Planning a Green and Sustainable Wedding

Posted on August 21, 2025 by jlammerts

Weddings are joyous celebrations, but they can also generate significant waste and carbon emissions. Fortunately, couples today are embracing eco-friendly choices that reduce environmental impact while keeping the day just as magical. A sustainable wedding is not about compromise—it’s about creativity and conscious decision-making.

Eco-Friendly Venues
Choosing a venue that prioritizes sustainability is a powerful first step. Outdoor settings like gardens, vineyards, or family properties minimize the need for excess décor. Many venues now integrate renewable energy, water conservation systems, and waste reduction programs—making it easier for couples to celebrate responsibly. But even forbidding disposable serveware and plastic-bottled water in favor of real china and real glassware ONLY (like, for example, several high-end venues in the SF Bay Area do), is actually a great step towards less waste.

Sustainable Décor and Florals
Instead of single-use décor, couples are opting for rentals, repurposed items, or natural elements. Locally grown flowers reduce carbon footprints while supporting nearby farmers. For an eco-chic touch, consider potted plants that can be gifted and that will live long after the wedding – something I frequently recommend. Potted orchids in particular are a hit with my couples! Here are a few examples from previous weddings:

OR you could use your dessert in lieu of a floral centerpiece! We’ve done it last year – have a look:

Conscious Catering
Food is often the largest contributor to waste. Sustainable catering emphasizes seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and plant-forward menus. Farm-to-table food is fresh and delicious – the way to go! Especially for Cocktail Hour appetizers and dessert bars (see below an example from one of my weddings), it is so easy to do that. Donating leftovers to local shelters ensures that nothing goes to waste while extending the joy of your celebration to the community – this is something we do on a regular basis.

Attire and Accessories
From renting gowns to choosing ethically produced fabrics, fashion choices can also go green. Brides and grooms increasingly select attire they can wear again, or they repurpose vintage pieces—giving garments a second life. These two of my brides had a wedding dress re-tailored: Ali right below wore her grandmother’s dress, and Nicole had her mother’s wedding dress cut short and taken in – and it fit her like a glove!

Invitations, Escort Cards and Favors
Digital invitations and RSVP platforms dramatically cut down on paper waste. For those who love tangible keepsakes, recycled paper or seed-embedded stationery is both stylish and eco-friendly. As for favors, you could gift experiences, offer edible treats (macarons or chocolates!), tree seedlings or seed packets (which could actually do double-duty as escort “cards!”) or donations to environmental causes instead of disposable trinkets. The photo below is from the wedding of a dog-loving couple – they made a donation to an animal charity on behalf of their guests.

By weaving sustainability into each detail, you can create a wedding that not only celebrates your love but also honors the planet—leaving behind cherished memories, not excess waste. We at A Day Like No Other have been doing this from the outset (some of the photos in this article are 13 years old!), and so we have gained extensive experience with environmentally friendly practices. Plan your wedding with us! We’ve got the ideas, the experience AND the expertise!

Wedding flowers for Fall

Posted on August 15, 2025 by jlammerts

Asters and “Mums”

Not the “core” choice of wedding flowers, for sure – but these flowers have a LOT going for them. They are first and foremost Fall flowers, and I would recommend using them in season as that is when they are the freshest, you have the largest selection and the lowest price for them.

Both asters and chrysanthemum varietals (“mums” for short) are great team players in wedding arrangements and bouquets, going well with roses, calla lilies and even with orchids, as a textural contrast. Their colors run the gamut from light yellow and peach, pink, coral red to wine red and from lavender hues to darkest purple.

Let me show you what we have!

Spider Chrysanthemum

Exotic, thread-like sculptural petals creating a dramatic, airy and elegant bloom —great for dramatic bouquets or as standout florals for a “fireworks” effect.

Decorative chrysanthemum

Full, rounded blooms (pom-poms) that add fullness and texture or intricate blooms (quill variey) ideal for detailed floral arrangements.

New England Aster

Tall, late-season asters in shades of purple—perfect for garden bouquets

Michaelmas Daisy (an aster varietal)

Compact asters with delicate lavender petals with golden centers, ideal for elegant accents, symbolizing late-season charm.

These images showcase the richness and variety you can work with in floral design—ranging from sculptural impact to textural softness. Use them individually or layered together in a mood board to convey bloom diversity, textures, and color palette.

And here are examples of these beautiful flowers used in bridal bouquets and wedding arrangements:

I hope you are inspired now! Go create!!

Honeymoon destinations: Fiji

Posted on July 15, 2025 by jlammerts

A Tropical Paradise of Culture, Nature, and Romance

Nestled in the heart of the South Pacific, Fiji is an archipelago of more than 300 islands, each surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs.

Located approximately 2,000 km northeast of New Zealand, its two main islands—Viti Levu and Vanua Levu—are home to most of Fiji’s nearly 920,000 residents. The islands’ geography ranges from lush rainforests and volcanic mountains to white-sand beaches and secluded lagoons, creating a breathtaking natural canvas.

Fiji enjoys a tropical marine climate, with warm temperatures year-round averaging 77–86°F (25–30°C). The dry season from May to October is especially popular with tourists, while the wetter months bring lush vegetation and dramatic tropical showers. The islands boast rich biodiversity, from exotic birds and fruit bats to flowering hibiscus, towering coconut palms, and vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life.

Fijian culture is a warm blend of indigenous Melanesian traditions and strong Indian influences, rooted in community, hospitality, and connection to nature. Visitors can experience traditional village life, enjoy a kava ceremony, or watch firewalking and meke dance performances. English is widely spoken, though Fijian and Hindi are also national languages. Christianity is the dominant religion, alongside Hinduism and Islam, creating a rich tapestry of festivals and traditions.

For travelers—and especially honeymooners—Fiji offers an unmatched blend of luxury and authenticity. Whether you’re sipping cocktails in an overwater bungalow, diving with manta rays in the Yasawas, snorkeling in the pristine coral reefs…

… or enjoying a private beach picnic on a deserted sand cay …

Fiji invites romance at every turn. Resorts often incorporate Fijian design and local produce, enhancing the cultural immersion without compromising comfort. Locals are generally very friendly and welcoming (though business-minded…), the beaches offer powdery white sand and crystal-clear water, and the technicolor sunsets create an unforgettable backdrop for beginning a new chapter in life.

In every sense, Fiji is not just a destination—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience of serenity, wonder, and romance in the tropics.

Wedding flowers – roses

Posted on July 10, 2025 by jlammerts

Probably the most iconic of wedding flowers, already a cliche… roses are symbolic of love, passion and beauty. So much so that many of my brides reject them right away as their wedding flowers: “overdone, expected, old-fashioned, boring” etc. etc.

What they overlook are all the advantages that roses offer: a riot of colors, a variety of shapes – from the classic sculpted single-bloom rose to the lush, full English Garden roses (big as peonies and round like ranunculus) to spray roses, carrying many small blooms on each stem.

Let me go into the advantages of roses:

Available year-round, sturdy and robust (i.e. long-lasting), reasonably priced (yes, that exists!) and then, of course, variety of shapes and a rainbow of colors from white/ivory to yellow, powder pink, shocking pick, magenta, red to purple and near-black. Only disadvantage (and that is more for your florist) – thorns need to be removed before handling, but that would be all!

Here are some more examples of this gorgeous flower, solo and combined in bouquets.

One more thing: I absolutely predict a big come-back for the famous Baccara rose: long-stemmed, velvety dark red – nearly black. It’s dramatic and elegant, and I’ve even designed bridal flowers around this idea – each bridesmaid carrying just one of these statement roses, and the bride a whole bouquet. Have a look:

(And aside from the visual drama – there you have a bridesmaids’ “bouquet” at $10. Unbeatable, right?!)

Contact me at jutta@daylikenoother.com for your free consultation.

Now booking for 2026!

A Day Like No Other – wedding coordination and design

“When only the best will do…”

Honeymoon Destinations: Tahiti and her Islands

Posted on June 29, 2025 by jlammerts

The ultimate honeymoon dream, to me, are the Polynesian islands – Tahiti, Moorea (just a stone’s throw away out in the lagoon), Bora Bora with its dramatic volcanic peak, Mt. Otemanu (and then the “outer islands” that are less touristy and harder to reach). Their natural beauty is simply breathtaking – the backdrop for romance and an opportunity to experience the culture and cuisine of the islands. They form an archipelago in the South Pacific Sea, scattered across more than 4000 square miles, 8 hours flight time from Los Angeles.

What makes Polynesia so special for couples is its stunning landscape: emerald-green peaks, powdery white-sand beaches, and turquoise lagoons that seem almost unreal. Overwater bungalows in places like Bora Bora and Moorea offer ultimate privacy and luxury, with direct access to the sea, private decks, and breathtaking sunsets.

Beyond the beauty, Polynesian islands provide rich cultural experiences. You can witness traditional dance performances, enjoy beachside luaus, and learn about island heritage through music, tattoos, and storytelling.

Not to forget – on Bora Bora, you should visit the Musee Gauguin. As you may know, Paul Gauguin, a 19th century French banker, was one of the first Europeans to “escape” to the islands, leaving behind his family and his career to paint the life and culture of Tahiti and Moorea, and many of his world-famous paintings (at least copies thereof) are on permanent exhibit at this intimate museum.

Despite the fact that tourism has become the foundation of the local economy and that tourists are largely considered a necessary evil, most locals are friendly and retain a deep sense of hospitality, rooted in their culture, which adds warmth to every encounter.

Moorea is a little more sleepy and laid-back than the main island, Tahiti;

… while Bora Bora has become the center of luxury tourism. But still, it’s main “town” – Vaitape village – feels like time has stood still…

Adventure and relaxation go hand-in-hand everywhere in Polynesia. Snorkeling with rays and reef sharks, hiking volcanic trails, or sailing across a calm lagoon are just a few of the activities to share together. For quieter moments, you can enjoy a beach picnic, a couples’ spa treatment, or simply watch the stars from your private deck.

The islands also offer world-class cuisine featuring fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and French and Polynesian fusion. Oftentimes these foods are enjoyed as part of a luau with a Polynesian Dance performance…

Or you could enjoy a romantic dinner by torchlight, with your feet in the sand and the sound of waves in the background – the epitome of island romance.

Whether you’re exploring lush jungle paths or enjoying breakfast delivered by canoe to your overwater villa, the Polynesian islands create unforgettable memories. They offer a rare combination of tranquility, elegance, and authenticity—ideal for couples beginning their journey together; a true honeymoon paradise for memories of a lifetime.

Honeymoon destinations: Munich and the south of Germany

Posted on June 23, 2025 by jlammerts

Munich – that’s “Oktoberfest,” right? Was that your first association?

Well… yes. Parades and beer tents and the general atmosphere of a time-honored country fair. That’s what you get when you travel to Munich in the Fall – between September 20 and October 5 this year, to be exact. BUT there is so much more to Munich… let me show you.

Beautiful baroque architecture…

The Marienplatz and Liebfrauenkirche…

… parks and beer gardens…

… and lots of things to see in the vicinity. You could go on a day trip to King Ludwig’s castle Neuschwanstein (inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella castle)…

… a folly that actually cost the king his life – he was found drowned in a nearby lake, most likely a political assassination motivated by his enormous spending spree on fairytale castles.

You could go on a day trip to see the Alps and the picturesque little town of Mittenwald …

… or, even better, stay there for a while for mountain hiking. Also less than 200 miles away is Lake Constance with its fully restored Bronze Age village…

… absolutely worth the detour.

For your stay in Munich, I recommend as your homebase the hotel Bayerischer Hof – traditional, elegant, centrally located (with the most famous dirndl shop right next door!) and the additional benefit that the Oktoberfest parades go right past its front entrance.

Once you are in Germany, what about traveling a bit further north for a Rhine river cruise past countless medieval castles…

… and a visit to the medieval city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber – also home to one of the most famous “Christkindlmaerkte” (Christmas markets) in all of Germany?

I am sure you’ll love it. Again – send photos!

Ferrari racing – an inspiration for (my) wedding planning and design

Posted on June 20, 2025 by jlammerts

So…. why am I so fascinated by Ferrari, its race cars, and its Formula 1 team?

Easy. Their relentless pursuit of performance and excellence and their uncompromising dedication to stunning design are exactly matching my own values. They are pursuing the same goals, albeit in on a much larger scale, of course.

My admiration includes the Ferrari F1 team, Charles Leclerc and, as of this season, Lewis Hamilton.

Stills from a video published by Ferrari – the two F1 stars trying out the new Ferrari F-80. If anything, these two drivers never give up, never compromise and always deliver their very best – exactly what I am striving to do in my own job.

Let me pursue excellence and beautiful design for YOUR wedding to make it A Day Like No Other!

Honeymoon destinations: Venice

Posted on June 12, 2025 by jlammerts

Venice – the stuff of dreams and legend… famously built on a series of wooden poles (pilings) driven deep into the soft, muddy floor of a lagoon in the Adriatic See, dotted with 118 small islands —a remarkable feat of medieval engineering.

The city was founded in the 5th century by refugees fleeing barbarian invasions. To build stable foundations in the marshy Venetian lagoon, early settlers drove millions of wooden poles, often made from water-resistant wood like alder, larch, or oak, through the mud and into the compact clay beneath. These poles supported wooden platforms, which were then topped with stone foundations and buildings.

Surprisingly, the wood didn’t rot. Submerged in oxygen-poor, silt-filled water, the wood petrified over time, becoming incredibly durable. This unique technique allowed entire structures—from homes to cathedrals—to stand atop shifting, waterlogged terrain.

Most of the city’s iconic buildings—including St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace …

… still rest on these ancient pilings. The result is a floating city of stone and marble, literally rooted in wood – and ingenuity.

Its architecture reflects this rich history—most famously in St. Mark’s Basilica, with its Byzantine domes and glittering mosaics, and the Gothic Doge’s Palace, a symbol of Venice’s political and artistic grandeur. Strolling through Piazza San Marco …

… visitors are surrounded by elegant facades, soaring bell towers, and intricate stonework that blend Eastern and Western influences.

Most of Venice’s iconic buildings—including St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace—still rest on these ancient pilings. The result is a floating city of stone and marble, rooted in wood and ingenuity.

It also means, that in Venice city blocks and neighborhoods are connected by canals, not streets.

Venice emerged as a major trade power during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, thanks to its strategic location at the crossroads of East and West. Situated on the Adriatic Sea, the city became a thriving maritime republic, dominating commerce between Europe and the Byzantine and Islamic worlds. Venetian merchants traded in spices, silk, precious metals, and glass, building vast wealth and influence. The city developed powerful fleets and established trading posts across the Mediterranean and Black Seas, securing exclusive contracts and privileges.

One of Venice’s most famous figures, Marco Polo, symbolized the city’s global reach.

In the late 13th century, he traveled the Silk Road to China and served at the court of Kublai Khan. His detailed accounts introduced Europeans to the wonders of the East and inspired generations of explorers.

Through innovation, diplomacy, and naval strength, Venice became a commercial empire—its legacy still reflected in its opulent palaces, art, and cosmopolitan spirit.

Venice is also a city of art – from the Venetian Renaissance masters like Titian and Tintoretto to the avant-garde Venice Biennale. Not to forget – glass art, at home on the island of Murano (where glass mirrors were invented) …

… and the lace handicraft on the island of Burano.

You need to visit them all! And then there is the famous Venice Carnival, one of the world’s most iconic and enchanting festivals, celebrated each year in the lead-up to Lent. Steeped in history, the event dates back to the 12th century and flourished during the Renaissance, offering Venetians a period of indulgence and anonymity behind elaborate masks. Infamously, it was the time of the most murders in Venice, throughout the year…

Today, the Carnival transforms Venice into a magical stage of elegance, mystery, and theatricality. Locals and visitors alike dress in lavish 18th-century costumes, adorned with handcrafted masks ranging from simple eye covers to ornate full-face designs. The city’s piazzas, canals, and palaces host a dazzling array of events—from masquerade balls and street performances to gondola parades and costume contests.

And if you go, the Hotel Cipriani is my personal recommendation for your luxurious home base for all your excursions. Want to see it before you go? Watch The Tourist with Jennifer Lopez and Johnny Depp (which was filmed there) and be vowed! Or see our own couple Philipp and Michelle right there…

Enjoy and send photos!

Honeymoon destination: the Maldive Islands

Posted on June 10, 2025 by jlammerts

The Maldive Islands are a world-renowned tourist destination, celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, luxurious resorts, and vibrant marine life. Located in the Indian Ocean, this island nation comprises over 1,000 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls, offering pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and spectacular sunsets.

It all started in the 1980s as an unspoiled location for hardcore SCUBA divers – the colorful reefs on the Maldives were untouched and unmatched in their natural beauty. There was no “tourism” to speak of… very few of the tiny islands – most of them easily walked around in 20 minutes! – had any accommodations, and the ones there were consisted of primitive coral rock huts. (I happen to know because I was one of these first dive enthusiasts…). Fast-forward twenty years, and luxury hotel chains discovered this island paradise, from Hilton to Four Seasons to St. Regis… pools and tennis courts were built, and these days you’ll find luxury amenities, food and entertainment.

A favorite for honeymooners, SCUBA divers, and luxury travelers, the Maldives combine tropical serenity with exceptional hospitality. Visitors these days stay in iconic overwater bungalows …

enjoy world-class snorkeling and diving among coral reefs teeming with marine life …

… any type of watersports…

… or relax with spa treatments and private beachfront dining.

Whether you’re seeking romantic seclusion, underwater adventures, or a high-end wellness retreat for your honeymoon, the Maldives offer a unique blend of tranquility and indulgence, making it an absolute tropical dream destination.

Honeymoon destination: the Dolomiti

Posted on June 8, 2025 by jlammerts

Do you love the mountains – and good food? Then this is the perfect honeymoon for you. Growing up in Europe in a mountain-hiking family, the Dolomiti were a natural vacation destination, so I’ve seen a lot of them! The most dramatic, rugged mountains, juxtaposed with gently rolling foothills dotted with vineyards and apple orchards and with picturesque little towns and villages where Time has stood still and where the best food you’ve ever tasted is served alongside local wines.

You will likely make the historic city of Merano your base camp for your mountainhiking expeditions – and there is some history to take in! As the capital of a region that over the course of the last millenium has been handed back and forth between Germany, Austria and Italy (South Tyrol or Alto Adige), it has become bilingual (Italian and German) and absorbed the best of both cultures, both north and south of the Alps. It has seen even Hannibal and his army marching through in 218 BC, complete with 40 elephants!

Go visit the “Erzbischoefliche Burg,” the castle originally built for the local archbishop…

… and simply explore the city and the myriad trattorias…

Another “must” is an excursion to Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm), a highland area of expansive wildflower meadows, age-old villages and a cute little tram connecting them all – and of course, cable cars take you up to the surrounding mountaintops, unless you are ambitious enough to climb them!

I am sure you are enchanted now… happy travels!