Amy and Tec: a Happy Marriage of Chinese and Korean Traditions in San Francisco

Posted on August 25, 2014 by jlammerts

Amy and Tec are super organized. When they began to plan their wedding, they did it one and a half years in advance. When they first contacted my company, A Day Like No Other, they already knew where they wanted to get married: in San Francisco, at a venue linked to the military history of the City. The groom’s father had served and lived with his family on the Presidio of San Francisco, the historic military outpost.

Presidio of San Francisco

It would be a destination wedding for about 150 guests, with the couple living on the East Coast and nearly all their guests coming from all over the country, Korea and Taiwan. I was really grateful to have, in the end, a full 16 months for the planning!

The two fell in love with the Golden Gate Club on the Presidio, the former officers’ club – double-height Great Room with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and located in the heart of the Presidio. Added bonus: the couple and the bridal party would stay at the Inn at the Presidio, a nearby building on campus that has been converted to an elegant boutique hotel and whose decor reflects the military past. Full immersion!

Inn at the Presidio

Antique Bugles at the Inn

For the bride and her bridesmaids the day began with Hair and Makeup by Vinnia Tjhin. Then it was time for Amy to get into her elegant lace dress.

Add to that a beautiful engagement ring and elegant headpiece…

In keeping with her wedding colors – the saturated “lucky” Chinese red of her own heritage complemented by the additional vivid blue of the Korean flag (to honor Tec’s heritage), Amy had chosen a luxurious, formal bridal bouquet of 3 dozen red roses, and smaller bridesmaids’ bouquets to match (all from Tutti Fiori).

The bridesmaids wore a rich blue …

… and the prettiest strappy heels they could find!

The groom was meanwhile getting ready as well:

… and of course he couldn’t do without a little touch of whimsy!

Here he is with his groomsmen, all of them in high spirits:

And off they went with photographer Hardy Wilson for their “First Look”…

… and many, many photos on the beautiful Presidio Campus, under a cloudless blue sky.

Meanwhile, Ava and her catering team from Le’s Kitchen (and I, too) were super busy setting everything up for a Western ceremony, a Korean Bowing Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, Dinner and Dancing.

Arriving guests were greeted with sweets for good luck (a Chinese tradition) and a real “family tree” I had designed, decorated with fresh orchids (more of those later!) and childhood and family photos from the two people whose families would be joined today. In lieu of a standard guest book, we had prepared photo books for guests to sign:

Following the Western ceremony, officiated by a personal friend of the couple,

“You may now kiss your bride!”

… guests enjoyed Cocktail Hour with specialty cocktails…

… and musical entertainment by the Corelli Trios. Bride and Groom meanwhile prepared for a traditional Pae Baek or Bowing Ceremony typical of Korean weddings with the help of Mr. and Mrs. Hong, professional Pae Baek organizers. They donned ceremonial clothes …

and practiced the ritual of bowing to their parents and other honored family members as an expression of their respect and gratitude.

This ceremony sealed their marriage in the Korean tradition, as well!

In the meantime, the dining room got its finishing touches. Tables were set with elegant, shimmering platinum grey linens and napkins alternating in red and blue; with tall centerpieces of red orchids (a profusion of 180 stems of orchids by Tutti Fiori!),

and very personal menu cards: on the reverse, the bride had printed assorted photos and stories from the couple’s courtship and travels for all the guests to enjoy, mix and match. The wedding favors were just as personal: the animal-loving couple had made a donation to an animal protection agency on behalf of their guests who found little thank-you cards on their place settings.

To help guests find their assigned tables, I had come up with another personal idea: a mounted, enlarged photo of the couple with their beloved dog, Cody (who could not be with them on their Great Day), on the steps of the Capitol – that way Cody was present, after all! The photo could be taken apart into individual escort cards and proved to be a great conversation starter!

Immediately following their Grand Entrance, announced by DJ Shawn of Storm Productions…

… husband and wife enjoyed their First Dance:

Guests meanwhile enjoyed a traditional ten-course Chinese banquet by Le’s Kitchen, followed by a dessert of traditional Taiwanese pineapple cakes – a nod to the bride’s heritage:

After dinner, it was time for a huge dance party under the auspices of the Chinese “Double Happiness” symbol (a custom-made gobo by Just De’Lights),

and everyone had a fantastic time!

The Golden Gate Club was literally glowing from within, like an enchanted glasshouse!

And here is why I love my job so much:

Many happy years together, Amy and Tec, and a long life!

A Touch of Tuscany in Napa Valley: Laura and Dennis

Posted on August 20, 2014 by jlammerts

Laura and Dennis originally approached my company, A Day Like No Other, with the request to help them find a venue in the Wine Country for an intimate wedding with closest family only… and then, later, maybe to help organize a party for everyone else at their home. After brainstorming with them – hotels? wineries? all too impersonal, too public… – I knew the exact right place for them: Sylvan Lake, a secluded private estate tucked away in the mountains above St. Helena. Off they went for a site visit! And on their way back home that same day, they texted me: “Change of plans! So beautiful that we’ll have a big party for everyone right there!”

And so we started planning together: an outdoor ceremony onsite, good food and wine, an Italian/Tuscan theme, and sage green with pops of orange for their wedding colors. Last Saturday, it all came together on a glorious summer day, warm with a slight breeze, and under a cloudless blue sky.

Bride and groom made Sylvan Lake Estate theirs for the day with their initials on the gate:

Laura had chosen an elegant yet simple ivory lace sheath for her wedding gown:

… complemented by delicate diamond earrings and a sparkling diamond bracelet. She was radiant in hair and makeup by Teresa Reynolds…

… and she carried a bridal bouquet by Tulips & Toadstools in ivory and orange …

… while her wedding party wore boutonnieres and corsages to match:

… and the ring bearer (the niece of the bride) got a moss ring pillow …

… and a charming hair wreath.

For the ceremony, our florist had adorned a simple arch with lush greenery and bunches of flowers in the wedding colors …

… and topped it all off with a carpet of petals in delicate hues of orange.

And photographer Megan Reeves captured every precious moment, for example the bride with her bridesmaids (her stepdaughters):

… and her groomsmen (her sons!)

The brother of the bride officiated the very personal ceremony in front of eighty guests…

And here they are… Just Married!!

Time to party!

While the newlyweds had their mandatory photos taken,

guests enjoyed Cocktail Hour…

… and the team of An Affair to Remember (catering) and myself were busy preparing tables and food stations for a Tuscan-inspired festive dinner:

Centerpieces were wine crates planted with a variety of succulents, and tables were named after the couple’s favorite wine varietals:

The Sweetheart Table got, of course, the special treatment!

Place settings were decorated with herb bundles tied with orange ribbon…

… and the food stations all looked like scenes right out of the Italian countryside:

Beautifully calligraphed signeage throughout by Steele My Heart helped guests find their tables and choose from bar and dining options.

While guests were dining, night fell…

… and the scene turned downright magical. The newlyweds still had some work to do: cut the beautiful cake (from Model Bakery in St. Helena):

After that, they opened the dance floor under the stars…

… with their First Dance – and everyone joined in to the vibrant tunes put up by DJ Vadim of DJ Jeremy Productions…

Everyone agreed: a truly memorable feast it was! Many happy years together, Laura and Dennis!

A Magical Night Under the Redwoods: Amy and John at Saratoga Springs

Posted on August 19, 2014 by jlammerts

Amy’s and John’s marriage actually started – in heaven! How? They met on a plane! And this fateful encounter set the tone for their relationship: long-distance – for the longest time. Until John’s career brought him to the San Francisco Bay Area, and that is when the two decided that enough (separation, that is) is enough. Amy moved in with John, took a much-needed “breather” in her own career, and used the precious free time to plan their wedding. And I am so happy she brought my company, A Day Like No Other, on board to help with ideas and logistics.

The two had opted for a strictly outdoors celebration in the Redwoods – at Saratoga Springs – and Amy dreamed up an upscale “shabby chic” decor with vintage furniture out on the lawn, like a cozy, yet elegant living room under the stars – and under miles and miles of romantic string lights.

While the groom and groomsmen were getting ready in their hotel suite…

…assisted by a very proud and happy Mother-of-the-Groom…

…for Amy and her bridesmaids, the day began with Hair and Makeup by Su from Nabi Salon; once that was done, the bride slipped into her elegant ivory dress, fit for a silver screen goddess from the Forties:

… complemented by fairytale slippers and a bridal bouquet by Natasha Kolenko (who also designed the centerpieces and floral decor throughout).

The bridal bouquet was adorned with a cameo brooch Amy had inherited from her Grandmother.

With that, the bride was ready to meet her groom – down a staircase, past a waterfall, on her way to the “First Look:”

And here is their official first photo together!

And that was followed by quite a few more – with Amy’s bridesmaids…

… and the whole bridal party…

…and of the two of them together:

A shuttle from The Santa Cruz Experience (the company provided transportation throughout) then took the whole wedding party to Saratoga Springs, where onsite coordinators Mimi and Kelsey with their team and I were busy setting up all the beautiful decor Amy and I had dreamt up over months!

Escort cards: airline boarding passes, of course! And table names? International airports … and all that displayed in custom-cut rustic logs by Fernando Canales ([email protected]). This setup was an instant crowd-pleaser and conversation starter!

For Cocktail Hour, Amy had ordered three vignettes of vintage and antique furniture from One True Love Vintage Rentals, and we displayed the couple’s favorite family photos there together with pretty vintage items, candles and bunches of flowers.

After their ceremony under the tall Redwoods

– serenaded by Underhill Rose (an all female American Country Band, and friends of the bride)

– the newlyweds had their mandatory photo session with photographer Majesta Patterson, while videographer (and Majesta’s husband!) Zach Patterson of Patterson Films captured every precious moment.

Meanwhile, dinner was ready:

… and guests found their seats at rows and rows of long tables under a romantic, uplit bridge by … airport names! The newlyweds had their special seats at the Head Table:

In lieu of a traditional wedding cake, Amy and John invited guests to a delicious dessert buffet stocked and re-stocked with “bundtinis” (mini Bundt cakes, by Nothing Bundt Cakes) and super fresh pies from Beckmann’s Bakery. Many reasons to raise a glass tonight!

Then it was time for the First Dance:

When night fell, the scene turned absolutely magical under the lights by Bay Area Event Lights …

… and DJ “Sir Dancealot” got the crowd going – just have a look! At the exuberant Hora Dance, the couple was lifted high up on chairs by the dancing crowd, and Amy said that she and John had the time of their lives. And that’s my biggest reward!

Many happy years together, Amy and John, and from now on, may you always fly together!

Family Fun on the Ranch: Pam’s and John’s Wedding on Mt. Diablo

Posted on July 28, 2014 by jlammerts

After seven years together and a full year of planning and do-it-yourself projects, Pam’s and John’s dream finally came true: Wedding Day! I am so happy they allowed my company, A Day Like No Other, to accompany their journey from first ideas to ceremony and celebration, from preliminary sketches to planning memos and vendor sourcing to final timelines.

From our very first planning and brainstorming session on, one thing was clear: this wedding would be a big fun affair. Both Pam and John are fun-loving, quirky personalities who don’t care a bit for convention, but very much for their families – all just as upbeat and fun-loving as they themselves. There would be lots of kids in the wedding, and of course their own “baby” (or rather: fur baby) Cody. So what emerged was the idea of a carnival-themed wedding on a dog-friendly farm. Now, that’s definitely not your “run-of-the-mill wedding!” Far from it… what else? Lots of DIY projects – hand-crocheted boxes, centerpiece decor, and even little birdies for the wedding cake. Handmade paper flowers for the centerpieces. A color scheme of nostalgically muted, slightly faded pastel colors, mainly mint and peach and a dusty rose. And no conventional catering, please!

Look what we put together:

Our venue: Diablo Ranch, a working ranch at more than 1,000 ft of altitude high up on Mount Diablo in the San Francisco East Bay, with miles and miles of views…

… and a romantic farmhouse with a shady courtyard…

… and real farm animals…

… and a beautiful pool for poolside dining:

On wedding day, we were all tempted to jump in – with temperatures soaring to more than 100 degrees!

The bride (already in full hair and make-up by Nini’s Epiphany) and her bridesmaids were getting ready in a cool tack room…

showing off the dreamy bouquets by Green Petal Designs:

The groom and groomsmen dressed up as well:

The fantastic ranch team …

(and my assistant Angeliki and I) were all busy putting final touches on the setup. Arriving guests were greeted with beautiful Chinese hand fans (their wedding favors) – very much appreciated on this hot day!

Photos of the couple (and more yummy favors, little “honey bears” hand-filled by the bride) led the way…

… to the table assignment board – handmade by bride and groom:

Then it was time for the First Look:

… and bridal party photos (by Majesta Patterson),

The ceremony, officiated by Rev. John Sullivan ([email protected]), took place in a magical spot under an old gnarly tree, overlooking a valley…

… while I was taking care of fur baby Cody:

And here they are: Just married!

First one to congratulate his Mom – was Cody:

It was a glorious day for charming couples’ portraits and bridal party photos:

Time to party! With music by Love in the Mix, guests – young and old! – enjoyed real Carnival games by FunServices:

… and Photo Booth shots by Night Owl photo booth.

As promised, food and drink were “off the beaten path” as well: since “Life is short – eat dessert first!” guests (as well as the newlyweds, of course!) were first treated to yummy ice cream from the Garden Creamery ice cream truck!

And after that – the “Yummi BBQ” Chinese food truck served more substantial fare.

Dining tables by the pool were decorated with centerpieces (of course!) handmade by the bride: pastel-colored jars filled with paper flowers crafted from coffee filter paper… a true labor of love!

Everyone simply had a blast – kids and grown-ups alike! Everything was captured on video by Luke and Pamela Goodman – like the cutting of the cake (and cupcakes by Cupkates):

… the couple’s First Dance and the most glorious sunset ever – a fitting end to an unforgettable day!

Many happy, fun-filled years together, Pam and John – and our very best wishes!

And here is their wedding video – for the fun of it!

WEDDING: Pamela and John Short film at Diablo Ranch from Luke Goodman on Vimeo.

The Beauty of Art and Nature: Alan’s and Miles’ Wedding at the Monterey Aquarium

Posted on July 27, 2014 by jlammerts

This weekend, my company, A Day Like No Other, had the pleasure and the honor to coordinate a really extraordinary wedding – a wedding of two artists, in one of the most spectacular venues imaginable: the Monterey Bay Aquarium. And what a celebration that was!

It meant a lot to them, that’s for sure. Alan had admittedly nearly given up hopes to find his soul mate one day… but as we all know (or at least hope…) miracles still happen. And in this case, the miracle was Miles, and it was love at first sight. They complement each other perfectly. One is quirky and super-energetic, and the other is calm and keeps him grounded; and they deeply care about each other. After four years together, they were both sure that they were, indeed, meant for one another.

Alan and Miles, the grooms, are both incredibly creative (Alan is a graphic artist and designer, and Miles has a degree in Fine Arts), and so they wanted a visually compelling surrounding for their Great Day, AND they absolutely insisted on creating most of the decor themselves. Leave it to the artists!

They came up with a color scheme in hues of lavender and purple which they carried through from the bridesmaids’ dresses and groomsmen’s shirts and neckties and to the flowers – which Alan handcrafted himself! Each of them a little work of art – he made his own bouquet (a giant rose)

and a toss bouquet; bridesmaids’ bouquets with the most delicate “wax flowers”

and elegant boutonnieres

and a cake topper

and and…

Here is Alan with his “grooms maid” Lisa:

Hidden behind Lisa’s bouquet is her gift from the grooms: a golden filigree pendant in the shape of their initials, designed – of course! – by the grooms themselves for all members of their bridal party.

Which was as unusual as nearly everything about this wedding: defying any rules and traditions, the grooms had picked a “Best Woman” and a “Grooms Maid,” along with more traditional roles – and they had a super-cute ring bearer (dressed up in a miniature version of the grooms’ suits!) and flower girl:

Their ceremony under the “fish dome” was officiated by Miles’ Godmother Gail who has played an integral role in his life since his childhood – and so their ceremony was a deeply personal one.

When it came to the vows, Alan surprised Miles with something literally “unheard of:” he expressed his feelings in a song. In his beautiful, mellow, professionally trained tenor voice, he sang the lyrics to the melody of Eva Cassidy’s “Songbird:”

For you/the sun will be shining/’cause I feel that when I’m with you…

To you/I would give the world…

And I love you, I love you, I love you…

interspersed with everything else he wanted to say and promise to Miles. Needless to say, we all had moist eyes… So beautiful!

Just married!

The eighty guests – handpicked closest friends and family members, every single one a trusted companion in the grooms’ lives – formed a spontaneous receiving line after the ceremony – and then proceeded to a delicious dinner (by in-house 886 Catering) in front of the huge shark tank. A truly spectacular setting!

And more was to come – cutting the cake in front of the giant orange jellyfish exhibit…

…. and a traditional bouquet toss (equal opportunity for gals and guys, in this case!)

and a beautifully choreographed First Dance to the music of “A Thousand Years:”

After that, the dance floor was open to everyone, and DJ Collin from DNA Entertainment kept the crowd going!

Those who took a break from dancing had a chance to admire the gorgeous exhibits, from the puffins…

.. to the jellyfish:

…and there is also the “hanging overhead” version – artificial and very artistic:

All that beauty was captured in lasting memories – by Breeann Hollon Photography and by Alan’s nephew on video.

Before they left, guests signed a very unusual “guest book” (well, nothing was “usual” at this wedding!) – a double portrait of the couple, painted by Miles:

… and as wedding favors, they took home wood blocks, all designed and hand-made by Miles:

What an abundance of beauty, both from Art and from Nature – and what a deeply moving experience that celebration was for everyone attending, me included!

Many happy years together, Alan and Miles!

Chic in Teal, Cobalt and Hot Pink: Laura and Tyler’s Wedding

Posted on July 20, 2014 by jlammerts

After five years as a couple and another year of engagement (and wedding planning!), Laura’s and Tyler’s Great Day was finally drawing close, and I am so honored they chose my company, A Day Like No Other, to coordinate their wedding. To make it easy on their guests, many of whom had come from far (and a good number even from Europe) to share their joyful occasion, the couple opted for a hotel where everyone could simply stay and be pampered: the Marriott in San Mateo.

Laura had chosen a bold and striking color combination to go with her dramatic ivory-and-silver wedding dress: teal (for the bridesmaids’ dresses), hot pink (for the bouquets by Floravida)

and a dash of cobalt (chair sashes and napkins) to round it off.

For Laura, her four bridesmaids and the mothers, the day began with a beauty session in the two-story bridal suite with hair by Char Petersen ([email protected]) and makeup by Lanay, the Makeup Girl. Photographer James Everett and the Less Than Three Video Team captured the ladies getting ready – and then the bride was being helped into her voluminous dress.

Off to photos with bridesmaids …

… and the bride’s family – especially with the bride’s brother Lane who was also the officiant!

The groom and his groomsmen were meanwhile treated to a grooms’ party by the groom’s Dad …

… to make sure they wouldn’t try to get a peak at the bride, because… Laura absolutely did not want to be seen by Tyler before the ceremony! Everybody played along, and so the last moments before the ceremony became very emotional…

The ceremony took place in a courtyard with a beautiful gazebo, and the aisle decor matched the bride’s favorite colors perfectly:

Here they are, with Lane officiating (and doing a wonderful job with a deeply personal ceremony).

The day turned out to be perfect, summery, sunny under blue skies with a light (and sometimes stronger) breeze that blew away the petals on the aisle… and the bride and groom were all smiles! DJ Dan of Love in the Mix provided wedding music, Pachelbel’s traditional Canon in D followed by “A Thousand Years.” And everyone needed the tissues the bride wisely provided for the guests!

Just married…

Immediately following the ceremony, our photographer took a group shot of everyone attending the wedding – more than a hundred friends and family members!

While the couple had their traditional post-ceremony photos taken, guests enjoyed cocktails and snacks, followed by a lavish sit-down dinner in the elegant “Engage” ballroom.

Once guests were seated, the newlyweds were introduced …

… and enjoyed their (beautifully choreographed) First Dance:

Toasts and speeches punctuated a delicious meal, but Bride and Groom had one mandatory task waiting for them: cutting the cake (by Studio Cake):

(“T” for Tyler, “L” for Laura, and “C” for the initial of both their last names – isn’t that perfect?!)

Another highlight of the evening was a special surprise by the Mother of the Groom: a musical slide show to accompany the Mother-Son dance!

Then the dance floor was officially opened to everyone, kicking off a wild dance party! Guests just took a break for the bouquet toss and garter toss …

and then later on to enjoy a surprise sundae buffet.

In lieu of a conventional guest book, guests signed a matted and framed engagement photo of Laura and Tyler – ready-to-go artwork for their home and a forever-cherished keepsake for sure!

And here is why I love my job so much:

Many happy years together, Laura and Tyler, and our best wishes on your way!

Starstruck – Erica’s and Lincoln’s Heavenly Nuptials

Posted on June 4, 2014 by jlammerts

Dear readers: before you even start, grab your hanky. Here comes one of those “The stars were aligned…” love stories. A real, true one!

Just a few years ago, Lincoln, the groom, had given up on getting married. He told a friend, “Since I won’t get married – let’s just throw a party. A big one – in lieu of a real wedding party!” Which she did, in fact… (and at that real wedding yesterday, she was his decorator!)

Erica, as her Dad said, had already faced a number of challenges in her life… but the moment she met Lincoln, she was transformed. Utterly, completely – and he knew, she had met “the one!”

How they met: through one of their shared passions – dancing! Music lovers, both of them (Erica is a professional harpist, and Lincoln plays in a mandolin orchestra), they met at a ballroom dance, and Lincoln fell for Erica immediately, and hard. Erica, more cautious by nature, took a little longer, but after all, Lincoln can be very persuasive. Done deal!

And – you have to know – Lincoln is very elegant, even a little bit old-fashioned, in the best sense. Following tradition, he proposed on one knee – at the Iguazu Falls in Brazil. It doesn’t get much more dramatic than that!

And of course, a photo of this momentous occasion had to be present at their wedding…

Just 18 months after their first encounter, the two got married, and I was so honored that they chose my company, A Day Like No Other, for their wedding coordination and design. They wanted an elegant, formal wedding, and they wanted – stars! Erica, the bride, is an amateur astronomer, and so we set out to incorporate the Moon and the Stars into this exquisite affair.

First step: find a venue! The two chose the Brazilian Room, a historic building in Tilden Regional Park in the hills above Berkeley. (Was that choice, maybe, inspired by the location of the proposal?)

An open Great Room with exposed wooden beams and a soaring ceiling opens onto a ceremony lawn that seamlessly flows into the verdant hilly landscape.

The bride got ready at the historic Claremont Hotel in Berkeley with hair and makeup expertly styled by her friend Kim Denny.

Meanwhile her groom was getting ready as well…

Coit Limousine service delivered her to the Brazilian Room where Lincoln was already waiting…

… dressed in a traditional morning suit, fitting for this elegant occasion. But the bride insisted on remaining unseen until the ceremony, so we literally snuck her into the building!

Erica had chosen an embroidered ivory A-line gown that literally floated around her and whirled with every step, complemented by a crystal-encrusted belt and elegant veil.

Finally, the great moment had come! Eighty of their closest friends and family members witnessed the very personal ceremony officiated by their friend Karryn Nagel, which incorporated a “Passing of the Rings” ritual. The groom’s nephew (stylishly outfitted in a 3-piece suit like his older brothers and his Dad) passed the rings to all guests present, to impart on them all their good wishes…

All the while, harpist Jessica Schaeffer provided a beautiful musical background.

And then, they were pronounced husband and wife, and the real fun was about to begin…

Just married!

Now come the myriad personal touches that made this wedding celebration so unique: the bride had styled her wedding shoes herself – with a star motif on a midnight-blue background:

Friends of the couple, Kris, a former actor proficient at stagecraft, and Anne (who would catch the bouquet later that night …), had built them a photo booth, and what a spectacular one at that!

Every single guest took a turn, and then signed the guest book – which, of course, was also special. In lieu of a conventional book, we came up with the idea of a historic typewriter…

To direct guests to their assigned tables, we did not use conventional escort cards (of course not…) – Erica found antique-looking picture frames which doubled as wedding favors, and combined them with handwritten star-studded name cards.

During Cocktail Hour, Silver Strings Mandolin Orchestra (the groom’s ensemble) played for the guests…

Meanwhile, the Great Room was ready for dinner, with centerpieces by the couple’s friend Lizzie Maxwell…

and decor by another of their friends, Jane Dougherty – think custom-made sconces of midnight-blue tulle with sparkling lights… speaking of which: the bride and I had found sparkling stars from Glimmers Inc. which, floating in the guests toasting glasses, added a truly heavenly touch to all those good wishes!

The duo “The Harpoons” (Harp and Bassoon – did you guess it?) kept guests entertained over dinner,

and Morningstar Entertainment took over for dancing.

But we are getting ahead of ourselves. During dinner, guests were asked to propose one impromptu toast per table, and since most of this artistic couple’s guests were artists themselves, musicians, actors, performers – these toasts turned into artistic improvisations of the highest order. From hilarious skits to funny poems (in perfect meter and professional intonation) and rock star impersonations with slightly tweaked lyrics: it was rather a cabaret than mere toasts! In these moments, all the depth of personal connections, the warmth of long-time friendships, and the commitment of all these friends and family members to an extraordinary couple became apparent. Every single guest contributed to their happy union in a personal way… a rare and precious moment to behold.

Another case in point: the star-shaped gold-and-blue cake, home-baked in professional quality by the couple’s friend Effie Seiberg (complemented by some more from Sweet Adeline Bakeshop):

Once the cake cutting (and -eating) was done, Erica and Lincoln enjoyed their First Dance to “Never Stop Falling in Love” by Pink Martini. These two are professional grade ballroom dancers, and just watching them twirl and lead and follow and twirl again was a treat all in itself.

Dancing with the stars, definitely! And that’s what they all did for the rest of the evening… and photographer extraordinaire Amy Carr and videographer Adrian Quintero captured every precious moment.

Wishing our stars Erica and Lincoln “happily ever after” from the bottom of our hearts! And have a wonderful Honeymoon in Maui!

Angie’s and Michael’s Dream Wedding at Kohl Mansion

Posted on June 2, 2014 by jlammerts

Angela and Michael are not only deeply in love – they also share values and many common interests. They are both deeply connected to their families. They are both music lovers; Angie is even a violinist in a community orchestra and devotes a good part of her free time to practicing and rehearsing. They both appreciate good food. And on and on…

When they embarked on their first big common project – their wedding! – my company, A Day Like No Other, was honored to be booked for the wedding coordination. Bride and groom are very organized and systematic and had a good part of all the “wedding puzzle” pieces in place already, first and foremost their gorgeous venue: Kohl Mansion in Burlingame.

On Wedding Day, May 31st, all weather gods were smiling broadly upon Angie’s and Michael’s outdoor celebrations… the day was summery, warm but not too hot, under a cloudless blue sky with a light breeze. Simply perfect!

For the Bride, the day began with a beauty session for herself and her bridesmaids with hair stylist Elaine Nicdao and makeup artist Ally Kennedy. And look what a fabulous job they did:

The bride wore a diaphanous, etherial, crystal-embroidered couture dress by Rosa Clara from Nouvelle Vogue Bridal Salon, complemented by an elaborate, sparkly headpiece, also from Nouvelle Vogue.

And the bridesmaids were lovely, too!

In accordance with her wedding colors of blush pink and ivory, Angie chose her bridal bouquet…

… as well as ceremony flowers, an elaborate chuppah and centerpieces from Floral Design Studio, and they were all equally stunning.

The couple’s more than one hundred and fifty guests from all over the world were greeted with music by Turnaround Jazz Trio and DJ CAMS Scott Campbell, and the very personal ceremony was co-officiated by their friends Laura Shih and Suneel Gupta, incorporating elements of both the bride’s Chinese and the groom’s Jewish cultural backgrounds.

Here comes the Bride!

No Jewish wedding would be complete without breaking a glass (which Michael did) and the guests’ shouting the traditional blessing of Mazel Tov (which they all did)… and here they are, just married:

While the newlyweds disappeared for their mandatory family photos…

…. with photographer Sandra Fazzino, guests enjoyed Cocktail Hour with delicious treats from Toast Catering – and that was just the beginning of all the fabulous food provided by Toast! To keep everyone entertained, the couple had provided a special guest book: a scrap book with cards, markers, stickers… to be completed by the guests; and Say Ya Photo Booth, which turned out to be a true guest magnet.

At the conclusion of Cocktail Hour, the newlyweds and their Bridal Party had a truly Grand Entrance, every moment captured by Ocean Blue Videography …

…immediately followed by another honored Jewish tradition: the exuberant Horah Dance…

… during which the couple is hoisted high up on chairs to the delight of the cheering crowd!

After so much excitement, it was definitely time for dinner – and what a dinner that was! In the candle-lit double-height main hall of Kohl Mansion and within a sea of flowers, guests enjoyed their gourmet food…

… as well as a surprise performance of the groom and the bridal party who sang and enacted a Disney medley for the bride; and a slide show to follow. Dinner concluded with a delicious cake from Cakes by Maggie and an ice cream bar:

After dessert, Angie and Michael enjoyed their First Dance as a married couple:

…opening the dance floor for everyone. The bride quickly changed into an elegant qipao as a nod to her Chinese heritage – and danced the rest of the night away. What a fantastic party!

And here is why I love my job so much:

Let’s wish the couple what they promised each other in their vows – to build a happy, healthy long life together. Mazel Tov!

Vannie’s and Richard’s Sunny Wedding at the Los Altos History Museum

Posted on May 31, 2014 by jlammerts

A love story more than a decade in the making – and today, finally, it’s official: Vannie and Richard are Mr. and Mrs.! With more than a hundred guests as their witnesses, the two tied the knot at a very historic and romantic place – the History Museum in Los Altos,

surrounded by all that used to constitute rural life in the area in the last century or two; from ancient ploughs to … well, not quite so ancient tractors! Guests learned, among other things, that a plot for a single-family home in the heart of what is now Silicon Valley went for $ 55o – in the year 1917… That has changed! So much for the charming historic backdrop. Vannie’s and Richard’s personal history began exactly 11 years ago when they met in college, at UCLA.

They were assigned to the same dorm, and Vannie immediately felt intrigued by this attractive, slightly withdrawn “brooding artist” (Richard was majoring in Design) with that oddball sense of humor. “He seemed so … mysterious,” she muses when looking back. It took all her willpower and persistence (“or, what my parents call stubbornness,” jokes the bride) to win Richard over. But since Richard never does anything half-heartedly, his commitment was absolute, and that they’d be getting married at some point was a foregone conclusion. Well, finally this point did come, and the two chose a cozy and romantic venue (Los Altos History Museum) – and my company, A Day Like No Other, as their coordinator. Truly an honor!

Vannie had devised the decor theme and handmade most of the decorations herself in her wedding color, a sunny bright yellow. She fashioned a backdrop from strips of fabric and various hues of yellow, she made paper garlands with white, silver and yellow pompoms, and more big and small pompoms to hang from the mature trees shading the courtyard for Cocktail Hour.

A clothesline strung between the trees was hung with snapshots from the couple’s decade-long courtship, and in lieu of a guestbook, guests signed a vintage globe.

Even the flowers were “designed by Vannie!” The bouquets for herself and her bridesmaids were simple bunches of Queen Anne’s Lace,

and the centerpieces consisted of stacks of books, topped by cream English Country roses in mason jars, complete with a little yellow flag for table numbers.

Guests found their way inside the courtyard, guided by cute yellow pinwheels lining the path, and signage was, of course!, likewise handcrafted by the bride: chalkboards for the program, the menu and the table assignments.

While my assistant Angeliki and I were busy putting everything up in their assigned spots, Vannie had her hair and makeup masterfully done by Susie Chhuor. Photographer Bre Thurston orchestrated Vannie’s and Richard First Look and many, many more photos throughout the day! The bride wore a spectacular ivory silk Reem Acra gown with beaded cap sleeves.

And here comes the Bride!

The short and very personal ceremony was presided over by minister Daniel Kennedy,

and while the couple was busy with more photos …

… their guests were treated to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by Schumann’s Four Seasons Caterers, who also served a lavish family-style dinner,

outside under romantic string lights, as dusk was falling.

Then it was time for… cake cutting? Not quite! The bride and groom did this part of their celebration again “their way:” they cut a giant donut tower, and finished the dessert phase with ice cream sandwiches for everyone.

DJ Jeremy (who had already played beautifully for ceremony and cocktail hour) was now gearing up for the “dancing part” of the evening! After Vannie’s and Richard’s romantic First Dance,

the crowd got inside for a wild dance party and really let it rip.

And here is why I love my job so much!

What a fantastic celebration… congratulations, Vannie and Richard, and our best wishes for a long, happy life – “growing old together…”

Butterflies in Their Stomach… Michele’s and Rui’s Wedding at Monarch Cove Inn

Posted on May 23, 2014 by jlammerts

This is the story of many impossible twists and turns… worthy of a Hollywood movie! And yet, today all this became beautiful reality: Michele and Rui tied the knot at one of the most romantic places far and wide, historic Monarch Cove Inn in the quaint little town of Capitola close to Santa Cruz, on the California Coast. But we are getting ahead of ourselves!

Both Michele and Rui had already spent a good part of their respective lives – with long marriages, grown children.

Michele had been in a relationship for close to ten years when a spiritual person – actually a total stranger – told her she’d be getting married within a year. Michele wasn’t convinced. Her relationship made her less and less happy or fulfilled. She certainly had no plans to get married… Little did she know! A chance encounter on New Year’s Eve proved fortuitous and fateful at the same time. She met Rui – they just talked – and Michele broke off her relationship three days later. Rui, not a religious man, had been desperate enough to actually ask God to send him love again, and less than two weeks later, he met Michele. It didn’t take him long to tell her that they’d been destined for one another. Michele, not a fan of the Beach and the Ocean, started researching possible wedding venues – chanced upon Monarch Cove Inn, and fell for it head over heels.

Not only is it a hidden gem of a romantic Victorian cottage, it has the most stunning view of the Monterey Bay from its backyard!

Its name is derived from the Monarch butterflies taking a break in their annual migration right here at Monarch Cove in Capitola, covering whole trees with their glorious orange wings.

Butterflies: how fitting to the excitement of these two lovebirds who brought friends and family together from all over the world to be a part of this string of little miracles bringing them together.

Rui was adamant: he was not going to see his bride before the ceremony. So – she checked into the Inn’s stunning whole-floor bridal suite a day ahead of time…

…with plenty of room for a beauty parlor for herself and her attendants, come wedding day! Just look to what a view she woke up:

If ever there was such a thing like a “princess for one day,” here she is!

While Michele got her hair and makeup expertly done by Mona Smith (831-464-1700), the A Day Like No Other team (my assistant Angeliki and myself), the venue staff, Five Star Catering and florist extraordinaire Frederick James of Luxuries Floral Design were all busy decorating the beautiful grounds.

Arriving guests were greeted by fragrant gardenias floating in a sparkling fountain…

…and a gift table, adorned with one of Frederick’s stunning floral arrangements in Michele’s sunny color scheme of yellow and aqua …

The rustic arch was built from branches, twigs and fresh flowers right there, on site:

Can you imagine a more romantic setting to say your vows?

Following the ceremony, officiated by Pastor Prince (925-202-8447), the newlyweds headed off to a photo session with family friend Don Carol (510-706-9954), and here is their “official wedding photo!”

Their guests meanwhile enjoyed specialty cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and music by DJ Phelan ([email protected]). They had fun with a photo booth by Casino Events and received beautiful wooden frames for their photo strips as wedding favors.

And then it was time for a huge early dinner, followed by dessert. In lieu of a traditional big wedding cake, Michele and Rui had opted for cupcakes in their wedding colors from Noland’s Cake Shop …

Isn’t that cute?

Guests took a break from dancing for those – and did not leave a single one behind! When it was time to say goodbye, a shuttle from The Santa Cruz Experience was already waiting for happy wedding guests, many of whom took some beautiful flowers from Luxuries home for a living memory of a truly wonderful day.

And here is why I love my job so much!

Wedding Woof

Category Archives: Flowers

Amy and Tec: a Happy Marriage of Chinese and Korean Traditions in San Francisco

A Touch of Tuscany in Napa Valley: Laura and Dennis

A Magical Night Under the Redwoods: Amy and John at Saratoga Springs

Family Fun on the Ranch: Pam’s and John’s Wedding on Mt. Diablo

The Beauty of Art and Nature: Alan’s and Miles’ Wedding at the Monterey Aquarium

Chic in Teal, Cobalt and Hot Pink: Laura and Tyler’s Wedding

Starstruck – Erica’s and Lincoln’s Heavenly Nuptials

Angie’s and Michael’s Dream Wedding at Kohl Mansion

Vannie’s and Richard’s Sunny Wedding at the Los Altos History Museum

Butterflies in Their Stomach… Michele’s and Rui’s Wedding at Monarch Cove Inn