It does look “yummy,” right? Certainly a very subtle, elegant color that adds both warmth and sophistication to your celebration. You can even use it for your flowers!
Here are examples from my own wedding events (we were clearly ahead of our time there!!)
Photo credit: Frank J. Lee, floral arrangements by Laurel&Vine
Photo credit: Bre Thurston, bridal bouquet FlowerGirl Em
Here are three wedding-appropriate full color schemes featuring this rich, comforting hue:
Mocha Mousse and Dusty Blue This combination balances the warmth of Mocha Mousse with the cool, calming effect of dusty blue. You will also have some ivory in the mix (think: wedding dress!), and this make this color combination Ideal for spring or summer weddings, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere. Use Mocha Mousse in bridesmaid dresses or table linens, complemented by ivory florals (and if you can find them – natural blue flowers like hydrangeas) and dusty blue accents (the following example is from emmalovesweddings.com).
Here the most prominent use of a “Mocha Mousse” hue is the color of the blond-wood chairs.
Here you see how well the “mocha mousse” tones of natural raw wood go with muted blues… AND how well all this is accented by antique gold!
Mocha Mousse, Blush Pink, and Sage Green This romantic palette combines the earthy tone of Mocha Mousse with soft blush pink and fresh sage green. The ivory of your wedding dress (and ivory flowers in your bouquets and arrangements) ties it all together. Perfect for outdoor or garden weddings, it evokes a natural and inviting ambiance. You could use Mocha Mousse for groomsmen’s suits, natural wood or other decorative elements, with blush and sage in floral arrangements and accessories (following examples by deerpearlflowers.com and elegantweddinginvites.com)
Mocha Mousse and Burgundy For a fall or winter wedding, pairing Mocha Mousse with deep burgundy creates a rich and luxurious feel. This combination adds depth and warmth to your event – with Mocha Mousse in table settings or stationery, with burgundy as the star in florals and attire, e.g. bridesmaids dresses and your bridal shoes. Little flecks of metallic gold elevate it all! Here is an example from emmalovesweddings.com:
Well…. convinced? These palettes showcase the versatility of Mocha Mousse as a warm, neutral backdrop for a multitude of colorways, allowing you to create a wedding aesthetic that reflects your personal style and the season of your celebration.
In the first half of 2024, I had the pleasure of planning and designing a very special wedding event – a celebration for a very private couple whom we shall call here “A” and “E.” When I first met them, they were already legally married; they’d had an intimate, family-only ceremony in their backyard on an auspicious date by the Chinese horoscope. The “real party” had to wait – and THAT they entrusted to my company, A Day Like No Other.
Our first task was to find an elegant venue with a view not too far from the couple’s home, and I was able to present several options to them. What they spontaneously loved was a spectacular place, perched high atop a mountain ridge with views from the Golden Gate Bridge to Silicon Valley: Thomas Fogarty Winery.
The next vendor decision was an equally easy and spontaneous one: photography team Danny and Julia Dong who captured the magic of the location and the beauty of the occasion from start to finish. Collideskope videographers joined them and recorded all those precious moments throughout the day.
After preparations at home …
… with hair and makeup services by Wowpretty Salon, bride, groom and bridal party transferred to the venue (all transportation provided by Corinthian Ground Transportation) where many vendor teams were already hard at work to get everything set up in time. Florist Karen Baba of PlanDecor begun decorating the couple’s own arch, while the bride was helped into her elaborate, light platinum-colored dress …
…by her bridesmaids.
What an incredible train!
After putting on her princess heels and receiving her gorgeous bridal bouquet, A. was ready to show herself to her “Prince Charming” …
… who had likewise been prepared by his groomsmen.
After their official First Look, bride and groom had many, many photos to take…
… first only the two of them, and then with their attendants.
Bride and bridesmaids were CLEARLY very happy with their flowers!
Guests were already arriving (via Corinthian shuttles), and DJ Derek Mizuno of Entourage Events put the finishing touches on his sound setup, supporting the soloists who, as friends of the couple, were performing as well.
The ceremony was officiated by a friend of the couple…
… in bright sunshine and with a lot of joy and smiles!
Just married! More photos for the newlyweds, while guests were treated to Fogarty wines and delicious hors d’oeuvres by Michi Catering and the photo booth (from Entourage Events) offered fun for everyone.
Dinner is ready! The Michi team had set the tables with elegant gold-rimmed china, matching gold-toned flatware, pink glassware and with shimmering lavender napkins in a loose knot…
… and florist Karen’s centerpieces provided a big pop of lively color – especially on the Sweetheart Table!
The sunset on A & E’s wedding day was spectacular – unforgettable together with the endless views…
Once dinner was over, everyone moved inside for Cake Cutting (cake by PQ Fung/ Pastry Atelier PQ) …
… and dancing. The couple had practiced an intricate choreographed First Dance routine that left everyone utterly speechless.
With that, the dance floor was officially open, and guests only took a short break to help themselves to the mouthwatering pastries from the dessert table (Pastry Atelier PQ).
The conclusion of the evening was as spectacular as the day itself – with a shimmering bubble exit for the newlyweds!
Rachel and Jim had met and lived together for more than two decades, literally “growing old together,” and then they decided to make their union official – and for that occasion they were envisioning an elegant, warm celebration with their children, grandchildren and circle of the friends acquired over a lifetime. What better setting for such a one-of-a-kind wedding than the storied Fairmont San Francisco? So Rachel and Jim secured it for their venue. And then… they realized that a lot more needed to be planned. A whole lot more. I am honored that they chose my company, A Day Like No Other, to make their vision a reality. We jumped right in… and over a yearlong collaboration on vendor bookings, logistics, design and decor, we truly became good friends!
The couple began their wedding day at their “homebase,” their room at the Fairmont….
… with this unbeatable view of the City and the Bay.
While Rachel had her hair done by her longtime hair stylist Eric Webb and her makeup applied by Tiffany Chiang of Design Her Image, photographer extraordinaire Kevin Chin captured the beautiful details.
Then bride and groom helped each other getting ready …
And even if they had seen each other during the morning preparations, Rachel wanted to have a traditional “First Look.” She was soooo excited!
Here they are, on the glorious main staircase in the Fairmont lobby.
It was so moving to see… and then it was time for many, many photos.
Meanwhile, frantic preparations were underway to get everything ready in time for guest arrival, the ceremony and Cocktail Hour and, of course, for the reception with dinner and dancing. The Fairmont team, led by Corrine Mitten, had set everything up for us already (thank you!); florist Karen Baba of Plan Decor was busy decorating the chuppah on the Fairmont Rooftop Garden; DJ Tyler Huffman and the Rhonda Sauce Jazz Trio (both from Ivy Hill Entertainment) were getting situated for sound and music, and my assistant Deanna and I were coordinating the myriad details behind the scenes.
We set up the WELCOME sign – which I had custom-designed based on the couple’s choice of invitation card, with a custom color scheme based on – you won’t believe it – the carpet pattern in the ballroom! Its elegant eggplant and antique gold arabesques were the inspiration for the whole color scheme, resulting in a very cohesive overall look and feel. These colors were ultimately chosen because they also fit so well with the bride’s dress choice of teal silk – the bridal bouquet and floral arrangements (from PlanDecor) were kept in rich jewel tones (the bride’s favorite colorway), again based on eggplant and gold.
Next came the Guest Book table – with the signage again showing the motifs and colors of the invitations; the guest book cover picking up the eggplant hue, and the big floral arrangement playing along.
Next up: Ketubah signing before the wedding ceremony.
And with that, the two are actually MARRIED.
The chuppah was waiting, resplendent in, you guessed it, eggplant, yellow and jeweltones …
All guests had meanwhile arrived, and the great moment had come! To the tunes of Rascal Flatt’s God Bless the Broken Road (played by DJ Tyler Huffman of Ivy Hill Entertainment), Rachel and Jim walked down the aisle.
The two “broke the traditional glass” TOGETHER…
… and then the whole congregation broke out chanting “Mazel Tov” to the newlyweds.
While the new couple enjoyed a little quiet retreat – and then had many more photos to take – their guests were treated to a Cocktail reception in the Pavilion Room ….
… with live entertainment by the Rhonda Sauce jazz trio.
Meanwhile, we all put the finishing touches on the elaborate dinner setup in the Crown Room…
… where subtly shimmering eggplant-colored linens and napkins (from Napa Valley Linens) coordinated perfectly with the room’s interior and intimate lounge seating (from Hensley Event Resources) in the recesses of the ballroom invited guests to quiet conversations and little breaks from the festivities.
The tall centerpieces, literally hovering above the dining tables, formed a lively color accent – without interfering with conversation across the table (something the groom had been adamant about!).
To round out the lush, rich look and warm feel of the elegant ballroom, we added a large number of tall living plants – stunning palm tree varietals and huge Bird-of-Paradise plants (from Indoor Greenery) from the entrance steps to the whole perimeter and at strategic spots in the room.
Guests found their table assignments through eggplant-colored escort cards in the exact same design as all other signage – just in an “inverted” colorway!
Ready for dinner! The newlyweds kicked off the dinner-and-dancing portion of their celebration with their Grand Entrance and First Dance to the song How Sweet It Is by Marvin Gaye (professionally choreographed by and practiced with Cynthia Glinka of Dance with Glinka).
With that, dinner service began, live music accompanied the feast, and many family members and guests proposed toasts and well-wishes. Once dinner was finished, Rachel and Jim had one more important task to accomplish: cutting their cake – traditionally the first shared task of a newlywed couple.
Per our wishes, the talented Kelly Zubal of Inticing Creations had decorated the elegant white cake with the exact floral motif that formed the common thread from invitation to signage to wedding decor.
Once that was done, everyone flocked to the dance floor to kick off the dance party with an exuberant Hora Dance during which, traditionally, the newlyweds are hoisted high up above the dancing crowd – and that’s exactly what we did!
From that point on, there was no holding back on the dance floor, and DJ…. kept everyone exactly there! It was a wonderful, unforgettable celebration – and bride and groom were SO HAPPY!!
Wishing you this happiness together for every single day, Rachel and Jim!
Transforming Wedding Hall Ceilings: Draping, Bistro Lights, and Suspended Floral Décor
The ceiling is often an overlooked canvas in wedding hall design, but with the right decorations, it can transform the space into a magical and memorable setting. From romantic draping to whimsical lighting and breathtaking floral arrangements, ceiling décor can elevate the atmosphere and leave a lasting impression. Here are three stunning ceiling decoration ideas to consider for your wedding hall:
1. Draping: Soft Elegance and Romance
Draping fabric from the ceiling creates a dreamy and sophisticated ambiance. Soft materials like chiffon, organza, or silk can be used to achieve various styles, from cascading canopies to crisscrossed patterns. Draping is versatile and can adapt to different themes, including rustic, modern, or traditional.
Colors: Neutral tones like ivory and blush are timeless, but bold hues or metallics can make a statement.
Accents: Pair the fabric with fairy lights or crystal chandeliers for added sparkle and luxury.
Practicality: Draping also works well to hide less attractive ceilings, giving the hall a polished look.
Draping is an excellent choice for couples who want an elegant yet customizable design element.
2. Bistro Lights: A Warm and Inviting Glow
Bistro lights, also known as string lights, add a touch of charm and intimacy to the ceiling décor. These lights work well for both indoor and outdoor weddings, providing a warm, ambient glow that enhances the romantic vibe of the celebration.
Layouts: Drape the lights in parallel rows, zigzags, or circular patterns depending on the layout of the venue.
Pairings: Combine bistro lights with greenery garlands for a rustic look or mix them with sheer draping for a soft, romantic aesthetic.
Dimming Options: Opt for dimmable bulbs to adjust the lighting as the evening progresses, creating the perfect atmosphere for dining, dancing, and toasts.
Bistro lights are ideal for couples seeking a cozy yet enchanting environment.
3. Suspended Floral Décor: A Breathtaking Statement
Suspended floral arrangements turn the ceiling into a work of art. From lush greenery to cascading blooms, these installations create a dramatic and luxurious focal point that draws guests’ eyes upward.
Designs: Choose between flower chandeliers, individual floral hoops, or organic installations that appear to flow naturally.
Flowers: Incorporate seasonal blooms and greenery to match the wedding’s color palette and theme.
Lighting Integration: Highlight the florals with spotlighting or mix them with hanging lights for a magical effect.
Suspended floral décor is perfect for creating a statement centerpiece that exudes romance and grandeur.
Final Thoughts
Ceiling decorations can redefine the look and feel of your wedding hall, transforming it into a space that reflects your personality and love story. Whether you choose the soft elegance of draping, the inviting charm of bistro lights, or the dramatic beauty of suspended floral arrangements, these ideas ensure your wedding will be unforgettable.
The Most Beloved Wedding Songs Across Various Genres
Throughout your wedding, you’ll have many special moments and highlights that call for a special song – your ceremony processional and your First Dance, of course, but also your Grand Entrance and introduction as a married couple, Cake Cutting – and countless other occasions. And then you need music to draw everyone on the dance floor, and maybe for your Grand Send-off at the end of the evening.
Here are some all-time favorites for you:
Processional:
“Bless the Broken Road” – Rascal Flatts A heartfelt song about finding your way to true love.
“A Thousand Years” – Christina Perri A modern love anthem often chosen for the bride’s walk down the aisle.
“Canon in D” – Johann Pachelbel A timeless classical choice for the processional.
“Clair de Lune” – Claude Debussy A serene and elegant piece perfect for quieter moments.
First-Dance songs:
“All of Me” – John Legend Perfect for a first dance, this soulful ballad is a timeless ode to unconditional love.
“Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran A wedding staple, this song captures the beauty of lasting romance.
“Speechless” – Dan + Shay A romantic country ballad that’s perfect for the first dance
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley A gentle and heartfelt tune ideal for a slow dance or processional, still moving after more than 60 years…
Upbeat dance songs:
“Marry You” – Bruno Mars This upbeat and fun song brings energy to the celebration.
“You Make My Dreams” – Hall & Oates A feel-good rock classic that’s perfect for the reception.
And then of course, Whitney!
“I Wanna Dance with Somebody” – Whitney Houston A high-energy hit to get everyone on the dance floor, and a song everyone can relate – and sing! – to.
“Shut Up and Dance” – Walk the Moon Another crowd favorite for lighting up the dance floor.
And for an authentic Latin atmosphere:
“Bésame Mucho” – Consuelo Velázquez, here performed by Andrea Bocelli. A romantic classic that adds a touch of Latin flairand soul.
“Perfect” (Spanish Duet) – Ed Sheeran & Beyoncé A bilingual love song blending pop and romance beautifully, and one that everyone knows and loves.
By now, you should be blissfully swinging… this should give you at least a starting point!
The Number 1 – all across the nation – is “Canon in D” by Johan Pachelbel. A true classic with its gentle, flowing melody …
But there is more! A lot more…
2. “A Thousand Years” – Christina Perri
A modern ballad filled with emotion, often chosen for the processional or recessional.
3. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
This ukulele version brings a soft and whimsical touch to the ceremony.
4. “Ave Maria” – Franz Schubert or Beyoncé
A sacred classic or its modern rendition, ideal for traditional or religious ceremonies.
5. “Clair de Lune” – Claude Debussy
This elegant instrumental adds sophistication and serenity to any wedding.
6. “Marry Me” – Train
A contemporary and heartfelt song, often chosen for the processional.
7. “The Prayer” – Andrea Bocelli & Celine Dion
A powerful duet, perfect for a spiritual or emotional moment in the ceremony.
8. “Perfect” (Acoustic Version) – Ed Sheeran
Quiet and intimate, this version fits beautifully into a romantic ceremony.
9. “Air on the G String” – Johann Sebastian Bach
A graceful classical piece, ideal for setting a tranquil and timeless tone. You do not need the full organ version for this – it also sounds very beautiful played by a string quartet.
10. “This I Promise You” – NSYNC (Instrumental or Vocal)
A heartfelt promise of love, perfect for exchanging vows or as a prelude.
That should give you a lot to choose from! And if you are more leaning toward the grandiose, here are two more for you:
11. Richard Wagner, Wedding March
Here – the piano version… but if you feel so inclined, just have a whole chorus perform for you!
One more:
12. Jeremiah Clarke, Trumpet Voluntaryor “Prince of Denmark March”
This truly befits the most royal of weddings – so go ahead and have yourselves celebrated!
Planning your wedding ceremony, you might be wondering how to make this core event of your wedding day personal to the two of you, and one of the most beautiful ways to do this is by incorporating a ritual that is meaningful to you – and that will be unforgettable to your guests.
Many of my couples opt for lighting a “unity candle” together – which is great for indoors (e.g. in a church), but can be tricky outdoors, as even a slight breeze might blow it out.
If your ceremony is taking place outdoors, you could alternatively blend sand as a symbol of your irreversible union…
… or blend wine, to express that same sentiment.
There are more options – you could plant a tree together, symbolizing your growing and thriving relationship…
… or you could, in a nostalgic twist, release doves…
…. or butterflies, to celebrate the occasion.
I hope this is giving you a few ideas for YOUR ceremony!
In Germany, the land of Christmas markets and “Stille Nacht” (Silent Night), there is one Christmas tradition above all else – the “Christstollen”, or “Stollen” for short, a rich fruit-and-nut bread that is eaten ONLY at Christmas. It has to be baked weeks ahead of time for flavors to mature, and it is covered in a thick coating of butter and powdered sugar to seal in these flavors and moisture until “showtime.” Every region has their own twist on this classic, and many families have their own recipes, guarded and handed down over the generations.
After my dear Mom’s passing, it fell to me to bake the annual Stollen for our family, and we have always shared it with friends and neighbors, teachers and everyone else we wanted to make happy (meaning, I had to bake up to a dozen of them…).
Today, I’ll share my recipe with you – here it is! Happy baking!
Traditional German Christstollen
Ingredients:
500 g all-purpose flour
4 heaping teaspoons baking powder
200 g granulated sugar
A little salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 tablespoon dark rum
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon of cardamom powder
½ teaspoon of nutmeg
2 large eggs
175 g of unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
250 g of full-fat sour cream
125 g of dark raisins
250 g of golden raisins
50 g of candied lemon peel, finely chopped
150 g of ground almonds
For coating Stollen once baked:
50 g unsalted butter, melted
50 g (or more) powdered sugar
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, spices and eggs, mix until incorporated. Mix in butter; do not overmix. Take out paddle and use wooden spoon to mix in remaining ingredients until incorporated. If dough is very sticky, add a little flour as needed, turn out on floured work surface.
Shape dough to a circle, roughly 40 cm in diameter and 4 cm thick. Fold over one side of the circle over the other, leaving about 4 cm of the lower half uncovered, then gently shape the dough into an elongated oval loaf with your hands (traditional Stollen shape).
Transfer Stollen to a cookie sheet covered with baking paper. Bake Stollen for ca. 50-60 minutes until a wooden toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean and the surface is light golden brown. If Stollen browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil for remaining baking time.
As soon as Stollen comes out of the oven, baste with 50 g liquid butter and sprinkle very generously with powdered sugar (use a sieve) – Stollen should look like covered with a thick layer of fresh snow. Let cool completely, then wrap in aluminum foil and let mature for 2-3 weeks, up to 4 weeks, before enjoying.
Yes, we’ve seen them all: round, hand-tied, cascading style… and yes, many of these bouquets are beautiful. Looking for something ENTIRELY different? Here are a few ideas!
A veil lavishly adorned with fresh flowers – THAT will make an entrance!!
Especially for tropical-themed or summer weddings: a beautiful flower lei in lieu of a classic bouquet.
Or are you really fashion-forward? A purse made entirely from flowers would go great with a minimalistic dress or jumpsuit!
Making your guests feel valued and welcome adds such a personal and memorable touch to the event. Small, thoughtful gestures can significantly enhance guest experience, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and appreciated.
Here are some ideas to consider:
1. Seasonal Comforts
For outdoor weddings, consider providing pashmina shawls or cozy blankets for chilly evenings. Display them in a charming basket with a sign that reads, “To have and to hold in case you get cold.” If it’s a summer wedding, hand out paper fans or parasols to help guests stay cool under the sun.
2. Dance Floor Flip-Flops
Walking in high heels or dress shoes for hours is a surefire recipe for blisters. How often have I heard the groan, “My feet are killing me…” Offer a basket of flip-flops in various sizes near the dance floor with a sign like, “Kick off your heels and dance the night away!” Your guests will be eternally grateful.
3. Refreshment Stations
Keep guests hydrated (and happy) with creative refreshment stations. Infused water bars, lemonade stands, or hot cocoa stations (for winter weddings) are both functional and fun. Add personalized cups or stirrers and personalized cocktail napkins for a custom touch.
4. Personalized Notes or Favors
Place handwritten thank-you notes or small tokens at each seat to show your appreciation. Ideas: Mini candles, personalized cookies, or seed packets – even a single flower, loose or in a bud vase, looks pretty.
5. Kids’ Entertainment
Keep younger guests engaged with activity packs, coloring books, or a small game area. This thoughtful gesture also gives their parents a chance to relax and enjoy the festivities.
6. Bathroom Baskets
Stock restrooms with essentials like mints, hair ties, stain remover wipes, travel-size deodorant sticks, band aids and pain relievers. These little conveniences can make a HUGE difference! Plus, guests won’t come running to YOU to ask for these things – it’s self-service!
These small gestures \ enhance the guest experience by showing your thoughtfulness and that you really care, making your wedding even more special and memorable for everyone. Like so often, it’s the little things that count, so if at all possible, “go that extra mile.”
