They Did It Their Way – Beautifully! Lauren’s and Francisco’s Great Day

Posted on March 1, 2014 by jlammerts

For Halloween of 2013, a young couple decides to take their two little boys to a different neighborhood for trick’n treating. No big deal, right? Wrong. Much bigger deal than anyone would’ve thought. Just wait.

While they are there, they come upon a storybook house, truly magical, under mature trees, right out of “Harry Potter,” with a warm and inviting glow on that cold winter evening.

They did not know what it was – but they knew one thing instantaneously: that’s where they wanted to get married! They had been toying with the idea of a Spring wedding for quite some time, but had not gotten into planning anything – until that momentous Halloween evening. They could not get the memory of this mysterious house out of their heads. Was it perhaps somebody’s home? Could it at all be rented? Lauren started her detective work and found out – to her great joy – that, indeed, their dream house could be rented! It turned out to be the historic Forest Hill Clubhouse, not only the beloved gathering place for the neighborhood, but also a hidden gem of an event venue that has seen many a birthday party, anniversary celebration, and, of course, many a wedding in its 93-year old history. The two came visit and fell in love even more with the story book charm of the Clubhouse, inside and out. They rented it on the spot, and from that moment on, Lauren’s and Francisco’s wedding plans took on a life of their own.

Soon enough the two realized what a huge task they had taken on – to be completed in less than three months! As a busy professional couple with two kids plus Lauren’s musical pursuits (she is a violinist in an amateur orchestra) there was simply not enough time to get it all done by themselves. Enter A Day Like No Other, my wedding planning company! The two entrusted the planning to me, and off we went, all three of us, on a brainstorming, designing and planning “blitz!” So much fun… First of all: nothing conventional, please! Just a short ceremony in the romantic courtyard, only with family in attendance, no bridesmaids, no groomsmen, and then a fun dance party with all their friends. Okay!

Colors? Natural, please – ivory and brown and the delicate blu-ish hues of ivory hydrangeas tinged with a little blue and green. Flowers? Oh yes. Lauren knew exactly what she wanted, and Annette Shulman of Petals Flower Studio translated the bride’s vision into charming reality, including a beautiful arch for the ceremony, ivory rose petals on the aisle… and a gorgeous bridal bouquet and matching centerpieces.

Have a look:

With all the meticulous planning done and all the details in place, my assistant, Kelli DeSeelhorst ([email protected]), orchestrated the Great Day from start to finish.

The bride was meanwhile getting ready in the romantic Bridal Preparation Room, well hidden from curious eyes…

… and getting into her etherial vintage lace dress…

… complemented by an oh-so-feminine bouquet of white “Vendela” roses and wispy, sky-blue Tweedia…

Finally, the great moment had come… I do!

“You may now kiss the bride!”

The new husband and wife, together with their families, went off for photos (with photographer Mark Thackery of pier 23 photography) right afterward,

and at 5 pm they joined their guests at the Clubhouse for music, dancing and hors d’oeuvres by Chez Fayala.

The Great Room of the Clubhouse had been magically transformed with twinkle lights (a whole workforce of friends and family members had descended on the Clubhouse in the early morning to make it happen)

and dining tables were resplendent in linens, china and stemware by Unica Party Rentals, elegant centerpieces by Petals Flower Studio, and glass gems glittering in the light of votive candles.

To top it off, chairs had gotten the royal treatment with copper organza sashes…

… and a garland in the style of the invitations (that the groom had designed himself!) announced the joyous occasion:

What’s still missing? Right – the cake! It came from Sunset Bakery, and look what a stunner that was…

One more dance…

At the end of the evening, husband and wife – again! – “did it their way:” not a getaway car, no… In the glow of sparklers waved by their guests, the two took off on Francisco’s vintage Vespa. That’s what I call individual style!

Congratulations on a wonderful wedding celebration, and many happy years “your way” together!

Shaina and Eric – Sheer Elegance at the Four Seasons

Posted on February 24, 2014 by jlammerts

Shaina and Eric are a super-busy, super-organized young Silicon Valley couple; what they set out to do – they can accomplish! But when it came to their Wedding Day, they wanted to simply sit back and enjoy it, instead of doing it all themselves; and I feel honored that they entrusted their Wedding Day to my company, A Day Like No Other.

Here they are, on an engagement photo:

After a courtship of four years, the two were envisioning a grand affair with 240 guests from all over the world – Hong Kong, Shanghai, Canada… and it would be in the most elegant setting imaginable: the famed Four Seasons Hotel in San Francisco. The Four Seasons is not only a luxurious venue, it also boasts fantastic City views from its ballroom floor where the festivities took place.

Charmed Limousine service took the Bridal Party there and around town for photos.

At the party, guests were greeted by a very personal photo guest book and invited to share their thoughts, good wishes and marital wisdom:

The Veranda ballroom provided an impressive setting for their ceremony, with chair covers by Seko Events Decor and flowers throughout by Huckleberry Karen Designs. Gusto Lopez of The Life in Digital videotaped every precious moment.

Shaina was resplendent in hair and makeup by Fiona of Imagi by Fiona, and a lace applique dress accompanied by shimmering pearl jewelry.

The ceremony was officiated by Chris Thielen of Personal Weddings by Chris. And here comes the Bride – escorted by her Dad.. his proudest moment!

For her processional, the Bride had chosen a traditional piece, Pachelbel’s Canon in D – but in a very unusual instrumentation: Julio Reyes Duo played it beautifully with Guitar and Flute.

… ” I declare you – husband and wife!”

While the newlyweds had family photos taken by the Duy Ho Photography team and then observed a traditional Tea Ceremony with their parents, guests enjoyed a Cocktail Hour with gorgeous views, Guitar and Flute music, full bar and hors d’oeuvres – and Night Owl photo booth for entertainment:

David Robinson, Four Seasons Director of Catering, and his crew were meanwhile working behind the scenes to transform the ballroom into a beautiful dining area:

The head table was adorned with the bridal bouquet and bridesmaids’ bouquets – all a dream in ivory hydrangeas, and blush and pink rose varieties:

Once guests had taken their seats for a formal dinner, doors opened to the Grand Entrance of the Bridal Party… and of the newlyweds!

While guests were feasting, the bride changed into a gorgeous traditional Chinese qipao of red guipure lace and then began visiting the many, many tables.

By then, flower girl Josephine was all tired, and it cost a huge chocolate chip cookie from Jutta to cheer her up:

Dinner concluded with a buffet of delicious desserts and cupcakes by Sibby’s…

… and, of course, The Cake by A Spoonful of Sugar:

… expertly cut by the new husband and wife team!

Then it was time for dancing! DJ Woody Miraglia of Big Fun DJs kept the crowd going until way later than originally planned …

… and Shaina and Eric were in heaven!

And here is why I love my job so much:

Many happy years together, and our very best wishes on your journey!

Photo credit: all photography courtesy of Duy Ho Photography except for images no. 2, 12, 18 and 23.

A Year in Glorious Wedding Dresses: All My Brides!

Posted on January 2, 2014 by jlammerts

Happy New Year to all my readers, and, of course, to all my brides (and grooms) for whom 1/1/14 marks their first New Year as husband and wife!

Traditionally, the transition to a new year always invites to also look back to the year we just completed, and I’d like to follow that tradition – with a twist! Let’s look back to the glorious dresses my ever-so-creative and chic brides chose for their Great Day.

And the winner is… no, no, that’s up to each and every one of you who the winner is! I can only tell you the winner by numbers, and that is the classic A-line dress with a fitted bodice, still close to the body around the hips, and gently flaring below to a more or less dramatic train. Universally flattering, this style is quite versatile – embellished with ruching, lace, embroidery, appliqués, made from various materials, and with necklines as different as “sweetheart” or “asymmetrical, “with trains of varying lengths, not two A-line dresses are alike. Have a look:

Then there are the “trumpet” gowns – basically a more form-fitting A-line close to the body down to nearly knee-height with a flare below the knee.

Here in precious lace – and the next one in silk sateen

with a long, long train:

Here comes an asymmetrical neckline – quite unique!

Surprisingly, none of my brides chose a classical ballgown style – nor a “mermaid” dress, either (mermaid dresses are figure-hugging down to mid-calf height and require – let’s face it – nothing less but a supermodel figure! And even then they are not for the faint of heart!). But what else my brides chose definitely deserves your attention.

We had the demure, elegant, covered-up style:

… and a nostalgic look (a family heirloom dress, nothing less!)

One of my brides had her dress custom-tailored with a dramatic back and a lace “overcoat” to wear as a cover-up for the ceremony:

Another one wore a feathery, bead-embroidered confection that could have passed as an elegant cocktail dress:

The floor-length shift dress made a come-back in high style and elegance, the first one by Reem Acra…

… and this one by Jin Wang;

And last, but certainly not least, the two “stunners” in our show!

Number one: a Vera Wang dress …

and number two: an ultra-luxurious gown of pale champagne silk duchesse with precious lace appliqué and a dramatic train:

Inspired?

I bet you are! And now – pick your own very favorite!

The Magic of Light and Water: Tina and Eric

Posted on October 27, 2013 by jlammerts

Both Tina and Eric had taken their time, trying to find the one person to share their lives with… and had already nearly given up! In Eric’s words… he was tired of dating and seriously considering “just to stay home with the cat!” Well, he tried it just one more time, and he’s so grateful he did it. Because that’s when love struck. Unexpectedly, immediately – they both “just knew.” Neither Tina nor Eric could believe their incredible luck right away. But with every time they met, they kept discovering more things to love in one another. And their relationship became a true whirlwind romance: engagement after four months, and wedding after another three – today!

I was honored that they chose my company, A Day Like No Other, for their coordination and design needs. The two had found a spectacular spot on the California Coast – the Beach House Hotel in Half Moon Bay, right on the sand, and Sam’s Chowder House, a time-honored “cult” seafood restaurant next door – for their celebration.

Their wedding day turned out to be overcast, with the sun only peeking out through the clouds here and there… the light was sheer magic, light like an impressionist painting… pearly grey, soft, ethereal.

Tina did not want Eric to see her before the ceremony. Here is her spectacular ruched and beaded dress…

… her jeweled Cinderella slippers…

… and her Grandmother’s pearls.

In Hollywood-worthy hair and makeup by Vinnia Tjhin and with her bridal bouquet in her signature colors of vivid natural blues and purples by Gingerleaf Floral …

… Tina was ready for the ceremony, held at “High Noon” directly on the water, officiated by Rev. Raymond Teague and attended by 70 of their closest friends and family members. Harpist Krista Strader‘s beautiful music provided an elegant accompaniment to the intimate ceremony.

“You may now kiss the bride!”

Just married!

For Tina and Eric, it was now “photo time!” with Ryan Willis. After the requisite family photos, they could finally enjoy their first quiet moment as husband and wife …

… and then, they took a stroll through the dunes…

… and when a fence got in their way, Eric simply lifted Tina across!

From there, the two embarked on their wedded journey together…

First stop: Wedding Reception! A long table had been set with a pale blue and tan patterned runner, napkins in blue, turquoise and purple hues in a chic ombre progression (so “of the moment!”) and grouped varied arrangements of blue and purple flowers, decorative shells and hundreds of sparkling glass gems catching the midday light.

The newlyweds presided in the middle…

,,, looking out over the shimmering waters of Half Moon Bay. And everyone very much enjoyed the hot chowder that Sam’s Chowder House is rightfully famous for, followed by more delicious seafood and, finally, of course: THE CAKE! A little piece of edible art by Mazzetti’s Bakery, decorated with tiny buttercream flowers in Tina’s and Eric’s wedding colors:

Cutting – and eating! – the cake concluded the festivities, and everyone was really happy, me included! Here is why I love my job so much…

Congratulations, Tina and Eric, and many happy years together!

If You Are Going to San Francisco… Sherri and Zenon’s Joyful Wedding Celebration

Posted on October 8, 2013 by jlammerts

Sherri and Zenon had already spent a whole decade of their lives together when they took the plunge – to plan and get married! One thing was clear: it had to be something special. Really special! A destination wedding… and what would it be? “If you are going to San Francisco, be sure to wear – flowers in your hair…” That was it. San Francisco. Quite a distance from their “home base” in Canada! And since that was so, they needed a coordinator to help them plan it all from afar – and that honor fell to my company, A Day Like No Other! We started planning at the beginning of the year, and yesterday all our efforts were rewarded with a beautiful, memorable wedding celebration at the historic General’s Residence at Fort Mason.

For our bride, the day began with a beauty session at the Omni Hotel: Marine Vaisset of Belle by Marine enhanced Sherri’s beautiful features, her milk-white skin and reddish-blonde hair, into an ethereal, classical style – and into a radiant bride! And of course, she “made sure to wear – flowers in her hair…”

Here is Sherri’s impressive all-red bouquet by Tutti Fiori:

Final touches…

Sherri had chosen a dramatic silk dress with delicate lace appliqué and a regal train:

Here she’s taking a peek immediately before the “First Look:”

Coming down the stairs…

… to a very emotional moment for both of them!

Then it was time for pre-ceremony photos on a tour across the City in a vintage red-and-silver Rolls Royce – which made for a decidedly stylish entrance at the couple’s ceremony and reception venue, the General’s Residence at Fort Mason.

The ceremony was held on the back lawn overlooking the San Francisco Bay…

… with a good fifty friends and family members in attendance, all of whom had come all the way from Canada; and officiated by Rev. John Sullivan. And here comes the bride, escorted by her proud Dad:

“I do!”

“…. and pronounce you – husband and wife!”

A golden evening glow over the Bay turned the scene outerworldly beautiful…

… while guests enjoyed cocktails and, soon enough, a plated, French inspired dinner by La Bonne Cuisine, accompanied by soft music provided by Love in the Mix.

Every detail contributed to the elegance and glamour of the evening, from the mantelpiece decor…

… to the display of wedding favors (fragrant artisanal soaps)

One last photo with their very happy wedding planner…

and then Sherri and Zenon invited their guests to an after party (transportation courtesy of City Express Limousine Service) where they would be dancing the night away.

“Building a Brand” with WIPA at Villa Montalvo

Posted on August 23, 2013 by jlammerts

Yesterday, WIPA (Wedding Industry Professionals Association) welcomed SF Bay Area wedding professionals to a festive luncheon at Villa Montalvo in Saratoga, a beautiful venue for weddings, private events, and concerts alike. I had the honor of chairing the event and of seeing many months of planning coming to fruition! We were blessed with a gorgeous late-summer day, and the historic villa presented itself to its most beautiful effect under blue skies, a warm sun and a light breeze.

Guests arrived at the Villa’s stately front stairs where an original 1933 Packard limousine by Elegant Journey was parked – and “transported” everyone back to the times of Great Gatsby and his exclusive country estate!

Our guests then checked in on the covered patio and entered through French Doors into the Villa’s Great Hall where a display of gorgeous wedding dresses by Nouvelle Vogue Bridal Salon was waiting to be admired.

Gown detail

With an elegant letter-pressed program by Reb Peters Press in hand…

…guests proceeded to the romantic courtyard for cocktail hour …

… where wines by Soda Rock Winery …

…were served and Krista Strader‘s harp music set a festive tone.

Tables were decorated with elegant linens by Napa Valley Linens and late-summer flower arrangements in Tuscan urns by Tutti Fiori.

Four beautiful models – Aryan, Emily and Lauren as the radiant brides and Marguerite as the proud “Mother of the Bride” brought the elegant bridal fashions to life:

… strolling through the courtyard and the gardens…

Hair and makeup were expertly provided by Marcia Omar, Sahar Omar ([email protected]) and Tiffany Chiang ([email protected]).

Following Cocktail hour, guests were invited to the lecture that is at the core of every WIPA luncheon – after all, WIPA’s mission is education! After an official welcome from WIPA president Carol Rosen …

and myself…

… it was lecture time! Our speaker today was renowned wedding planner and TV personality Kristin Banta who, in her uniquely engaging, funny and entertaining way, presented “Building Your Brand.”

We all took so much away from Kristin’s insights – find out what you and your business stand for; what your strengths and weaknesses are; how you present yourself and how you are perceived; how to be consistent in message and presentation to clients. What a fun way to learn! After a lively Q & A session, everyone was ready for…

… lunch, of course! It was served on the beautiful covered patio, outfitted with stylish furniture, china, glassware and flatware by Abbey Party Rentals, and with a view of the extensive park surrounding Villa Montalvo.

What’s on the menu? Let’s see …

One-of-a-kind, hand-calligraphed menus in pentagram shape by Monks Of Age Calligraphy listed a delicious three course meal by Culinary Eye Catering…

… followed by equally delicious cake from True Confections

… and accompanied by world-class coffee from Travelin’ Joe’s Espresso Bar.

Guests enjoyed these treats in the Villa’s solarium and dining room…

… and were surprised with a whole basket full of raffle prizes – CDs from harpist Krista Strader, a membership and concert tickets from Villa Montalvo, as well as organic handmade soy candles from Authentic Common Scents. And to round it off, every guest received a very special party favor – prepared organic seeded paper, ready to plant and bloom,

hand-calligraphed again by Monks Of Age Calligraphy.

Auey Santos of Photograffiti and Michael Loeb captured every moment of our festive luncheon on photo and on video. It was a beautiful event, and everyone left with a big smile!

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something GREEN!

Posted on May 11, 2013 by jlammerts

When Pantone announced the color of the year 2013, I got all excited, and inspired!

“PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald: Lively. Radiant. Lush… A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony,” read the official introduction.

I began brainstorming immediately. How would the new “color of the year” star in a stylish wedding? With sparkling emeralds, of course – but also in so many more creative ways! I decided to plan a styled photo shoot together with my friend, photographer Majesta Patterson, and we would showcase green in all its glory, in all its different hues and styles, from pastel mint to deepest teal, from spring green to olive, from sheer luxury to earthy elegance. And so our inspiration shoot began to take shape. We found a gorgeous model (Aryan, with delicate features and raven-black hair, enhanced by Beauty by Cherise) and photographed her in a sun-dappled park,

a green orchid in her updo, showcasing an elegant green bridal bouquet by Natasha Kolenko:

Photo: Majesta Patterson

On her sweetheart table, a graceful arrangement of Natasha’s green flowers complemented a luxurious wedding cake by Cake Coquette, decorated with green sugar gems, and served on antique white-and-green china…

… and in no time we got completely carried away with our vision in glorious green!

We caught our bride playfully noshing green candy from a mini candy bar – arranged in cut-crystal glasses on a silver tray full of sparkling glass gems.

Then she arranged a rustic-elegant green centerpiece for a simple meal on a weathered garden table, a dreamy setting for an intimate tete-a-tete or a romantic Rehearsal Dinner.

Photo: Majesta Patterson

In the afternoon, it was time for our bride to select jewelry for her Great Day: real Colombian emeralds, cut to brilliant perfection and set as a ring, pendant, and earrings:

Georgie at Gleim Jewelers pre-selected for Aryan her most luxurious pieces of jewelry to try on and to truly feel like a princess! We all could have spent hours in this treasure trove of precious gemstones, diamonds, gold and platinum…

Aryan concluded her day of bridal preparations with a visit to Nouvelle Vogue Bridal Salon, where owners Chantal and Saida are presiding over a hand-picked collection of the most exquisite wedding dresses – a one-shoulder silk-crepe dream by Kevin Gao, in perfect simplicity;

Photography: Majesta Patterson

embroidered-lace gowns with an illusion neckline by Jenny Packham…

and one-of-a-kind dresses by Francesca Miranda, short and sweet for the bride …

Photography: Majesta Patterson

… or elegant and luxurious for the mothers in a light green silk embroidered with beads:

Photography: Majesta Patterson

From boxes and boxes of wedding shoes, our bride chose the perfect green strappy sandals to go with her favorite dresses for a graceful walk down the aisle, and for dancing the night away afterwards…

Photography: Majesta Patterson

It was the perfect day for a bride-to-be, with something old, something new, something borrowed – and many things green, gloriously green!

Great Gatsby Bachelorette Bash

Posted on April 25, 2013 by jlammerts

Inspired by this season’s fascinating Great Gatsby movie remake, I created an elegant bachelorette party in Great Gatsby style – complete with professional hair and makeup in the style of the period, typical flapper dresses and jewelry, a historic venue, Jazz and Charleston… everything to transport revelers into bygone times – unabashed glamour, wild dancing, retro chic!

Our venue was the former printing plant of the Hearst newspaper empire, now transformed into a hip urban event space, slightly gritty with lots of character:

Our bachelorette, Katrina, was radiant as a fragile Twenties beauty…

… and her partying girlfriends likewise slipped into the style of this glamorous period:

Ready to party! The space was resplendent in glittery black tablecloths covered in thousands of sequins and feather and floral arrangements dripping with crystals and illuminated from within…

A Jazz band set the right musical mood of the times…

…and a professional choreographer instructed guests in dancing the Charleston!

… and everybody was definitely having a great time!

Then it was time for a little break to check out the bar…

… and dig into platters and platters of delicious appetizers:

… followed by a cake decorated in beautiful Art Deco style…

…which was as delicious as it was beautiful to look at!

For favors, we had gilded cake pops – it certainly doesn’t get much more decadent than that…

One thing’s for sure: these girls had a lot of fun!

Design and Coordination: A Day Like No Other; Venue: The Box SF; Hair and Make-up: Bella Bridal; Catering: Knights Catering; Cake: Pretty Please; Cake Pops: Sweet Lauren Cakes; Flowers: SullivanBotello Designs; Music: Magnolia Jazz Band; Choreography: Dance with Glinka; Photography: rc & tess.

Wedding Woof

Category Archives: Dress

They Did It Their Way – Beautifully! Lauren’s and Francisco’s Great Day

Shaina and Eric – Sheer Elegance at the Four Seasons

A Year in Glorious Wedding Dresses: All My Brides!

The Magic of Light and Water: Tina and Eric

If You Are Going to San Francisco… Sherri and Zenon’s Joyful Wedding Celebration

“Building a Brand” with WIPA at Villa Montalvo

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something GREEN!

Great Gatsby Bachelorette Bash