Hot News from the Four Seasons SF Wedding Fair!

Posted on January 20, 2013 by jlammerts

I just returned from another glamorous Wedding Fair – at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel in downtown San Francisco. Stepping into the foyer, guests were greeted by Synchronicity Strings, a classical string quartet, performing wedding classics – when I arrived, it was Pachelbel’s Canon in D. My all-time favorite!

Floating on the wings of this beautiful tune, and entering the first exhibit room, I was totally blown away by the floral artistry of my friend Laura Little of Floramor Studios. Laura had again outdone herself… this time, taking her inspiration from Showbiz stars like Britney Spears – just have a look! Her “Britney” table, my total favorite, took a full three days to put together:

… and there was so much more to see – here’s the “Taylor Swift” table:

Just one more:

Laura is just sooo creative! Can’t wait to work with her!

The next wonderful discovery was awaiting right in the next room: Juillard-educated harpist Bertina Mitchell with a wide repertoire ranging from Bach to Debussy, experienced at accompanying wedding ceremonies from prelude to recessional… and what could be more romantic at a wedding than harp music?

Right across from Bertina, Classic Party Rentals went right over the uber-glamorous top with this table arrangement of shimmering cream damask linens, crystal-encrusted chair covers, and golden flatware, gold-rimmed wine glasses, gold-beaded chargers… and, to top it off, one of Classic’s fabulous appliquéd linens playing wedding dress in the background!

From extreme elegance to sweet nostalgia: an ice cream cart, lovingly hand-crafted by John of Sweet Springs Rentals! But then John went far beyond nostalgia and our sweet childhood memories and created decidedly grown-up ice cream flavors to be served from this cute cart – and I can tell you: my favorite, blackberry Cabernet (!!), is to die for! John has even more grown-up delicacies to offer from equally romantic settings: an Espresso Bar, hand-crafted from reclaimed wood; and a Margarita machine and chocolate fountain. Indulge till you drop!!

And on to more discoveries: custom-made arbors!

No more run-of-the-mill standard arbors! Arbors Ever After offers not only a selection of handcrafted steel constructions, lovingly decorated with leaves and flowers, and powder coated for 25 years of durability in the couple’s garden – they will also custom-design one for a couple, starting with just an idea, a vision, a wedding theme – either using steel or natural materials like wood and branches. Now, here’s something really new!

“Custom” is certainly a big trend, in every aspect of a wedding – but never more preciously so than with custom jewelry. Vittoria d’Aste-Surcouf is an accomplished jewelry designer who three years ago followed her passion for “all things wedding” and since then has been focusing her creative energies exclusively on bridal jewelry.

She is working in precious metals, diamond, gemstones and semi-precious stones, and her pieces are truly one-of-a-kind: my favorites are her yellow diamond pieces….

and a pair of delicate chandelier earrings inspired by the intricate floral beading of a bride’s wedding dress:

Aren’t these beautiful beyond words?

More pretty (AND tasty!) things were awaiting at Alaa and Maya Labban’s Choco Vogue display:

The two transform European chocolates into sparkling gems for glamorous wedding favors, re-packaging and decorating them in any design desired – taking into account wedding style and colors… I can’t imagine any more attractive decor for a dinner napkin at a wedding reception.

Last, but certainly not least, there were the haute bridal couture gowns by Jin Wang to admire:

The designer behind one of the Bay Area’s leading bridal salons offers her own designs as well as the best of the best in bridal couture, and she showed all these dream dresses throughout the Bridal Faire:

Those gowns are dreams come true – only problem: which one to choose… that’s why brides change into a different gown from ceremony to reception to dance party! Now I get it…

All in all, what a day of fabulous discoveries!

Live from: Modern Luxury Weddings Bridal Faire, Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

Posted on January 6, 2013 by jlammerts

I just came home from the Ritz in San Francisco where I attended the Modern Luxury Weddings Bridal Faire – and I am still totally speechless, overwhelmed and trying to sort all my impressions! So many fabulous vendors, beautiful displays, endless possibilities… where to start?

Maybe with what comes first when embarking on the trip to the altar: an engagement ring! Derco Jewelers offers your tailor-made solution with a myriad of settings to choose from for another myriad of “rocks” to set in them… and if that’s not enough “one-of-a-kind” for your taste, they’ll even create a one-of-a-kind, entirely-yours design for you!

Here is one example of their work for one of my recent brides, a gorgeous sapphire engagement ring, combined with a diamond wedding band:

And then – what’s next? You need a date, and you need invitations. Hyegraph offers a wide range of calligraphy-style options (it’s machine calligraphy but absolutely looks like “the real thing!”), also in letterpress and heavy-stock varieties – very beautiful and very polished:

And then you need a venue, of course! Let’s start with the gorgeous venue hosting today’s event, one of San Francisco’s most distinguished wedding addresses, the Ritz-Carlton! ([email protected])

Choose their beautiful patio for your outdoor ceremony for up to 250 guests and one of their ballrooms (capacity up to 500 guests!) for your reception. Nothing says “luxury” and “elegance” in the City like the Ritz!

If “exotic” is more your style – and maybe you have a special relationship to the Indian culture, here is your insider tip: Ranjan Dey’s New Delhi Restaurant – Ranyan has been an ambassador for the Indian culture in America for decades, and he is, hands-down, the undisputed specialist for Indian catering and weddings!

But there are, of course, so many more options around San Francisco, first and foremost in the wine-growing regions.

There is Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery and Palm Event Center in Pleasanton, accommodating big weddings in a mediterranean-upscale rustic setting;

there is the Vintage Estate and Villagio in Napa, with guest accommodations and complete catering services, if desired;

Vintage Estate

Villagio

the famed Solage in Calistoga, also with guest studios, catering and a Spa (and it’s surprisingly affordable!);

there is Lake Tahoe Golf Course ([email protected]) in South Lake Tahoe (offering complete packages and literally unlimited guest count – you can celebrate on the golf course!)

and all of Carmel Valley with Bernardus Lodge (offering complete ceremony and dinner setup, exquisite cuisine, hotel accommodations and a spa)

and the totally new, completely renovated Quail Lodge – with a ceremony lawn for up 1,000 guests (!), award-winning cuisine, golf-course, guest accommodations and entertainment. And all of that, also, at affordable rates.

BUT do you know what’s by far the best about all these wonderful venues in the Greater SF Bay Area? You’d never guess it – they are all dog-friendly! Couples may bring their beloved canine companion with them for their Great Day. I love it!

Now that you know where you’ll celebrate, you need to make your Great Day special: with flowers, unusual desserts, and the totally unexpected touch:

Floramor floral and event design provides the Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons hotels in SF with their floral arrangements – that should tell you something already! Their bouquets are just so elegant!

And the centerpieces on the “for show” tables at the Ritz (go back and look at them again – and look at the closeup below) were all by Laura, owner of Floramor, above center. Special touches: a few drops of blue coloring in the water filling the clear vases – for a discreet hue matching the elegant tablecloths – and pearls suspended therein… simply gorgeous!

Should you be looking especially for a romantic, fragrant, pastel bouquet, you might also want to check out La Martine:

Looking for that special touch for your dessert buffet? Here’s one beautiful option: cake pops from Sweet Lauren Cakes – so pretty, so tasty and totally customizable to your wedding style and colors!

Last not least, the WOW surprise for your guests, the charming and totally unexpected idea, the perfect backdrop for those one-of-a-kind photos: a glittering rickshaw from Cabrio Taxi! Here I am being treated to a free joyride around the Ritz ballroom:

Don’t forget a photographer to capture all those precious moments! He/she needs to be an artist with a perfect technique, with the gift to be totally invisible during your event and with a sunny disposition at all times! Take for example my friend Auey Santos of photograffiti: “shooting with open eyes, an open mind & an open heart!” Here she is:

What’s still missing? Right – the perfect Honeymoon! For me personally the ultimate Honeymoon destination is Polynesia – and maybe Fiji and a detour to Australia or New Zealand thrown in. When I visited the region first, nearly 30 years ago, it was all still very quiet, dreamy, romantic, and un-touristy. Things have changed and are still changing at a rapid pace, with more hotels and resorts coming to the islands every year. So what you need is an expert with an intimate knowledge of those romantic hidden gem islands, so far overlooked by mainstream tourism – in short, the remaining pockets of Polynesian paradise.

May I present: Rick Garrett of weddymoons is your specialist. He’ll put together your complete trip including airfare, accommodations, local transportation, excursions – you name it. He must know: he’s going to Polynesia at least once a year to check things out. Lucky guy!

What a day… and what an incredible selection of vendors! Happy planning, dear 2013 brides!

DIY: Another Crowd Pleaser for Your Wedding Dinner: Quiche Lorraine!

Posted on December 2, 2012 by jlammerts

Finally something for my DIY brides again: a versatile, super-easy crowd-pleasing dish that 1.) can be prepared and frozen; 2.) can be served warm or cold AND 3.) is equally good as an appetizer and a first entree course! So, what’s this miracle dish? Quiche Lorraine, a staple of French cuisine, but an exception in that it is NOT at all difficult. Accompany with mixed greens or heirloom tomato salad – perfect!

Here we go:

1 unbaked 9 inch pie crust (home-made or store-bought)

12 slices bacon, 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese, 1/3 cup minced onion, 4 eggs, 2 cups heavy cream, salt (ca. 3/4 teaspoon) and cayenne (ca. 1/8 teaspoon) to taste; pinch of sugar.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Render bacon and chop. Cook onion in a little bit of the bacon fat until softened; sprinkle in bottom of pie crust together with bacon and cheese. Beat eggs, mix with cream and seasonings. Brush rim of crust with egg mixture, then pour mixture in crust (will be very full!). Set on rimmed baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 15 min; reduce temperature to 300 degrees and bake until center is just firm, at least 30 min and up to 50 min (every oven is different, so check frequently – if rim becomes too dark, cover with strips of aluminum foil). Let sit at least 10 min before serving (or let cool, or freeze…), cut into wedges, and enjoy!

Yield: 6 dinner servings or 8 to 10 appetizer servings.

A Mid-autumn Night’s Dream: Actress Weds Playwright at Historic Forest Hill Clubhouse!

Posted on November 27, 2012 by jlammerts

The playwright wrote his masterpiece.

The actress shone in her most brilliant performance.

And the best of it: it was all non-fiction!

Opening night at the historic Forest Hill Clubhouse on September 15, 2012, was for real – with an enthusiastic audience of friends and family – and the piece premiered will hopefully run for countless seasons: Anna & Daniel in Love!

Their performance of a lifetime

Flashback:

Anna leads a double life as a website designer (her day job) and an actress (at night). She and Daniel first met 5 years before our opening night in a theatrical capacity – he as a writer, and she as a performer, during a monthly event called Playground – writers have a few days to create a short play off a prompt, and then writers and actors all get together to rehearse and perform those plays on one Monday night per month.A short while later, the two met again – by utter coincidence – at a client they had in common for their day jobs: Daniel as a tech provider and Anna as a web designer.

They stayed friends through various relationships and long distances… until they suddenly found themselves single at the same time – and suddenly, finally realized that they were both done for. So sooner or later it was a foregone conclusion that their story would culminate in – a wedding!

Preparations…

The dress…

Ready to walk down the aisle

And while most brides are simply overwhelmed by the amount of organization, decisions, logistics involved in such an event, Anna was totally unfazed. “When you have a background in theatre,” she commented, ” you’re pretty well-equipped to handle weddings. First and foremost, you’re accustomed to the unexpected – in fact, you embrace it – and really, weddings can’t hold a candle to what you run into in theatre. What’s a caterer showing up late compared to an audience member who breaks her leg in the middle of the show (it really happened – don’t ask me how!)… or to finishing your heart-wrenching Act II monologue, only to hear someone let out a thundering snore in row 2… or to knowing that whatever you do that night is going to be judged publicly in a major metropolitan newspaper?”

Well said, indeed. So our actress-bride courageously sailed the ocean of wedding planning and preparation, keeping everything in line. Her rule was, “If it feels too expensive, it probably is. Keep looking.” This kept her budget in check. Clothes and photography? Totally worth every penny. Chairs? Um…who’s going to remember chairs? Anyone? Exactly. “No fuss, no muss” was the motto – the two worked hard to get things in order – but in the words of Anna’s mentor, “Grasp – lightly. Be prepared for the expected and the un- – and welcome them both!”

And when the unexpected happened… the bride did NOT freak out! Just hear her in her own words: “When I handily wrecked my 2-hour old manicure (and pedicure – again, don’t ask) by arranging my flowers last-minute, I knew just the tricks to smooth things over (a slight layer of polish remover followed by a light application of a close-enough color and, yes, magic marker).”

Here comes the bride – and the groom!

Emcee-ing their ceremony

As for the wedding itself, they decided to emcee their own ceremony. They wanted to tell their story in their own words to make it clear that this wedding was something they were very consciously and responsibly choosing to do. The groom’s father, a minister in real life, officiated the ceremony – it doesn’t get more “in the family” than that!

And our two theater stars kept their audience laughing, not crying, and celebrated it all with really good cocktails afterwards.

“You may now kiss the bride!”

The historic Forest Hill Clubhouse

For their venue, Anna and Daniel had chosen the historic Forest Hill Clubhouse in San Francisco, a structure with a stellar architectural pedigree (Bernard Maybeck of Palace of Fine Arts fame) and a romantic charm to it that one wouldn’t expect in a metropolis.

Shaded by mature trees, it transported our “theatrical” couple, their real-world masterpiece performance and their guests to a time where things were simpler (or so we tend to think…) and where matters of the heart still counted. And so they couldn’t have imagined a wedding more suited to who they are.

As for their honeymoon, they had the blessings of their families and co-workers to escape entirely – and Anna had pictures from the late 70’s when HER parents had gone to French Polynesia. It didn’t take much convincing to choose that location – just google “Tikehau” to get a taste.

They went off the beaten track – most honeymooners flee to Bora Bora (understandably – it’s beautiful!), but they opted for a trip to the Tuamotos, a fairly unknown cluster of islands further north.

They spent three weeks in remote, picture-perfect islands, living in smaller (more affordable) pensions and eating fish three meals a day – weathering inclement weather and a civil aviation strike that left them stranded for a few days (and with the Western concept of schedules and deadlines unheard-of in Polynesia, they couldn’t hope for much understanding from the locals); they went swimming with humpbacks and trekking through the mountains – and it was the adventure of a lifetime.

Anna’s conclusion: “Opening your mind to the unexpected is the lesson, here. And there are ample rewards for that mindset – as well as strong suntans!”

Congratulations, Anna and Daniel!

Hip Design by A Day Like No Other: Centerpieces for a Historic Factory Venue

Posted on November 26, 2012 by jlammerts

For a post-wedding dance party in a raw, historic industrial space with a somewhat gritty vibe, I designed centerpieces using very few florals – but instead lots of glow and reflection. I picked up the industrial history of the space with mirror bases and polished rocks (sprayed antique gold) and arranged dried branches and pods (some of them also discreetly gilded) together with grouped black/velvety-red roses. Antique-gold hurricanes and amber gems scattered on the mirrored bases lent extra reflection.

For smaller tables, I chose a variety of succulents in stark graphical shapes instead of vases:

The overall effect was one of intimate, golden light and retro-raw décor in the dimly lit dance hall – perfect!

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Romantic Design by A Day Like No Other: Antique Books for Centerpieces

Posted on November 15, 2012 by jlammerts

For a bride who, as a lover of literature in general and antique books in particular, had chosen an “antique books” theme for her wedding, I designed mismatched centerpieces containing beautiful antiques volumes and beautiful items to complement them. Since tables were not numbered, but named after the bride’s favorite authors, some of the centerpieces also contained poems by these respective authors, calligraphed on artificially aged paper scrolls:

While some arrangements contain fresh flowers…

others rely entirely on dried florals, moss, bird nests, and driftwood:

some are more masculine…

… others decidedly feminine with pastel wildflowers, a fan, and a perfume bottle.

Case in point: the possibilities of this theme are endless, and they are all attractive!

Sylvan Lake – a Hidden Gem in the Wine Country

Posted on November 12, 2012 by jlammerts

Last weekend, I made an incredible discovery: a hidden gem of a wedding venue in the Bay Area Wine Country! It’s totally unknown, totally private and secluded, it’s a beautiful enchanted garden, it’s even dog-friendly… what else can I say? It’s simply a treasure.

Sylvan Lake is high up in the mountains above picturesque St. Helena, but even after having lived in the Bay Area for more than a decade, and – of course – having visited the Wine Country countless times, I had no idea that Sylvan Lake existed, or where it might be. And just driving by, you would never suspect what’s hidden behind this unassuming driveway. Nor would the owners want it to be any other way.

John and Luise bought the property fifty years ago. Yes, fifty. And they’ve been working on it every single day, making it better and more beautiful, modernizing it inside while keeping the romantic facade overgrown with ivy – a storybook house. And, of course, they’ve lovingly tended to the gardens, and – as you will see – it shows.

The most amazing thing, however, is, that the two wish to share the beauty and romance of their hidden treasure with others, to make young couples’ special day – even more special. And so, for many years, they’ve opened their doors for weddings, but never more than just 15 a year – so they can focus on every single event. John has amassed a whole inventory of things that you’d expect to have to bring: he has heat lamps and props, he’ll string dozens of Chinese lanterns across the expanse of the lawn and hang them from the trees, he’ll provide bar tables, market umbrellas and small patio lights and, and… It’s his joy and pride to provide a beautiful setting for a young couple’s most beautiful event.

John’s and Luise’s house looks like straight out of a storybook:

… and this is from where the bride would walk down the aisle to where the ceremony would take place: under an enormous old olive tree:

… and when the couple is officially pronounced “husband and wife,” John will let the world know by ringing his historic bell:

whose sound literally carries throughout the valley. Talk about romance…

The wedding party can then begin on the big lawn:

….surrounded by towering trees, blooming flowerbeds and impeccably pruned boxwood hedges. When night falls, the scenery turns magical under the Chinese lanterns, and dancing starts – to whatever music you’d like, live, DJ – your choice! And with a few restrictions, you can party into the wee hours of the morning – a very rare treat! By the way, John, a trained concert pianist, keeps his Baldwin grand piano perfectly tuned at all times, and while he will not play himself – his fingers, he says, are not that nimble any more – he’ll invite whoever will play at the wedding, and with the living room windows wide open, its glorious sound fills the garden.

I begged John to play a little bit for me – and he obliged, right there – in the middle of his incessant gardening chores:

He hardly ever says no! Another thing he can’t say No to is – young couples bringing their beloved dogs to their wedding. As long as he or she is kept on a leash and supervised, John and Luise welcome canines at weddings. After all, their “Lady” and her daughter “Piglet” are the joy of their lives!

But John’s and Luise’s hospitality doesn’t stop here – for the newlyweds, they open their cute little cottage so they can spend their first night on the property:

…complete with living room, bathrooms, kitchen and bedroom under the eaves… and that is part of the package.

And even that is not all. On top of everything else, John and Luise invite the young couple to their historic farmhouse in Italy for a whole week of honeymoon! It’s a building from the 16th century, lovingly restored and modernized inside (by the indefatigable John himself, of course!), and it’s situated in a side valley of the Italian Alps, beneath Monte Rosa, in a region still untouched by tourism.

With such generosity, small wonder then that all the couples who have tied the knot under John’s and Luise’s olive tree over the years have remained friends – many of them returning to Sylvan Lake unannounced to show the two a tiny bundle, their own pride and joy. And that’s the biggest reward for John and Luise.

I am sure that by now you’re hooked! Contact me if you’d like to have your own wedding at Sylvan Lake – email [email protected]

Elegant Design by A Day Like No Other: Peacock Feather Escort Card Display

Posted on November 8, 2012 by jlammerts

For a formal and elegant wedding with a “vintage glamour” theme, I designed a stunning escort card display of 200 peacock feathers, fanning out from a vintage wine crate:

Each escort card was hung from one feather, and the feathers were then arranged in alphabetical order in several rows, front to back.

This arrangement was not only a visual focus, but also a conversation piece for guests – and each guest arrived at their seat carrying a beautiful feather…

Luxurious Design by A Day Like No Other: Tiffany-themed Invitations and Favors

Posted on October 29, 2012 by jlammerts

For a very elegant, Tiffany-themed wedding, I designed invitations to set the tone and the expectation for the guests: crystal-embellished ivory silk folders held custom-designed invitations. The folders were ordered directly from the manufacturer in Thailand.

The invitations themselves consisted of layered cards (pearlized ivory cardstock layered on matte chocolate and a wider rim of tiffany blue in a discreet sheen) custom designed for the square folders:

The side inserts in the folder flaps were used as RSVP cards and directions cards. Invitations were wrapped in ivory tissue paper and mailed in white square boxes embellished with custom tiffany-blue address labels matching those used on the – equally custom-made – favors.

For favors, the couple chose home-made organic limoncello in corked and wax-sealed artisan glass bottles, packed “luggage proof” in tissue paper and cardboard tubes and presented in tiffany-blue handlebags with custom labels.

An elegant presentation in keeping with the overall theme and elegance of the celebration – and a hit with the guests!

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Une Grande Affaire – Virginia and Mick’s Wedding

Posted on October 21, 2012 by jlammerts

Virginia – Jenna for short, and that’s how her friends call her – and Mick are a busy, quirky, upbeat young couple. They live in a loft, downtown. Jenna zips around on a baby-blue Vespa. When they decided to get married, one thing was clear: it would be “no-frills.” But it would be a great party with all their (many) friends, their parents, a lot of good food, a lot more good stuff to drink, and even more dancing. Very easy.

But even “easy” takes a lot of time, effort, and planning, and so the two turned to A Day Like No Other for help, and I was happy to jump right in! And as weddings go – their wedding, too, became bigger and better, and – to speak with their French theme and their French friends – “une grande affaire!”

Jenna’s and Mick’s invitation became the theme for the party…

Jenna and Nick chose the brick patio of the historic Forest Hill Clubhouse for their wedding ceremony, and – literally – Heavens (the celestial Weather Department, to be precise) smiled on them: it turned out to be one of those perfect, golden October days when San Francisco is the most beautiful.

Bride and bridesmaids were made even more beautiful in an impromptu onsite beauty salon by Belle by Marine, hidden away from any advance glimpses by the groom, and then, to the music of cellist Suellen Primost, the bride walked down the aisle on her Dad’s arm to meet her groom:

Friends and family had gathered from far and wide…

A truly romantic setting

Happiness – and a gorgeous dress

The ceremony was officiated by Amanda Bowman, a close friend…

who has just presented the two “for the first time – as husband and wife!”

Jenna and Mick held a champagne reception on site – and guests were invited to take their champagne flutes with them as keepsakes. The couple had lovingly inscribed every single glass with their initials.

From the Champagne reception, the bridal party took stretch limousines (with a surprise of “Just Married” soda cans clattering from behind the rear bumper…), and everyone else boarded a big tour bus to a reception and dance party downtown, at “The Box SF,” a hip urban event space located in a former factory building. Jenna and Mick loved the raw, industrial look and had opted for minimal (I did not listen and added some nonetheless…). Here the party is already underway:

While DJ Chris took care of the music, everyone feasted on French delicacies by La Bonne Cuisine…

… beautifully presented on raw logs with moss and succulents, from which I took my cue for various centerpieces…

What would a French dinner be without dessert… and La Bonne Cuisine did not disappoint:

Macarons and Creme brûlée presented on suspended “floating” trays

Various performances by friends and family members were the highlights of the evening: the bride’s sister and Maid of Honor had written a song for Jenna and performed it “en lieu” of the requisite toast- a huge success …

…as was the performance of Jenna’s friend Marie who sung a slightly “risqué” very French couplet “to Jenna and Mick” of her own composition, accompanying herself on the accordion:

And then the bride herself, accompanied by her bridesmaids, let it rip for her new husband… they are all terrific dancers!