Wedding Postponement – not the End of the World…

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So you got engaged, and you’ve jumped headfirst into planning your Great Day. You were full of joy and anticipation, and maybe you were overwhelmed at first by the sheer amount of “moving parts” that go into the probably biggest party you’ve ever planned in your life. Your Spring 2020 wedding date is drawing close – and suddenly EVERYTHING comes crashing down. COVID-19 has hit many, many couples. Hard. As a wedding planner, I am in the middle of all this heartbreak, disappointment and frustration, trying to help my couples as much as I can.

And now I’m trying to help everyone else out there as well by sharing my professional expertise and advice. I can’t make the situation go away – but maybe I can ease it a little bit for you…

Let me start by saying that I’ve had a couple of wedding re-schedulings over the years, mostly due to illnesses in the family. These situations did not leave my couples any choice, either, so they had to cope as best they could. I would like to share the story of Kate … with its double complication. Her wedding date had been set and her venue booked, in Carmel Valley. Everything seemed to be “on track.” Then, at her Bachelorette Party (!), Kate had a near-fatal accident. Her doctors prepared her parents for the worst. A miracle happened: not only did Kate survive, contrary to all expectations she made a nearly full recovery. Of course, nothing else counted at that time! When Kate was well enough to think of her wedding again – wildfires were engulfing Carmel Valley. Following through with her original wedding plans or even with her original venue was out of the question. At that point, her mother booked my company, A Day Like No Other, to help with rescheduling and actually, starting over again. A few months later than planned, Kate had a dream wedding at a dream venue (the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Half Moon Bay), and she was able to be on the dance floor with her new husband and join back into “normal life” which had become – the most unexpected and most precious gift of all to her.

The downside? One deposit of several thousand dollars was lost. That, in the end, was the only real damage. Needless to say, Kate, her husband and her parents are simply thankful.

Let’s take our cue from that. Please, let’s simply be thankful to be safe and healthy. We can make everything else work!

Here are a few ideas, developed in discussions with those of my couples who had to reschedule… maybe one of them might be a good idea for you as well?

If you have a valid marriage license (chances are: you do!), then you can get married at your home or a friend’s home in a small, intimate ceremony; something like an elopement – you two, your officiant plus parents and siblings only. The “big party” could then be rescheduled to a later date when everything’s back to normal.

If you want to go that route – contact me ([email protected]); I am happy to help you organize that, together with my extensive network of trusted vendors in the SF Bay Area. Here is how: I’ll find you an officiant; many of the top-notch catering companies that you might have booked for your wedding now deliver their delicious food to private homes. There’s your wedding menu! I can get you a photographer to capture the moment (wearing a face mask, if you wish!), a florist who makes you a beautiful bouquet from whatever is available right now, and leaves it on your doorstep – no direct contact necessary, and we can even get you a small wedding cake. Have a glass of champagne and savor the moment… Whether this has ever been done, you want to know? Oh yes, by choice, actually… look at this couple, and how beautiful their wedding day was. The smallest wedding I’ve ever done!

Rescheduling the big party – maybe to the Fall of this year – might even have its advantages. One of my couples had originally planned for an outdoor wedding in early April at a beautiful venue – with notoriously fickle weather due to its exposed location. We were already discussing tenting (a costly proposition), heat lamps, bad weather plans… when the couple was forced to postpone their wedding date due to the shelter-at-home ordinance, the venue offered them a Saturday in early September at no extra cost – with the most glorious, stable weather conditions imaginable. Guess what? My couple is actually happy, relieved and full of new anticipation!

So far, all the venues and vendor in my network have been extremely flexible and accommodating, so do not hesitate to ask YOUR venue and vendors! Most couples will want to keep their venue, so that’s where you ask first. Then you try to line up your vendors and find solutions with those who are unavailable on your new date. Even if your contract stipulates non-refundability of your deposit, your vendor might make an exception or agree to “share the damage” with you. Again, we are happy to help with all of that – contact us at [email protected]. Your initial consultation is actually free!

Hard as it may be at this point – let’s try to see the proverbial silver lining and make your wedding unique, personal and unforgettable, no matter what!

D and J: an Elegant Affair at Flood Mansion

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D. and J. are a young power couple, accomplished and hardworking – one a wealth advisor, one an attorney, and they value their privacy (hence – initials only!). When they decided to start the New Year by tying the knot after four years of courtship, they chose one of the iconic San Francisco grand mansions for their venue – the historic James Leary Flood Mansion with an unrivaled view over the San Francisco Bay, marble columns inside and out – in one word, true grandeur. They chose a catering company befitting this elegant setting (Melons Catering) and they chose their photographer (Anna Hogan Photography), but then their long hours at work took over, day after day. Suddenly, their wedding date was just a few weeks away, with the Christmas holidays in between… and they realized that it was time to accept a little help.

At the recommendation of Sheldon Sloan of Melons Catering, my company, A Day Like No Other, had the honor of completing the planning of this unique event. When we could get started “for real,” we had only two weeks left. Time to hurry! Not only that – the forecast of inclement weather forced us to move the whole party inside at the last moment. But given the classic architecture of Flood Mansion, this only made the event even more glamorous!

And it certainly did not dampen the spirit of the bride and her bridesmaids. Everyone got ready in style at the prestigious Fairmont Hotel SF…

The bride wore an ethereal dress…

… to accompany the spectacular rings.

All the ladies looking stunning in hair and makeup by A Toast to Beauty (Savanna Allen) and with their bouquets by Poppy Cart Flowers, they were ready for the party to begin.

It did begin – with the couple’s First Look in the courtyard. While groom J. was waiting, bride D. stepped out and gently tapped him on the shoulder from behind.

What an emotional moment… leading immediately to the best photo of the day! Let’s call it “the official wedding photo…” (but we can’t show…sorry!)

Then the two took many more photos with bridal party and family, and both Anna Hogan Photographers and videographer Martin Meyer of martinFILMS captured those precious memories.

Meanwhile, many teams were working frantically behind the scenes, not only my assistant Nimy and I. The crew of Melons Catering were setting up the kitchen, the bar, tables and chairs.

Isn’t that regal? The bride had chosen rich jewel tones accompanied by metallic gold accents. What a sight!

Florist Jacqueline Devins was busy decorating the chapel, dinner tables, cocktail tables, sconces, railings; Megan Woods of Enhanced Lighting worked her magic to bathe the walls in soft shades of peach and to project a custom gobo on the dance floor; a string duo under the leadership of Rocio Lopez Sanchez (SF Conservatory of Music) arrived, DJ Sami Funk of Heart of Gold DJs prepared musical entertainment, and Night Owl Photo Booth set up a booth for even more fun.

Then the great moment had arrived. Here comes the radiant bride, accompanied by her parents:

The ceremony was officiated by a personal friend of the couple, and soon enough, the groom broke a glass (in Jewish tradition), the couple was pronounced husband and wife, and Jeff received official permission to kiss his bride!

Guests were asked to a group photo outside, then enjoyed Cocktail Hour in the Reception Room, while dusk fell outside and the view turned really magical. Following the bride’s family’s Persian tradition, we had set up a sofreh-aghd (wedding spread) showcasing many symbols of the sweetness of married life.

Then everyone was invited to dinner in the Great Hall – surrounded by classic architecture, marble columns and floors, illuminated by candlelight – a truly splendid sight.

Each place setting was topped with a little rosemary sprig, and a “program” card welcomed guests to the remaining festivities of the evening.

At the beginning of the festive dinner, the newlyweds honored the Persian tradition of feeding each other a little honey from the sofreh, and then delicious dishes began to appear… Champagne toasts, speeches, table visits – time passed by so quickly! Next highlight: the couple’s First Dance as husband and wife on their personalized Dance Floor: and that set the dance party off! Guests only took a short break for just another special moment: the traditional cutting of the wedding cake (by Susie Cakes).

The newlyweds accomplished this “traditional first task as a married couple” with bravura, and all guests got to enjoy all the various flavors (each layer was different!) with coffee and tea. But that was not all…

The couple had arranged bus transportation (by United Coach Tours) for their guests to an afterparty. Everyone agreed – this was EPIC! Keep celebrating, D. and J., and a lifetime of happiness to you!

Hannah and Matt: A Glorious Fall Wedding on the Coast

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Here is my last wedding of the 2019 season, and a beautiful one at that! Hannah and Matt decided to tie the knot pretty much on the day of their two-year anniversary. Matt had nearly sworn off relationships completely, and Hannah had simply taken her time – but when the two met, the attraction was instantaneous. Very soon, the two became loving parents to rescue dog Kiki, a 10-lb furry white ball of love. One thing led to another – and ultimately everything led them to getting married!

Many months of planning with my company, A Day Like No Other, did pay off last Saturday at Mavericks House in Half Moon Bay, beautiful, nautical-inspired event space right on the water.

Hannah got ready next door, at the Inn at Mavericks, with gorgeous views over the Half Moon Bay harbor. Hair and makeup stylist Hanh Cao worked her magic on a bride who otherwise rarely wears makeup – and the results were downright stunning!

Hannah admitted that every time throughout the day when she looked at herself in the mirror – she smiled. That says it all!

Her bridesmaids dressed in beautifully coordinated seaglass colors…

… then they all, including the bride’s sister/Maid of Honor, helped Hannah into her wedding dress…

… elegant, timeless and unfrilly as Hannah prefers it, with a lace top and a soft and feminine tulle skirt – so pretty!

A true “sister-to-sister” moment!

Then there were Hannah’s princess slippers with a LOT of “bling…”

… and her stunning bridal bouquet (from Green Petal Designs – who created floral decor throughout) in Fall colors.

Hannah had requested a loose, effortless, feminine style, and florist Janelle Jacky-Litt “delivered” with an unexpected combination of rust-colored orchids and roses, astilbe, grasses and even air plant in the bouquet, all finished with a teal wrap around the stems as a little peek preview to the couple’s favorite color as the star of their decor.

The groom and groomsmen got matching boutonnieres – just as pretty (only a lot smaller…).

Ready for their “First Look” – always a very emotional moment…

The wooden ceremony arch (with its spectacular backdrop of endless views over the Pacific) was decorated in similar style with large sprays of Fall flowers.

The ceremony was officiated by a family member who found the most personal words – half fun, half gravitas – for Hannah and Matt, while their favorite music was played by DJ Ron Israel of Spotlight Occasions.

While the couple was taking many, many photos with photographer Frank J. Lee (wait until you see HIS photos! So far all we have are my cellphone snapshots…), guests flocked to the Cocktail patio and the fire tables and heat lamps as the sun began to disappear and it was getting quite chilly.

The Mavericks team under leadership of Lisa Graye, florist Kelly of Green Petal Designs, and my assistant Melinda and I were busy putting finishing touches on the dining room decor.

The couple had chosen their favorite color, teal, for table cloths, a perfect complement to the colors of the sea outside and the muted blues and greys of the venue; and Fall colors in hues of rust and orange with lots of candlelight for their table decor – a beautiful combination.

Seasonal pumpkins played table card holder…

… and gourds and mini pumpkins “rubbed shoulders” with exquisite roses and rustic leaves, grasses and thistles.

The couple’s delicious all-vegan wedding cake (by Christian Roeder of Krumbs Cakes) played along with textural details… and unexpected flowers!

The couple’s First Dance opened the dance floor…

… and DJ Ron kept the joyful, upbeat vibe going for the late-night revelers.

The newlyweds were headed to their “mini moon” (to be followed by their “real” honeymoon later), and guests were shuttled back to their hotels in style (by Le Grande Affaire Transportation).

What a party! Wishing Hannah and Matt a lifetime of happiness!

Anna and Etan – a Fantasy in Blue and Silver

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Anna and Etan had chosen Thomas Fogarty Winery for their wedding – a spectacular venue with endless views over all of Silicon Valley right to the San Francisco skyline – and brought my company, A Day Like No Other, on board to plan everything else – from vendor sourcing to design, ceremony planning to wedding day schedule. Our many months of planning time literally flew by, and on the first weekend of September, Wedding Day was upon us.

Anna and her bridesmaids got ready at the Garden Court Hotel in Palo Alto where Felicia Chang of Bun Bun Bridal Lab had set up a veritable beauty lounge.

The girls REALLY had fun together… see here!

Then it was time for the bride to transfer to her wedding venue in style – we had reserved a stretch limousine from Le Grande Affaire – and to get into her dress…

… a delicate, diaphanous, lace-encrusted stunner!

Matching the blue-and-silver color scheme, Anna had chosen shimmering silver wedding shoes. Here are the rings….

… and the beautiful bouquets for bride and bridesmaids (by Marie Krick of Laurel & Vine)..

And here is the happy bride…

Groom Etan was also getting ready…

… and he and his groomsmen were outfitted with boutonnieres matching the bridal flowers.

Time was flying by, and guests began arriving (via shuttle by Destination Systems). Harpist Erica Messer began to play traditional wedding ceremony music.

Officiant Chris Thielen (of Personal Weddings by Chris) and groom Etan were awaiting bride Anna as she was escorted in by her proud Dad.

The arch was decorated with ivory roses and baby-blue hydrangeas, and the aisle was covered with ivory rose petals (all floral decor by Marie Krick of Laurel & Vine).

After the ceremony, it was time for many, many photos of the couple and their friends and family members …

… photographer extraordinaire Danny Dong and videographer Martin Meyer (of martinFILMS) captured it all …

… while guests were enjoying cocktails and my team and the team of Toast Catering put finishing touches on the dinner setup (with chairs, linens and elegant tabletop items by Hensley Event Resources, design by A Day Like No Other).

It all turned out exactly as bride Anna had envisioned it – until the weather threw us a curveball: a freak storm forced us to move dinner inside, and the catering team, onsite coordinator Kaitlin Brinton, my assistants Chrissy Wolfman and Stephanie Hui and myself, and even our DJ scrambled to carry everything inside. Incredible but true: it was all done in a mere twenty minutes, and guests could sit down in warmth and comfort to a delicious meal by Toast Catering. The rest of the evening progressed smoothly, including cutting the breathtakingly elegant (and super delicious!) wedding cake (by Cake Coquette).

The remainder of the festivities was dedicated to dancing to the rousing tunes of DJ Woody Miraglia of BIG FUN Disc Jockeys …

… and the newlyweds just snuck out for a moment to take photos with sparklers, despite the howling storm…

A stunning vintage limousine (from Elegant Journey Limousine Service, chauffeured by owner George Rose himself) whisked the newlyweds away for their First Night.

What a celebration!

See it on film: https://www.martinfilms.com/etan-anna

Laura, Adnan, Eliana & Adam – a celebration of their young family

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Laura and Adnan are anything but conventional. First of all, they reversed the “normal” order of things: after welcoming their first child (baby Adam) together in Spring, they planned on getting married in late summer. And then their wedding celebration wouldn’t follow convention either. For them, it was much more about their growing family (Laura has a young daughter, Eliana, from her previous marriage) than only about the two of them. Since “family” to them is synonymous with “home,” their celebration would also take place exactly there: in the beautiful, green, secluded backyard of their home – as opposed to any commercial venue. O, did I forget to mention that guest entertainment would also not follow customary rules?!

Off we got to an exciting, out-of-the-box planning project, and here is what ultimately happened!

The couple decided to have their actual wedding ceremony separately, ten days before their summer party with friends and family, at the iconic SF City Hall. Call that an elopement of sorts! Photographer Sasha Yevelev captured their happiness with the glorious architecture as backdrop.

Just married!!

After their civil wedding, the two went on tour through San Francisco…

… and had strangers snap photos of their newlywed bliss!

Photographer – an unknown passerby
Again – photographer unknown!

An intimate dinner at their favorite Mediterranean restaurant and a “sleep-over” in an elegant hotel rounded out the “couple’s” part of their wedding festivities. Exactly ten days later, it was time for the “family” and “party” part, in the backyard of their home. Again, photographer Sasha Yevelev preserved it all for their family album – here: the official wedding photo!

There was a well-stocked bar (courtesy of Avocado Catering)…

… decorated with hanging glass orbs from florist Marie Krick of Laurel & Vine who provided all other floral arrangements as well.

There was colorful food in a fresh presentation by Avocado Catering…

… and there was a cake.

Cake cutting in this case was clearly a family project!

Guests were mingling in the sunshine…

… and got to witness “mini vows” of the already-newlyweds.

Then there was an ice cream cart by Rocko’s Ice Cream Tacos…

… attracting NOT only the youngsters! (Although, of course, the youngest guests got served first). Once everyone had gotten their ice cream taco, the next surprise was a real magician performance (by Magical Nathaniel).

After that, it was getting dark… time to dance! DJ Henry Kim of BIG FUN Disc Jockeys made sure that everyone was on the dance floor…

… under romantic string lights (by Stuart Event Rentals).

Quite a party! And most definitely a very personal, totally unique way for Laura and Adnan to start their shared life journey together with their kids. Our best wishes on your way! Keep dancing and celebrating…

Macy and Josh’s Great Day: Family & Friends at Fogarty Winery

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When Macy and Josh contacted my company, A Day Like No Other, for help with their wedding planning, one thing was clear from the get-go: with their 70-hour work weeks, they would need help. A lot of help! So I had my work cut out for me. They had chosen a spectacular venue for their nuptials, Thomas Fogarty Winery in Woodside – an elegant setting surrounded by vineyards, high up on a mountain ridge, with endless views of Silicon Valley and on to the San Francisco skyline.

Their top priority for their wedding day was to spend quality time with their families and friends – the one most precious thing in their lives! Their celebration would be simple and elegant, and, above all, relaxed and comfortable for all their guests. No glitz, no frills. The many months we had for planning simply flew by, and Labor Day weekend – wedding weekend! – was suddenly upon us. On a beautiful, warm, sunny Saturday, under blue skies and a slight breeze, all our planning work finally came to fruition; have a look!

For Macy and her bridesmaids, the day began with hair and makeup services by Jira Couture, and then both the ladies and groom Josh and his groomsmen convened at Fogarty Winery. With a little help from her bridesmaids…

… Macy got into her showstopper backless lace dress…

… picked up her summery, feminine bridal bouquet in all purple hues (by Green Petal Designs who provided floral decor throughout)…

… and Josh also dressed up to the nines …

for the bride’s and groom’s First Look and many, many photos by Frank J. Lee.

They are such an attractive couple!

Soon enough, their guests began arriving (by shuttle from Destination Systems), and it was time for the ceremony.

Befitting the location, big wine barrels topped by lush flower arrangements marked the spot where the two were about to say their vows …

… accompanied by the sound of an acoustic guitar version of wedding classics, courtesy of Spanish guitarist Jay Alvarez.

The ceremony was officiated by a family member who had already married a good number of her relatives in years past – a natural choice for Macy and Josh!

Just married – a quiet moment …

After the ceremony, the couple had many more photos to take solo, with their families, and with their bridesmaids and groomsmen…

while their guests enjoyed Cocktail Hour on the open patio ….

Specialty tea containers did double duty as escort “cards” and as wedding favors

… and my team – assistants Stephanie and Melinda and myself – the Toast Catering team and florist Janelle all put the finishing touches on the dining setup in the Winery Pavilion.

For centerpieces, Macy and Josh had opted for elegant potted orchids which guests would take home and enjoy for a long time to come.

After dinner, another surprise was waiting for the guests: Tucker’s Ice Cream was serving delicious flavors from their nostalgic cart, emblazoned with the motto, “Life is Uncertain/Eat Dessert First!” (We couldn’t agree more…)

After that, there was no holding back – from dancing! DJ Woody Miraglia of BIG FUN Disc Jockeys got everyone on the dance floor in no time.

Photographer Frank snuck the newlyweds out for just one spectacular sunset shot – isn’t that a sight to behold?

Photo credit: Frank J. Lee Photography

It certainly was a great party for everyone.

Wishing you a lifetime of happiness, Macy and Josh!

The Ultimate Summer Wedding: L & J at Thomas Fogarty Winery

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First of all, this couple and their families are VERY private – so all we are allowed is a little peek at all the beautiful details of this incredible wedding celebration. My company, A Day Like No Other, had the honor of supporting the Mother of the Bride in creating an epic summer wedding for the couple, and we literally planned and designed over the course of nearly a year. It all paid off on a warm and sunny Sunday in mid-August at Thomas Fogarty Winery in Woodside … have a look!

Photo: Danny Dong Photography
Photo: Danny Dong Photography

The bride and her bridesmaids started the day with hair and makeup services by Sarah Hyde, and the bride’s lush bouquet in vibrant summer colors (by Nancy Liu Chin Designs who created floral decor throughout) …

… and her Cinderella slippers…

Photo: Danny Dong Photography

… complemented her elegant lace wedding dress perfectly.

Photographer extraordinaire Danny Dong captured it all…

After the ceremony, guests were treated to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by Global Gourmet Catering (who also provided dinner and desserts)

– and to dinner in an eye-catching set-up of bare wooden tables, crossback chairs, mixed in with round tables with linens – an evocation of the rustic elegance of Tuscany.

Photo: Danny Dong Photography
Photo: Danny Dong Photography
Photo: Danny Dong Photography

Of course, the Sweetheart Table received extra-special treatment!

… and we also had a cozy, quiet corner to take a little break from the festivities!

After dinner, everyone congregated on the dance floor – DJ Woody Miraglia of BIG FUN Disc Jockeys made sure that entertainment was a great success. In addition to that, bride, groom and all their guests had a blast taking silly pictures at Night Owl Photo Booth. Even such a memorable party has to come to an end… and guests were chauffeured home in comfort by Corinthian Ground Transportation. Everyone agreed – this was the ultimate summer wedding!

Mazel Tov to our wonderful, happy couple!

Wedding Dress Trends 2020

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A guest post by Wendy Dessler

Bridal fashion week has finally happened – and it had something for every bride. Whether you are a bohemian, classic, or glam type of bride, you will find something. Here are the top wedding dress trends for fall season:

Jumpsuits

Bridal jumpsuits are all the rage. When you wear a bridal jumpsuit, you will be ready for the afterparty. You can get yours in almost every style ranging from modern to bohemian. Are you looking for something that is sexier? You can opt for a laced jumpsuit that shows some skin.

A jumpsuit is ideal if you are having a low-key celebration and want to let loose on the dance floor. Moreover, you can wear a bridal jumpsuit if you want to feel comfortable and look chic. You can also finish off this look with stylish accessories and shoes that are unique.


Meghan Markle Mania

The royal wedding has made its impact on the bridal runway. Almost every gown on the runway borrowed from Ms. Meghan’s Givenchy wedding gown. If you want to jump in on the trend, you should opt for off-the-shoulder necklines, crisp fabrics, and clean silhouettes. Almost every bridal designer is paying homage to the dress that Meghan wore.

Royal Reception Dress

Since Meghan Markle’s gown was the biggest runway trend, you could say that the second biggest was her reception dress. In the last few years, we have seen a return of minimalism thanks to nostalgia. The duchess’s reception dress was a slinky slip number with which many brides-to-be fell in love.

To emulate this trend, you need a simple halter dress with a high neck and no frills. If you want the Meghan Markle reception dress, you can find similar ones available on Azazie, for example.

Vivid Jewel-tone Accents

When it comes to choosing the right wedding dress, you can pick pastels, as they are here to stay. This fall season, you can also opt for jewel-tone accents. On the runway, embroidery-embellished vibrant and deep hues were seen on ombre skirts. You can choose a gown with metallic accents to bring out some vibrancy.

Jewel tones such as deep blues, emerald green, and plush plums add a moody yet regal look to any wedding. These colors can stand by themselves but you can pair them with metallics. For a truly stunning look, you should mix and match these great jewel-tone colors.

Black Wedding Dresses

Although white is the traditional color for wedding dresses, it is not your only option. The bolder brides are choosing to wear black as they walk down the aisle. If you plan to abandon tradition and wear black, you can opt for a full dramatic silhouette that catches the eye.

Black is a beautiful choice for a wedding dress because of its decadence and elegance. If you want to make a bold statement on your wedding day, you should opt for a black wedding dress. The best way to wear a black dress is by choosing a black lace gown. Although head-to-toe lace might seem luxurious, you can also wear a bit of lace to project sophistication.

Extreme Highs and Lows

High-low styles have been trending for a while but fall season has taken this trend to the extreme. People are pairing short mini wedding dresses with a dramatically long train that draws the eye. Whether you are wearing a ballerina-inspired tutu or bouffant skirt, this trend will flatter your outfit.

Conclusion

The above fall trends will come in handy for those who are planning weddings. Make sure that you consider your body type – after all, you want your favorite trend to flatter your figure and make you look your very best!

A Stylish Stanford Wedding – Shanna and James

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Shanna and James are true Stanford fans – that’s where they spent their undergraduate studies, that’s where they met, and that’s where they got married, with Stanford colors, of course!

My company, A Day Like No Other, had the honor and the pleasure to organize the festivities.

For bride Shanna, the day started with hair and makeup services by team Skyla Arts…

… and then it was time to get into her big white wedding dress (dress no. 1, that is!)…

… with the help of bridesmaid Yoo-Yoo…

and to pick up her stunning bouquet in the Stanford “Cardinal” colors, courtesy of Floral Designs by Marnie…

… who provided the bridesmaids bouquets and boutonnieres (AND the centerpieces) as well.

One quiet moment before heading over to Stanford Memorial Church… for the wedding ceremony.

Just married!

Photographer Teresa Halton captured every precious moment – just wait until you see HER photos! (For the time being, all we have to offer are our wedding planner snapshots…)

Time to party – on the Stanford Campus, of course! Guests were heading over to Cocktail Hour at the Stanford Faculty Club…

… followed by a delicious buffet dinner inside the completely draped, festively transformed main dining room (draping and lighting by Impact Lighting).

Tables were set in all ivory with – you guessed it! – centerpieces in the couple’s trademark “Stanford Cardinal” red.

After dinner, there was a cake (by Susie’s Cakes) to cut (and an additional one by Satura Cakes to eat).

Both the newlyweds and their guests also lined up at Night Owl Photo Booth for lots of funny snapshots…

… and the real highlight of the evening was the couple’s astounding First Dance – an elaborate dance routine right out of “Dancing with the Stars!” Everyone agreed: these two CAN dance – like professionals!

The bride had changed into dress no. 2 – a lot easier for dancing – and that’s what the remainder of the evening was all about: dance, dance, dance! DJ Stefano of Big Fun Discjockeys got the crowd on the dance floor and kept the momentum going. What a party…

Dance on, Shanna and James… and our best wishes on your way!