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!

Tara and Michael: Elegance Choreographed to Perfection

Posted on November 27, 2013 by jlammerts

“Come Dance With Us!” was the motto of Tara’s and Michael’s exquisitely elegant wedding in Carmel-by-the-Sea, last weekend. And their celebration was, in fact, a perfectly choreographed affair – in every sense.

Tara and Michael have so much in common, their love of dancing only one among many things. As Michael said, “Tara and I – we are of the same feather…” And what “feather” is that? To start with, each of them is a Math wiz. They love the perfection of numbers. They are super smart. They are both perfectionists. They are extremely organized, analytical and detail-oriented. Small wonder they expected their wedding day to be just as perfect and organized! I feel really honored that they entrusted that all-important “project” to my company, A Day Like No Other, as their wedding planner.

The two met only in February this year, but they both knew right away that they had met their perfect mates (unbeknownst to each other, that’s what they told their best friends that same evening!). A true whirlwind romance ensued. Following time-honored tradition, Michael formally asked Tara’s father for her hand in marriage – and got it! After that, nothing held them back to set their wedding date. As Tara put it so aptly (on her sign explaining her puzzle piece “guest book”), “It may have taken us a while, but we finally found the perfect fit.” Just 9 months from their first date, the two got married last Saturday in one of the most romantic places I know – Carmel-by-the-Sea. After the bride’s mandatory Hair and Makeup session (Caitlin at Spa on the Plaza),

… both bride and groom were busy getting ready…

… at Quail Lodge Resort in Carmel Valley…

It was a glorious, golden late Autumn day, and the pond full of the namesake quail was glittering in the sun…

The two had their “First Look” moment on a bridge crossing the pond… it could have been right out of an Impressionist painting, Monet perhaps, and it was most definitely the pinnacle of romance. Photographer Ken Kato and videographer James Ferrandini of Thomas Hughes Films captured all those special moments throughout the day – First Look:

… and a stroll through Carmel-by-the-Sea with storybook charm:

Then it was time for a stretch limo transfer to their wedding mass in the historic Church of the Wayfarer in Carmel-by-the-Sea…

… The bride carried a breathtaking bouquet (by Swenson and Silacci) in her wedding colors – purple hues from pale mauve to lavender and a deep eggplant color.

The Bride had chosen ceremony music with very special meaning and memories attached, all flawlessly performed by BellaQuattro Strings and rounded out by a soprano solo – sung by bridesmaid Landra.

It is official:

Following the wedding mass, a couple “official wedding photos” were in order:

While the new Mr. and Mrs. had their photos taken, an elegant cocktail reception was awaiting Tara’s and Michael’s more than 100 guests at Quail Lodge…

… on the patio overlooking the extensive park and golf course surrounding the venue.

Guests enjoyed browsing a veritable photo gallery of the couple from babyhood to engagement photos (see above) along with three signature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

Tara and Michael were meanwhile rehearsing one more time the intricate steps of their First Dance – as a surprise for their guests, they had prepared and practiced over and over a choreographed dance performance on a medley of songs, accompanied by DJ John of DNA Entertainment…

… which was literally jaw-dropping proof that these two are, indeed, a perfect match AND professional-grade dancers!

The ensuing elegant sit-down dinner took place around the central dance floor – with tables dominated by tall centerpieces of large mauve roses, white orchids and hydrangea, purple lisianthus and and… just have a look for yourself:

In lieu of conventional table numbers, tables were named after the couple’s favorite dances.

In accordance with her purple wedding colors and the elegance of her whole celebration, Tara had designed a suite of classic wedding stationery – from invitations to programs, menu and escort cards to favor wrappers and various signage – in purple and ivory colors, and she had accented every single piece with a hand-stamped border of romantic scrollwork.

And after dinner? More dancing, of course! And cutting the cake (by Patisserie Bechler), too…

Guests enjoyed creamy, berry-studded cheesecake and coffee, more dancing, and finally – a whimsical sendoff of the couple! During the reception, groomsmen and bridesmaids had sneaked away to secretly decorate the couple’s car with paper flower garlands, purple tulle ribbon and “Just Married” signs, not to forget dozens of empty soda cans tied to the rear bumper… So the whole merry party sent the two off right into their Honeymoon – “down under!”

And here is why I love my job so much…

Congratulations, Tara and Michael, and keep dancing together for many, many happy years to come!

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!

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 (victoriahauk@icloud.com) 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.

Cassie and Jason – Nature and Elegance, Fun, Family and Friends

Posted on September 30, 2013 by jlammerts

What do you think are the ingredients for the perfect wedding day? Beautiful setting? Check. All the people around you who matter in your lives? Check. Great food and drink AND a wild dance party afterwards? Check!

Which means that Cassie and Jason did, in fact, have a perfect wedding yesterday!

They had chosen a secluded private estate in the Santa Cruz mountains where they could have their ceremony on a manicured lawn, their reception under towering mature trees and could follow up with dancing under the stars. And they had chosen me – A Day Like No Other – as their wedding coordinator. When the great moment finally came, it turned out to be the perfect autumn day, warm, sunny, and under a cloudless sky.

Here is the radiant bride in hair by Laina Ross and makeup by Llyndara and Cheryl (802-999-2022 and 530-400-2314) …

… with her bridesmaids (including one “brides-guy!”)…

… and here is her beautiful bouquet (created like all the floral decor by her cousin Tara – a professional floral designer) playing on her wedding colors of ivory, sage green and eggplant…

For the ceremony, the couple had chosen an arch handmade from natural twigs and decorated with bouquets of blue and green hydrangea, ivory roses, and deep purple lisianthus and calla lilies.

The ceremony setting couldn’t have been more beautiful. Rev. Donna Gardner of Honey in the Heart had created a very personal ceremony for Cassie and Jason.

The two said their vows surrounded by more than 150 friends and family members many of whom had traveled far for this occasion.

Bride and groom incorporated in their vows very personal promises like, “I will always let you sleep in,” and “I will promise to get ready so we can go out in time.” Definitely honest and heartfelt and reason for quite a few chuckles!

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour followed by an early dinner at long rows of elegant dining tables under the canopy of mature trees…

The glamorous table settings (as well as all other rentals) came from Alexis Party Rentals.

The newlyweds presided over dinner from their sweetheart table…

…while guests were enjoying delicacies from Feel Good Foods.

All the time, husband-and-wife team Erin and Jeremy Hohengarten of Still Music Photography were busy capturing every precious moment.

Then it was time for the First Dance…

… accompanied by music of DJ Frankie from Sound in Motion.

But the sensation of the evening was still to come: the Robot Dance Party!

At the conclusion of the evening, The Santa Cruz Experience bus company provided safe trips home (or to a swinging after party…) for the guests. Everyone had a great time, myself included!

Thanks for letting me be part of your celebration, and many happy years together, Cassie and Jason!

Stacy and Ian – Coastal Elegance at the Intercontinental, Monterey

Posted on September 9, 2013 by jlammerts

I just returned from coordinating a wedding that qualifies for the “Dream Wedding” category on all counts – a beautiful couple, a spectacular location, incredible weather… and then some!

So, let’s start at the beginning – with Stacy and Ian: both of them seasoned singles, wildly successful in their respective careers, independent spirits. They had everything in their lives except for… well, that “significant other.” And then, on January 27 of 2013 (yes, 2013!!), Love struck. Suddenly, unexpectedly. Stacy met Ian – and later that same day, she called her mother and said, “I have met the man with whom I want to share the rest of my life.” Love at first sight, nothing less! From then on, the two had a true whirlwind romance.

Just eight weeks later, on April 1st, Ian proposed in a historic castle outside Rotterdam, the Netherlands – beginning with: “This is not an April Fool’s joke…” and putting a huge “rock” on Stacy’s finger. Another four months later, the two got married, and I had the honor of being their wedding coordinator.

For their venue, they chose a spectacular waterfront setting in Monterey: the Intercontinental The Clement Hotel, literally built on the water’s edge.

The morning of Wedding Day was dedicated to pampering and hair and makeup appointments at The Spa at Intercontinental, and the results for the bride, her mother and her bridesmaids were simply beautiful!

The ceremony, officiated by John Kelly, was held on the oceanfront terrace at 5 in the afternoon, in the presence of 70 of Stacy’s and Ian’s closest friends and family members.

An arch, beautifully decorated by Stems Floral Boutique, with the Pacific Ocean as backdrop, and 725 roses in a symphony of sunset colors lining the aisle provided a truly glorious ceremony setting.

With the Abbott Brothers, a bluegrass band, performing Beatles classics for the processional and recessional, bride, groom and all their guests were immediately transported into a festive and joyful mood.

“Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da…” (with the lyrics ever so slightly modified to “Ian and Stacy”) and for the guests to sing along – I’ve never seen a couple happier than these two, dancing down the aisle!

And that was just the beginning… while Stacy and Ian went off for their requisite photo session, guests were enjoying …

cocktail hour in the ballroom…

… lovingly decorated in the couple’s maritime wedding theme: corals, starfish and sand dollars!

And the icing on the cake: a quirky, one-of-a-kind “sardine tin” photo booth!

For the newlyweds, it was still “photo time!” And look, what incredible photos they got from their photographer, Randy Tunnell…

And then it was already time for dinner under the stars – out on the patio with a view of the sunset over the Ocean.

The couple, breaking with tradition, enjoyed their First Dance right then and there!

The couple presided over dinner at their rose-bedecked sweetheart table:

Guest tables were decorated with beautiful antique lanterns from the bride’s extensive collection and with nautical rope, sand dollars and corals. Guests were guided to their tables not by conventional escort cards, but – true to the wedding theme – by sand dollars with their names and table numbers tied on:

Every table setting was topped by a favor: a pretty burlap pouch, decorated with – what else? a mini sand dollar! …and containing chocolate bars to satisfy any sweet cravings until cake-cutting time.

When night fell, the ambiance turned romantic…

Following dinner, everyone congregated in the ballroom for dancing to the tunes of DJ Darion of DNA Entertainment, beginning with the traditional Father-Daughter dance. One of the bride’s earliest and dearest memories is her Dad teaching her to dance when she was perhaps five years old, with her feet resting on his to learn the steps – to the sound of “New York, New York.” Needless to say that this was the song chosen for this special dance, and it became a truly magical moment!

Then there was more dancing, and a cake to cut – a little masterpiece by Freedom Bakery, decorated with rope motifs, seashells and sand dollars – so beautiful and so delicious!

Stacy’s and Ian’s first official task as husband and wife: cutting the cake and feeding each other! Guests loved it… and photographer Randy Tunnell recorded every precious moment throughout the day.

It was a beautiful, elegant, joyful, romantic wedding- and I was reminded one more time why I love my job so much!

Thanks, Stacy and Ian, for letting me be a part of your Great Day, and a long and happy life together!

High Style + Latin Spice = Natasha & Fabian!

Posted on August 11, 2013 by jlammerts

When I first met Natasha, I was not only blown away by her charm and beauty – I was also deeply impressed how organized she is. She had been planning her dream wedding for more than a year, and she had dozens of spreadsheets to show for it! So I felt very honored and happy that she and her fiance, Fabian, decided to entrust the coordination of her Great Day to me.

For their wedding ceremony, the two had chosen Mission Dolores Church, the oldest church in San Francisco…

… and for their celebration with 200 guests – all family members and close friends – they had picked the historic Golden Gate Club on the Presidio of San Francisco, a former military outpost.

Lots of local history and high style! And lots of family ties to celebrate on this special day… Both bride and groom had six attendants, there were four flower girls and one ring bearer, and many “padrinos,” family members who had contributed to this very special day.

The bridesmaids, in hair by Le Burget Salon and makeup by Susy Gonzalez of Piera Beauty Salon, wore elegant pale purple ruched dresses with an asymmetrical neckline, and the bride was radiant in a crystal-encrusted lace mermaid gown:

Before heading to Church, Natasha and Fabian posed with their cute doggie while Photographer Lyndsay Undseth and Shtiv Valencia of ReViewlutionary Visions recorded every moment.

Here they are, the new “Mr. and Mrs,” back from Church in high style in a snow white vintage Rolls Royce from NSL Limousine …

… and ready for a huge party!

Their guests, having signed a beautiful personalized guest book with the couple’s engagement photos…

… were already awaiting them over cocktails (by Barbary Coast Catering) with cheese and fruit (by Ulisess Catering).

While Natasha and Fabian were mingling with their guests at cocktail hour, an elegant dinner reception had been prepared, starting with rental furniture from Lush Party Rentals and escort cards in a bed of rose petals…

… and luxurious flower and candelabra centerpieces by Amy Burke Design:

Guests found picture frames on their place settings – to be filled with snapshots from Kyle Mills-Bunje’s photo booth (which proved to be a true guest magnet throughout the evening!).

As a nod to their shared cultural heritage, bride and groom had designed table symbols in lieu of table numbers – all inspired by game cards for the beloved “Lotteria” board game, and paired these with escort cards cleverly displaying the table symbol in back. After guests had found their seats...

… the newlyweds followed them into the dining room – with a spectacular flourish: a Grand Entrance of sorts! Parents, padrinos, bridesmaids and groomsmen in couples all entered, each dancing to their own specially chosen songs – and finally, Natasha and Fabian with a whole Mariachi band in tow! What a start to a spectacular evening!

Tito Arias from Ulisess Catering and his crew kept feeding the crowd while family members and friends shared memories and hilarious stories about the young husband and wife, and cheers and laughter often drowned out DJ Hugo Gomez‘ carefully chosen dinner music! And then it was time for the newlyweds to share their First Dance:

The dance floor and walls were illuminated in glowing gobos by Just De’Lights, magically transforming the space. Latin dance music brought everybody to their feet…

… and guests only took a break from dancing to enjoy Chef Bala’s (aka the Cakemaker‘s) delicious wedding cake.

More high points of the evening were still to come: the bouquet toss…

… garter toss…

… and the traditional Money Dance!

After the dance, a beaming Natasha and Fabian – both covered in Dollar notes big and small – retrieved their “Honeyfund” and handfuls of pins from their wedding gown and tuxedo…

Most guests stayed right to the end of the festivities, and they would have gone on and on all night! Everyone agreed it was a great party, and I was reminded once more…

… why I love my job so much!

Thank you, Natasha and Fabian, for allowing me to be a part of your Great Day – and again, congratulations, and many happy years together!

Country Club Elegance and French-International Flair: Valerie & Andrew!

Posted on August 7, 2013 by jlammerts

Valerie and Andrew are true citizens of the world – they met in New York City, and then they lived in many different places all over the world: Paris, Denver, Vancouver and Toronto only a few of them. And since they are the most kind and charming young couple you can imagine, they made a lot of friends wherever they were living. When it came time to get married, I had the pleasure and the honor of being their wedding coordinator.They chose a beautiful country club in one of the most beautiful landscapes you can imagine to celebrate their love with their extended families and with all those friends, many of whom had come from Canada, the East Coast, even Europe.

And where is that magical spot where the two ultimately said their vows?

Inland of Monterey – the Pasadera Country Club, an exclusive golf club whose Clubhouse is actually a Spanish-Mediterranean estate dating centuries back. Impressive architecture, original wood beams, frescoes, antique furniture and cobblestone courtyards surrounded by mature trees and the lush, rolling landscape of the Monterey Peninsula combine to transport you to another place and another time.

The wedding celebration began with the ceremony under the iconic Big Oak Tree behind the mansion…

The bride, resplendent in a one-shoulder trumpet dress

with cathedral train and veil, and in hair and makeup by Jonathan Reisfeld, walked in on her mother’s arm,

preceded by the couple’s two doggies, Pastis and Milo. Valerie and Andrew were officially married by a longtime friend of theirs, under a gauzy “chuppah” of organza draped across the branches of the oak tree.

They came dancing down the aisle as “Mr.” and “Mrs.” and were immediately whisked away for photos, photos, photos – by another longtime friend and artistic photographer, Prof. Matthias Geiger.

Their guests meanwhile enjoyed cocktails in the romantic courtyard with a whispering fountain in the middle… and white camellias gently floating in the water. It doesn’t get much more romantic than this!

With the evening chill rolling in, guests gathered inside the artfully furnished mansion…

and nibbled on hundreds of delicious handmade sweets – dozens of trays filling a whole table, a labor of love of the Mother of the Bride, until it was time for dinner and dancing!

In accordance with Valerie’s elegant color scheme of eggplant hues and silver, the dining tables were adorned with tall arrangements of gladiolus, curly willow, and hydrangeas, all artfully created by her closest family members. Talk about everyone contributing!

Dancing began right away with the Hora Dance to the rousing melody of “Hava Naguila”- with the newlyweds being hoisted high up in the air on chairs while the wedding guests were dancing around them, picking up speed (and joy) by the minute!

And dancing continued throughout the evening – expertly paced by DJ Kevin O’Scanlon from Sound in Motion.

The only little break the new husband and wife took from visiting tables and from dancing was – cutting the cake! The cake – an exquisite confection by the local Parker-Lusseau bakery, airy, moist, and intensely flavored – a true revelation!