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.

Grand Reopening Party of a Historic Wedding Venue: the Forest Hill Clubhouse!

Posted on February 2, 2014 by jlammerts

Last Wednesday, my company, A Day Like No Other, had the honor of coordinating the Grand Reopening Party of a historic wedding venue in San Francisco, the Forest Hill Clubhouse. Built as a gathering place for the Forest Hill neighborhood by Bernard Maybeck (famous for his adaptations of the Arts and Crafts style, and famous for building the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco for the World Expo 1906), it had seen countless community parties, regular use for all sorts of gatherings, and, of course, countless couples tie the knot in its 94 year-long life – but all this had taken its toll, and much-needed repairs could no longer be postponed.

On April 1st, last year, the beloved venue closed its doors for an extensive overhaul and structural and seismic upgrades, overseen by an architect, you guessed it, specializing in Maybeck buildings. Renovations were done with the utmost respect to the stellar architectural pedigree, and the result – you’d hardly notice any change! Except, of course, for the new ADA-compatible bathrooms, new state-of-the-art catering kitchen, and new beautiful hardwood (dance) floor. Time to party, and time to show it all to the local wedding industry community! And that’s exactly what happened last Wednesday – even if the Weather Gods turned against us and delivered steady rain.

The San Francisco Bay Area Wedding Pro’s community flocked to the warm and inviting historic Clubhouse, visible from afar thanks to the dramatic lighting installation by Monique Albert of Just De’Lights.

The mature trees towering above the wedding patio and courtyard were uplit, Italian market lights were strung along the perimeter, and inside a warm glow from amber uplights provided an oh-so-inviting atmosphere on this rainy day (plus, of course, pin spots, highlighting the decor to its best effect). The impressive, oversize fireplace provided extra warmth – and suddenly the rain didn’t feel so bad any more!

More delights were awaiting the guests: beautiful, yummy finger food by Brian Morriss’ Cheat-a-Little Catering …

and by Kelser Colino’s 1542 Innovative Catering…

… kept coming out of the brand-new kitchen (and, believe me, guests kept digging in!); accompanied by a good selection of wines…

AND – a wine tasting experience by Cindy Turano’s and Nisa Andersson’s company, Wine Affair, who bring wine education to any party or gathering. And that was in high demand!

To round out the culinary experience, Daniel Cho had brought a spread of heavenly desserts from Cako, a company founded by 5star pastry chefs with the intent “to bring smiles on people’s faces!” And that’s exactly what happened. Daniel’s huge trays of goodies were emptied in no time… success!

Our rental items had been generously sponsored by Melanie Leinweber of Hartmann Studios, and so guests could celebrate in style and upscale decor – with the exquisite specialty linens picking up the historic building’s colors in shimmery hues of teal and copper, perfectly complemented by the romantic floral arrangements of Angel Blackshere of Angel’s Petals.

Kalena Brose of Kalena Brose Events …

… and A Day Like No Other together with florals from Janelle Jacky’s Green Petal Design …

… showed table designs – one streamlined and modern, the other historic and Parisian… so guests had a lot of “eye candy” too, to feast on.

And what’s a party without music? We had music! The Abbott Brothers, a band specializing in Classic Americana and Bluegrass, accompanied the swinging party with their tunes – which blended perfectly with the nostalgic surroundings.

And so that nobody would forget the Clubhouse as a venue for this and all coming wedding seasons, graphic designer John Feeney had created a flyer with all the necessary information – and in order to make the magic of this wonderful evening last a little longer, photographer Shhivika Chauhan captured it all with her camera.

Thank you to all who helped to make it happen, thank you to all who attended, and thank you to all who’ll spread the word that the historic Forest Hill Clubhouse is open again for intimate, romantic, elegant wedding celebrations!

La Soiree – Gala Decor with French Flair

Posted on December 1, 2013 by jlammerts

For La Soiree, the annual fundraiser gala of the French-American Chamber of Commerce in San Francisco, my company, A Day Like No Other, was invited to design one dining table for the VIP sit-down dinner. Top chefs from the Greater Bay Area were cooking high-end cuisine right at the tables, and professional sommeliers were serving perfectly matched top-of-the-line wines. A truly festive occasion, and definitely one that called for a creative, unique, stunning table decor! So we went to work – a full four months ahead of time.

First step: I decided to showcase what I love most about France (except for the food – which the chefs would be taking care of!), and that’s the streets of Paris, and the way Parisians live in their city year round, Spring through Winter. I would have artwork of Parisian street scenes and trees or topiaries appropriate for the seasons shown on the paintings.

Second step: I assembled my team. Florist Janelle Jacky of Green Petal Designs, graphic artists Diana Morawski, Carla Ginsberg and Lindsey Latimer of Cranial Island Studios and Photographer Jen Daniels. Ready to go!

Diana, Carla and Lindsey designed four tableaux, one for every season:

Golden foliage for Autumn, Bastille Day decorations for Summer, eerie twilight and dancing snowflakes for Winter, and a downpour with lightning in the sky for Spring – presided over all year by the iconic Eiffel Tower. I had these paintings mounted on wooden panels (front and back) and cut these out to a rounded outline reminiscent of Paris Metro station entrances… and then wooden stands were handcrafted to hold the four tableaux up on the table.

Next came the tablecloth: I was lucky to find a beautiful tan Toile de Jouey with a delicate black pattern of Eiffel Towers, script and stamps – so nostalgic and so perfect! That set the tone for everything else: black chargers, and chair sashes and napkin rings hand-sewn from tan silk and black lace, to evoke slightly sinful French lingerie…

Enter Janelle, our florist: she designed four trees to exactly mirror the artwork and the season depicted on each panel, and she “planted” each tree in black French-style urns…

Here comes “Spring:”

… Summer:

… Fall ….

… and Winter!

To round it out, Janelle and I used a “ground cover” of small pebbles and ivy branches, evoking the graveled walkways in Parisian parks (think Jardin du Luxembourg) and topped it with seasonal details – little blooms, fruit, fall foliage, and, of course, snow… a few gilded tealights and voila! Here’s the finished tablescape:

Guests loved it… Vive la France – and Bonne Soiree!

Yes – Corporate Events Can Be Fun!!

Posted on October 13, 2013 by jlammerts

So, you are absolutely positive that there is probably nothing more boring under the Sun than a corporate event? Speaker and lunch?

Well, I beg to differ! Provided, of course, you let ME organize it… A Day Like No Other, my wedding and event design and coordination company will convince you otherwise, promise! What’s the trick? A gorgeous venue (e.g. a private estate, a mansion in a park), a fun and engaging speaker, first-rate food and wine, beautiful decor and a lot of entertaining activities to round it out! For a meeting of wedding industry professionals, I pulled together “all of the above” plus a wedding fashion show with professional models, a one-of-a-kind vintage Packard limousine, exquisite party favors and raffle prizes everybody loved! Enjoy…

The Ultimate California Seaside Wedding: Kimen and Rob

Posted on October 13, 2013 by jlammerts

California seaside wedding – what’s your first association? Rolling breakers, sea foam, rocks, sunshine and a slight breeze? Yes, yes, and yes! Kimen and Rob had it all yesterday, on a perfect Autumn day under a warming sun and a cloudless sky … right above the Pacific Ocean, on the seafront terrace of storied Moonraker Restaurant in Pacifica.

Have a look yourself:

No wonder the two fell in love with this place instantaneously! When they hired my company, A Day Like No Other, to help design and coordinate their wedding, I jumped at the opportunity to be part of their Great Day.

For the bride -as always! – the day started off with a hair and makeup session, here with Loren and Sataya of Primp and Proper Hair and Makeup Design:

… and her Mom, as well – a wonderful Mother-Daughter occasion!

Then it was time to pick up her gorgeous coral-colored bouquet starring Gloriosa lilies…

… and to get dressed – with a lot of help from all her bridesmaids:

Radiant in a ruched sateen dress with crystal embellishment and an impressive train, and a crystal-embroidered double veil, Kimen was ready to meet Rob – here’s their First Look high above the crashing waves of the Pacific, captured by Robert of George Street Photography:

I was meanwhile already busy with the ceremony setup on the oceanfront terrace – the aisle decorated with bunches of flowers in the couple’s signature coral and blue hues (created like all the wedding flowers, by Soulflower Designs ) …

… with “trees” of gracefully bending branches adorned with coral orchids forming a living arch under which to say their vows.

The ceremony was officiated by Judge Allan Gropper, a family member, with a bridal party of nine groomsmen and four bridesmaids, all siblings and closest friends of the couple.

With Victoria Hauk’s ([email protected]) woodwind trio playing Bach’s cantata “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” and Mendelssohn’s Wedding March, the sounds of the Ocean and the cries of seagulls above, it probably doesn’t get more impressive – and more romantic than that! The bride’s cousin Collin videotaped it all.

Just Married! And now it’s party time in the beautifully decorated Moonraker Restaurant where tables adorned with coral-and-blue centerpieces were overlooking the gorgeous view of the Ocean:

Guests feasted on Lobster Bisque with Truffle Foam and Twin Maine Lobster and Grilled Flat Iron Steak, entertained by DJ Jessie‘s music. And a major “guest magnet” was of course the photo booth by Expression Events!

After dinner, Kimen and Rob enjoyed their First Dance to Billy Joel’s “The Way You Are” and, perfectionists as THEY are, it was a perfectly choreographed dance sequence that had guest clapping and cheering with sheer joy!

After the traditional Father-Daughter Dance…

… everyone joined in on the dance floor.

Then it was time to cut the cake, a little masterpiece in coral and ombre blue, complete with coral pieces and sea foam bubbles, by The Cakery:

Small wonder that nobody wanted to leave! So we extended the party… and extended… and as the sun was setting over the Pacific…

… everyone headed over to Nick’s across the street – the historic Pacifica bar and night club – for an after party. Everyone had a fantastic time, me included! And that’s why I love my job so much…

Congratulations, Kimen and Rob, 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.

An Andy Warhol-themed Bachelor Party by A Day Like No Other

Posted on September 16, 2013 by jlammerts

Here is a short video clip of an Andy Warhol-themed bachelor party – complete with three beauties styled like Sixties fashion icons (think Twiggy!) whom our bachelor took around town in his fire-engine red original 1965 Mustang convertible and who went partying with him afterwards in one of San Francisco’s hippest bars – all decorated with Andy Warhol artwork – where everyone went dancing to the top hits of the Sixties and Seventies. The master himself (we admit it was a look-alike…) was around to take photos – have a look!

That party was a huge success!

A film by Michael Loeb.

“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!

Andy Warhol & The Factory @ Infusion Lounge!

Posted on August 9, 2013 by jlammerts

As a fitting – and upbeat! – tribute to what would have been Andy Warhol’s 85th birthday (on August 6, 2013), the San Francisco Bay Area Wedding Pro’s met for their August party in the spirit of the Master… at Infusion Lounge, a super chic, hip bar in dowtown San Francisco. Gwenn Connolly created our logo (and more…you’ll see!):

To kick off the festivities, “Andy” (aka model Diana) posed with 3 “go-go girls” (models Brittany, Ryann and Maria, all expertly made up and styled by Marine Vaisset of Belle by Marine) in an original 1965 Mustang convertible – driving around San Francisco …

…

andy photogr union sq 3

taking “photos” of his girls, and then pulling up at the iconic Sir Francis Drake Hotel…

…and posing in front of his own artwork, displayed on a billboard ad.

After all that fun, it was time for the party to get started!

Infusion Lounge, bathed in purple, turquoise and orange mood lighting, was decorated with Andy Warhol posters…

…and matching floral decor by Ornamento (think Warhol’s famous “Daisies” serial prints…)

To round it out, video installations by Metamora Designs and by Michael Loeb photography displayed iconic Andy Warhol artwork. All the while, DJ Jerry Schultz of Portable Party kept the energy going with the most famous Sixties/Seventies pop hits – on his karaoke machine!

Guests dressed up to the nines (or better: the Sixties!) danced the night away…

… and I took the opportunity to finally wear my vintage Courreges dress!

Guests only took a break from dancing to nibble on Chicken Wings and Spring Rolls (courtesy of Infusion Lounge), accompanied by a glowing red “Triple Andy” (a specialty cocktail created for our party by Triple9 Vodka), followed by a handful of Ray Richmond’s purple, turquoise and orange “Super Accurate Fortune Cookies” containing a variety of Andy Warhol quotes – rather than the usual fortune cookie “wisdom!”

Auey Santos of Photograffiti and Michael Loeb of Michael Loeb Photography captured our Swingin’ Sixties party on film and video – and guests went home smiling, swinging and humming! It was a great party… thanks to all who contributed! (And so that you can connect to all our wonderful party sponsors, Gwenn Connolly also created a sponsor list in true Warhol style!

Ceremony Soiree: Pure Wedding Ingenuity!

Posted on June 28, 2013 by jlammerts

Elegant, fashionable, glossy Ceremony Magazine invited to their annual SF party 2013 – and “tout le (wedding) monde” showed up – that is: the lucky ones who received one of the coveted invitations. And yes, I was lucky!! Definitely an occasion not to be missed AND one to dress up – and off I went for a fun-filled evening of meeting longtime colleagues, making new friends and a ton of exciting discoveries.

What I mean by “discoveries?” Just wait. Amy Harrick, publisher and editor-in-chief of Ceremony Magazine (and just as stylish and beautiful herself as if she’d stepped out of the pages of her latest issue!)…

… had again outdone herself in attracting a crew of wonderful vendors.

To start with: an urban winery! Although I’d lived in SF for more than a decade… I have to admit I didn’t know it. So: Refer to invitation – First point on tonight’s agenda: DISCOVER A CLEVER NEW WEDDING SPACE. “Dogpatch Wine Works” offers the full winery experience (well, minus the vineyards outside) – complete with stacks of beautiful wine barrels:

And of course you can taste their wines – mmhhh!

But – what would a good wine be without equally good food to accompany it? Moot point, of course. Agenda point no. 2: SAVOR MASTERFUL FOOD AND DRINK! Indeed – Michi Catering and Global Gourmet Catering took care of that, perfectly.

Michi’s surprised again with their modern interpretation of classic Asian fare…

… and Global Gourmet served a selection of colorful plates:

‘C’est Delectable’ rounded it out with authentic French macaroons (plus additional flavor infusion from a dropper, if desired!), luscious chocolates and to-die-for parfaits…

And for those who absolutely couldn’t get enough sweets, there even was a beautiful Ceremony Candy Bar:

But of course the evening was not all about food and drink – refer to program: BEHOLD INNOVATIVE FLORAL DESIGNS!

Right – from Michael Daigian‘s trademark lush arrangements in vibrant colors…

…and Very Merry tablescapes in white and green under dramatic metalweave orbs …

…to Nicole Ha‘s innovative aisle decor:

…and some “Gorgeous Greens!”

And amidst all that beauty and luxury, we checked off our last agenda items: CONNECT WITH THE BAY AREA’S MOST BRILLIANT WEDDING VENDORS! Yes, indeed – and it was such a pleasure catching up with so many of my dear colleagues all of whom had made an effort to attend: Linda Hylen of Julia Morgan Ballroom, Sharon Dexmier – whose Napa Valley Linens Company had sponsored all the gorgeous linens – and Diana Cardenas, photographer Kevin Chin and his wife, florist extraordinaire Nancy Liu Chin… and so many others! My dear friend Christine Cater of Christine Cater Floral and Event Design had even come all the way from Carmel to… ENJOY AN EXCEPTIONAL 3RD ANNUAL CEREMONY SOIREE. Last point on the agenda: check!

We had so much fun – it was such a wonderful evening – thanks, Amy Harrick and Ceremony Magazine!

Wedding Woof

Category Archives: Festivities