my reception place look very beautiful, i have no complaints, cuz its exactly how you explain it to her. the flowers and ribbons/bows looks especially nice in pictures!:) It is worth it to get the Whole package, cuz wanna be satisfied., esp. on your special day!

-Annily & Johden

Geoffrey's Bike Ride - Aids Life Cycle 7

Geoffrey conquered for the second time Aids Life Cycle!!! 545 Mile bike ride from the Bay to LA!! Congratulations to him and a million thanks to those who donated in support of Geoffrey and to the organizations that benefited from the donations!

His Number 1 Fan!!!


Patricia and I met him at the finish line on his Birthday!!


With these handy dandy signs!! Thanks Anthony for making these for me!! It was a pain carrying these on the plane though!

Skyy Vodka Display

Crescent Floral Design showcasing Skyy Vodka.
Yellow Asiatic Lilies, Yellow Roses & White Irises.

Spider Invasion

Here's my story of the day...

It was a lovely spring afternoon as I took the ferry into San Francisco...


...I was walking down the street...


...to meet this hot guy!!



We continue to walk hand in hand and we see that the city is being invaded by a Spider...

THE END!!!

Hearst Castle

Geoffrey and I went on a road trip over memorial day weekend and we traveled down the coast and stopped at Hearst Castle. Here's some pics from our trip.


Walking up to the main house.

Below are pics of the Neptune Pool. The pool house has 10 dressing rooms for guys and 7 dressing rooms for the girls. Back in the day, if you didn't have a bathing suite, one would be provided for you and you would be able to take them home.

Here's a picture of one of the guest homes:

In the winter if a guest was cold, Mr. Hearst would provide the ladies with a fur coat from his fur vault, and when you were about to leave from your stay, he'd let you keep it.

I think this is the main house!


One of the many scenic patios overlooking San Simeon.

This is one of my favorite rooms, this is the main dining room!

Mr. Hearst would invite his guests to come to stay at his property with no departure date, but it guests over stayed their welcome during dinner Mr. Hearst would seat them closer to the fire place as a hint to get going already.

Here's the fire place, imagine sitting next to this while a fire is on full blast!!

Below are pictures of the Indoor Pool at Hearst Castle. Mr. W.R Hearst designed it so it would look like you're swimming in the evening under the moon light!! Above the pool is the tennis courts!

Fil-Grad 2008

I was honored again to be able to do the decorations for Fil-Grad for the 8th year in a row!!!
It was held in SFSU's Gymnasium!!





Huge thanks goes to Geoffrey, January, Lana and Eileen for all their help in preparing for the event!!

Chemistry Graduation

I was lucky enough to do the Chemistry Graduation at SFSU again for the 2nd Year in a row!!!
It was held at the Golden Gate Club in the Presido in San Francisco! Beautiful, beautiful venu!!!
Congratulations Chemistry Graduates!!!

S Curve Floral Design

Crescent Shaped Floral Design

Heather, witchbroom, mini carnations, tulips, wax flower and silal leaves.

Scrabble

Photo by Alexis Carigma

Sun Rays

Love Seat

Photo by Geoffrey Suguitan
at Cornerstone Gardens, Sonoma, California

The Kiss

The Kiss (1907-1908)

by Gustav Klimt

Österreichisches Galerie Wien, Vienna

(below is from http://www.ibiblio.org.com/)

The Kiss is a fascinating icon of the loss of self that lovers experience. Only the faces and hands of this couple are visible; all the rest is great swirl of gold, studded with colored rectangles as if to express visually the emotional and physical explosion of erotic love.

Happy Easter

This is my easter basket made from scotchbroom, callas, irises, carnations, lisianthus and wheat grass.

Spring Design

This is one of my favorite designs that i've done.  

St. Patrick's Day Design

Bells of Ireland, green carnations, spider mums, pom pom mums, calla lily, wax flower and green hypericum. 

Bouquets To Art 2008

I went to Bouquets to Arts at the De Young Museum in San Francisco for my floral design class and it was amazing!!! I've made it a point that I will be part of this one day!!! Out of the dozens and dozens displays below are my favorites!.

Here's the link to this annual event!
http://www.bouquetstoart.org/

Outside the De Young Museum

This is outside the De Young Museum in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. The Magnolia trees were stunning!

Geoffrey Suguitan

Help GEOFFREY SUGUITAN reach his goal of $2,500 as he bikes from the Bay to LA for the second time in his efforts to raise money for a wonderful cause.

Make a tax deductable donation now on
Geoffrey's personal page:
http://www.aidslifecycle.org/2938

For more infomation on Aids Life Cycle please visit:
http://www.aidslifecycle.org

Colored Oasis

This week in class the teacher told us to be creative with Colored Oasis. The Oasis comes in all the colors of the rainbow. Most of the class did fruits, drinks, cakes and other edible items with floral garnishes, ribbons and pins.

I made jewelry boxes.
Here's a purple oasis Jewelry box with yellow carnations, phalaenopsis orchid, palm leaf, and pins

Here's my rendition of a box from Tiffanny's

Asymmetrical Design

Its supposed to look crooked!

Baby Boy

Welcome to the world Jon Mariano!!!

And congratulations to my brother and sister-in-law for brining into this world a perfect little boy on February 28, 2008

Boy and Baby Boy!

Mother of the Year award goes to Jessica for enduring 33+ hours of hard labor!

Fil-Grad 2007

We were honored again to do the Filipino Graduation at SFSU for the 7th year in a row.
Congratulations to all the graduates.

L Shaped

Verticle Arrangement

Symmetrical Design

Queen Elvie

Jensen's Company Party

"Thank you so much for the excellent job you did with our annual Christmas party. Everyone had a great time and thought that the decor was like nothing they had seen before. The place look like a winter wonderland and it really enhanced our Christmas experience. We will definitely be using your service again! Thanks!"

- Jensen Louie

Loreta's 60th Birthday

"melissa created the most beautiful and most talked about centerpieces for our mother's 60th birthday celebration. her choice of flowers and the unique way they were displayed created a warm and very inviting ambiance in the ballroom where the event took place. we gave her our color scheme and she created arrangements that surpassed what we had originally envisioned. we were very impressed with her work and are confident that her creativity and attention to detail will leave you amazed!"

-Anjanette and Sharla Aquino

Irene's Cotillion

Irene's Cotillion
Lavendar, Purple, White and Silver
Delta Breeze, Travis AFB, California


^ Centerpieces


^Corsages


^18 Candles

Bouquets

^ Flower Balloon
Fushia, Yellow, Purple and Green
1st Birthday, Vallejo, California


^12 Balloon Bouquet
Mint Green and Gold
Cotillion, Union City, California



^Balloon Float Pillar Bouquets
Silver and White
25th Anniversary, Fairfield, California

Valentine's Day

^ Lighted Arch and Pillars



^Lighted Arch and Pillars in the Dark.

Clustered Arches

Elijah's 1st Birthday
Blue and Yellow, Brisbane, California



Ribbon Float Arch
Royal Blue, Red, White and Gold
SFSU Fil-Grad 2005


Balloon Float Arch
White and Silver
25th Anniversary, Fairfield, California

Spiral Arches

^ Mint Green and Gold
Cotillion in Union City, California



^ Burgandy, Silver and White
Sorority Event, San Francisco, California



^ Forest Green and White
Family Reunion, Sacramento, California


^ Gold and White Arches
SFSU Fil Grad 2004, San Francisco, California

Christening Reception at Home

Azure Blue and White Balloons

Single Arch over food table

6 Baloon Bouquet by dessert table

Canopies

Single Arch Canopy
Mint Green and Pink
Cottillion, Fairfield, California



Criss Crossing Arch Canopy
Mint Green, Pink and White
San Francisco, California

Rey's 50th Birthday

Trees and Sky

Sunset up on the hills of Milpitas.

Happy Holidays

These pictures were taken by Geoffrey and his handy dandy new Camera that he got for Christmas!!
Good job... Geoffrey!!

PICUTRE OF THE YEAR

The boy's didn't let her play with the Wii.

November Lights

This is in front of San Franciso City Hall.

It was designed to look like a Russian Palace


My Handsome face.


Another Handsome face




The ghosts of San Francisco

Swirly Skies

Glassy Water

A setting sun and no wind made the water look like glass. I love the reflection on the water.

October Sunset

I love the view of the sunset outside our house!!!

Jessica and Jeremiah's Wedding

My brother and his long time girlfriend, Jessica got married on October 25, 2007.
The civil ceremony was held at Sacramento's City Hall and the reception was held at Fat's Restaurant in Downtown Sacramento.








"I just wanted to say thank you so much for our beautiful flowers! I'm always getting compliments on my bouquet! The colors were a perfect match to our theme, and were arranged beautifully! I will definitely recommend you to everyone I know!!"

- Jeremiah and Jessica Biagtas

On the Street

I know I need a tripod!!
I know I need to learn how to use this thing!!
I know that taking pictures with my Niko is so much fun!!!

Welcome Jonah

Congratulations to my wonderful friends Sabrina and Jomar and their new baby boy!!! Welcome to the world Jonah!!!


His aunties were too loud!!!

Sundae on Saturday

This place always makes me happy!!!


Before


Ten minutes after... DELICIOUS!!!

Pacifica Sunset

We arrived at Restaurante Portifino in Pacifica just in time to watch a perfect sunset. We couldn't have asked for better weather!!!

The following two pictures were taken by Geoffrey. I can't take the credit to these amazing pictures!!!

Life Line

Never leave home without it.

Swings

Purple Haze

Good Night Sun

A crisp fall day in Berkeley... just in time to catch the Sun end its day lighting our part of the world.

Dog's Best Friend

After all the other toys she's chewed up, after all the pillows she's tore up, after all the doors she's scratched up... she'll never harm her best friend "Humper".

We watch Benna guard this toy, sleep with it, eat with it, play catch with it and hump it. Its her best friend.

Here's more on our favorite little doggie:

Benna yawning!! I guess the car ride was making her sleepy.

Pretty Doggie

Le Eiffel Tower, Las Vegas

Naturally Man Made!!!

In the Lobby of the Wynn Hotel, Las Vegas




Outside the Wynn


Along the poolside at MGM Grand

Sleepy Feet

Copper Nature

This was at the Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek, Califonia. I just thought that these were so pretty.

Roof Top View

This is on the Roof of the Ellis and O'Fferrel Garage in San Francisco. I lucked out on another beautiful day!! Look at the clear sky... clouds were nowhere to be seen.

Vallejo Waterfront

I couldn't help but notice the clouds coming in. One minute its a cool summer day, the next mintue the wind picks up and it seems like fall has taken over.

Plants from home.

I'm still getting to know my camera, Niko. I'm playing with the close up feature. There will be many more pictures of flowers, plants and trees in the future... its like nature at its finest.

Berkeley, California

I shot these with my brand new, handy dandy, NIKON D40. This was my birthday gift to myself... finally a digital SLR camera thats all mine!!! I've got a long way to go to get to know my new friend. I've named him Niko!!!

Berkeley Pier... I tried to make it in time to watch the sunset, but I was a little late.

Places

This was actually taken by my boyfriend during his AIDS Life Cycle bike ride from SF to LA. So this was somewhere along the way!! I absolutely love it!!


This was one of the best sunsets I've seen in front of my house!! Its like pink and blue cotton candy.

Maui, Hawaii. August 2007

We were in a tropical paradise for a week. No hustle and bustle of the city just the warm sun on your face and the white sand between your toes.

Seattle, Washington. May 2007

We went for a quick weekend getaway. We truly lucked out because the weather was absolutely wonderful, the air was crisp, the sky was clear and it was still light out at 9pm. This is a great city filled with great people and great sites. I wish I took more pictures... I'll be back!!!

San Francisco, California

I LOVE SAN FRANCISCO.... this is just a few shots of many many more to come.





Hills Plaza is one of my favorite spots in San Francisco. Views behind this brick wall are priceless. In front of you is the Bay Bridge and behind you, you're in the middle of the city. I love it!!


This is looking down Harrison on 3rd Street.

One of the consession stands at Pier 39.

The following pictures are at the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park

Stow Lake at Golden Gate Park

Our famous Golden Gate Bridge

Bay Bridge at Night

California Adventure, 2005

Santa Monica, California

Oahu 2004

Philippines 2004

Our family home in the Philippines

On one of the islands at Hundred Islands, Alaminos, Pangasinan, Philippines

Andrea and Adrian's Wedding

Andrea and Adi got married on Saturday, July 1, 2007. The ceremony and reception was held at Freedom Hall in Santa Clara.