Nghi and Jim opening the 2022 wedding season at Gamble Garden
The first wedding of my 2022 wedding season was already a very special one – and I am so honored that my company, A Day Like No Other, was chosen to plan this truly life changing event. For both bride and groom, this was their second marriage – they have children, and they both had taken their time to overcome the heartbreak of their first attempt. Neither was interested in yet another “big affair” – they were both “over that.” Instead, they were hoping for an intimate, deeply meaningful celebration with just their children, their closest friends and family members present – Nghi’s parents and her son, Jim’s sons. They had chosen a venue that embodies exactly this spirit; nothing flashy or glamorous. The venue of their choice was Elizabeth Gamble Garden, a small gem of a public park in the heart of Palo Alto, just large enough to accommodate their 50 guests, and already in bloom in early May with an abundance of rose varietals.
Nghi and her bridesmaids got ready onsite, in the historic Carriage House on the property.
Under the experienced hands of makeup artist Nguyen Ha, the pretty bride was transformed into a drop-dead gorgeous beauty.
Nghi’s two bridesmaids helped her to get into her form-fitting elegant dress …
… with a dramatic train …
… and many tiny buttons – and the bride adjusted her jewelry.
Florist extraordinaire Janelle Jacky-Litt of Green Petal Designs delivered an ethereal bridal bouquet in ivory, blush pink and light blue hues, with bridesmaids’ bouquets, boutonnieres and table decor to match.
And here are bride and bridesmaids, with the biggest smiles of their lives!
With that, bride Nghi was ready to step out…
Isn’t she stunning?!
Here with her biggest admirer… her son.
Meanwhile, groom Jim had also gotten ready…
… and here he is with all the boys – Nghi’s and his own.
Time for the “First Look!”
That’s amore! Now the couple was off to many more photos and video footage with acclaimed photographer Kevin Chin and videographer William Cook of Kindlewood Films.
Guests began arriving for the ceremony in the Rose Garden, officiated by Dr. Konrad Hölé of Officially Yours, and serenaded by the Magnolia Jazz Trio led by Robbie Schlosser.
Here comes the bride, accompanied by her parents.
After exchanging rings…
… they were officially declared “husband and wife,” and Jim received permission to “kiss the bride.”
Just married!
And off to more photos and video among a profusion of blooms – including the official photo of the newly united blended family.
All the while their guests enjoyed cocktails and Jazz – and left their “well wishes for the new Mr. & Mrs!”
My production team – Deanna and Stephanie – and the team of Continental Caterers were busy working behind the scenes to get everything ready and set up for dinner.
Dinner tables were set up under a majestic tree…
… it doesn’t get more romantic than that! The table setting reflected the feminine pastel hues of the bridal bouquet…
… and floating candles turned the scene truly magical.
The entrance of the newlyweds officially opened dinner…
The feast that followed was truly memorable – Continental Catering pulled all stops!
The couple was clearly enjoying themselves.
Maybe even more memorable than dinner itself – were the desserts! Have a look:
Following these mouthwatering treats, the newlyweds had time to mingle with their guests. But the last highlight of the evening was still to come: a gorgeous wedding cake by Krumbs Cakes, OF COURSE adorned with the same blush pink and light blue flowers that accompanied the couple and the guests through the whole celebration.
With that, they had accomplished their official joint task as a married couple. The evening concluded with the newlyweds enjoying the company of their handpicked guests, and everyone had a great time.
Wishing you all the happiness in the world, Nghi and Jim!
Linnea & Curtis – a Party despite the Pandemic
Like so many couples who had planned to get married in 2020, Linnea’s and Curtis’ plans had to change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They decided to get married as planned (in a small ceremony) and to postpone their party… and for that party, they enlisted the help of my company, A Day Like No Other.
For their venue, they had chosen Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park, a historic Spanish-Mediterranean-style compound amidst lush gardens, housing boutiques, art galleries and studios.
The bride got ready onsite in the bridal suite… with photographer Trung Hoang capturing all the precious moments throughout the day.
… and here she is, ready with her bouquet from Orange Blossom’s Floral Design.
Groom Curtis had likewise dressed up and was ready for the First Look.
As they already WERE “Mr.” and “Mrs.”, Linnea and Curtis skipped a ceremony and jumped right into Cocktail Hour with their guests. Two caricature artists sketched guests’ portraits – a beautiful favor for everyone to take home.
Cozy lounge vignettes from Seventh Heaven Vintage furniture rental offered quiet retreats from the party.
The team of Cafe Wisteria, the inhouse catering operation at Allied Arts Guild, had set up dinner tables, clothed in vibrant colors.
Dessert came in the form of irresistible donuts by Johnny Doughnuts.
After dinner, it was time for Sunset photos for the couple, while guests were having a great time socializing as darkness fell.
After dinner, the couple’s First Dance to tunes by Elite Entertainment opened the dance floor. The new “Mr.” and “Mrs.” had finally had the party they deserved all along!
Courtney and Jesse: a Dream Wedding at Nestldown
These two were one of the many couples who had to reschedule their Great Day by a full year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And many things can happen in a year! For example, moving to the other side of the continent, buying a house, getting settled… and so, the Mother of the Bride shouldered many of the necessary planning tasks together with my company, A Day Like No Other, to ensure a seamless, perfect celebration.
The couple had chosen Nestldown Estate for their nuptials – a true dream location. Nestled deep in the Redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains and appointed with any luxury imaginable, it was the perfect venue for a truly memorable celebration.
The bride and her bridesmaids used the elegant onsite guesthouse for getting ready in the morning. Photography wife-and-husband “Team Bre Thurston” and videographer William Cook of Kindlewood Films captured every moment.
Hair and makeup stylist Violet Herod and her team “The Makeup Dolls” transformed these pretty ladies into drop-down gorgeous red-carpet beauties.
Next: the DRESS! An ethereal lace-encrusted confection that fit the bride like a glove.
Then – the shoes! Definitely the right dose of glamour to go with that dress…
… and, not to forget: the rings.
Once the bride had gotten into her regal outfit for the day, all that was still missing was her bouquet (like all florals by Emily of Flowergirl Em),
…and she was ready for official photos. After emotional Mother-Daughter…
… and Father-Daughter photos…
…the venue’s famous original London taxi took Courtney to the location of her First Look, a romantic spot under towering Redwood trees.
Groom Jesse had also gotten ready with the help of his groomsmen…
… and was waiting for permission to finally see his bride in all her finery!
Time for photos and then – time to proceed to the ceremony! This time, Courtney and Jesse rode the London taxi together.
The ceremony spot at Nestldown is the “Chapel” – a natural Redwood clearing of breathtaking beauty. Florist Emily had worked her magic to make it even more special…
… and music by the Amethyst Ensemble gave it an elegant touch.
Here comes the bride, on her father’s arm.
The ceremony was officiated by a close friend of the couple.
“You may now kiss the bride!”
Just married!!
For the newlyweds – time for many more photos…
For the guests – time for Cocktail Hour with entertainment! The Amethyst Ensemble was playing, the Nestldown gardens were to be explored, and the Booth Bus photo booth was waiting.
For the catering crew of La Bocca Fina it was “showtime” after many hours of preparation and setup. The results were spectacular: the glamorous “boho chic” dining tables as much as the delicious food.
Guests found their assigned table through a unique display of calligraphed vases (by Flowergirl Em).
Everyone was having a great time, and as darkness fell, the scene turned magical – illuminated by string lights in the trees and by candlelight on the tables.
After dinner, everyone moved to the Apple Knoll for the couple’s First Dance…
…cake cutting…
… and dancing. And what a dance party that was! Los Gatos DJs got everyone on the dance floor in no time.
And OF COURSE, the newlyweds got a spectacular Send-off to match.
Everyone agreed – that was an event to remember. A lifetime of happiness to Courtney and Jesse!
Sarah and Patrick – an elegant Fall wedding
After nearly a full year of long-distance planning, Sarah’s and Patrick’s big day finally arrived. Living and working in New York, they had chosen my company, A Day Like No Other, to help them with the planning and coordination of their wedding.
For the bride, her bridesmaids and the mothers, the day began with hair and makeup services by Tiffany Chiang of Design Her Image – and the results were truly stunning! Here is the bride, with a beautiful glow…
… and here are her bridesmaids!
Her two Maids-of-Honor helped her to get into her lace-encrusted, ballgown-style dress…
… and sparkly wedding shoes.
Green Petal Designs delivered a gorgeous bridal bouquet…
… as well as bridesmaids bouquets, wrist corsages, boutonnieres (and the floral decor for the reception), and with that, the bride was ready for her First Look.
Corinthian Ground Transportation took her and (separately!) the groom and bridal party to the church where both the First Look and the wedding ceremony would be held: Valley Presbyterian Church in Portola Valley, a spectacular church set in a Redwood grove where the bride’s parents had gotten married 35 years ago.
Nearly there – as Sarah is approaching Patrick, videographer Martin Meyer of martinFILMS and photographers Manali and Kaitlin of Manali Anne Photography are capturing every moment (just wait until you see THEIR photos! For the time being, all we have are my snapshots…)
Happiness!
Very soon, guests were arriving (all transported in style by Corinthian Ground Transportation), and the ceremony began. Following tradition, the bride was escorted in by her father.
The apse of the church behind the altar is all glass, looking out onto the Redwoods. It is truly a spectacular sight.
The brother of the bride, a classically trained Baritone, gave a moving performance during the ceremony.
Just married!!
While the couple had many more “official” wedding photos taken with their family members, guests were shuttled to the reception at Thomas Fogarty Winery, high up on a mountain ridge overlooking all of Silicon Valley.
The teams of Continental Catering, Green Petal Designs and Just De’Lights (lighting installation) as well as my tireless assistant Stephanie had been hard at work for hours to get everything ready in time. The weather gods threw us a curveball – low-hanging clouds settled on the mountain ridge, and it got chilly, foggy and wet… so we had to move cocktails inside. But that did not dampen anyone’s spirits!
With space heaters in place, dinner could still happen in the open Pavilion…
… with elegant place settings and cute candle favors for each guest.
When darkness fell during dinner, the scene turned really magical…
… and the couple enjoyed their First Dance as husband and wife right there, on a balcony overlooking the vineyard.
After that, the whole party moved inside for Cake Cutting (cake by Susie Cakes)…
… and a lot of dancing to tunes by DJ Paul Burchfield of Big Fun Disc Jockeys. Everything eventually comes to an end… but this party ended on a decidedly high note with a private Last Dance for the newlyweds while guests were gathering outside for a spectacular sparkler send-off!
What a night! Sarah and Patrick are going on their Honeymoon – to Hawaii! And then off to a lifetime of joy, laughter and happiness… that’s what we are wishing for you!
Lisa and Alex at Fogarty Winery – finally!
These two were among the many couples whose wedding got postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Undeterred, they tied the knot in an intimate ceremony close to their originally planned date (so meanwhile they have already been legally married for a good year!) and my company, A Day Like No Other, had the honor of planning afresh with them in 2021. The venue of their choice was still Thomas Fogarty Winery, perched high atop a mountain ridge with million-dollar views over all of Silicon Valley and up to the San Francisco skyline to the North.
Once the bride and the mothers had completed their hair and makeup styling (by Brides by Lydia), the bridal party and closest family was taken to the venue by shuttle (Destination Systems) for pre-ceremony photos (by Hazel Photo – all photos in this blog post except otherwise noted) and video (by Weddings on Film).
When they arrived, the teams of Fogarty Winery, Global Gourmet Catering and Green Petal Designs were already hard at work to prepare everything for the formal Chinese Tea Ceremony.
Bride and groom dressed up for this festive occasion in traditional Chinese gold-embroidered garments.
A friend of the bride explained the cultural meaning and history of the Tea Ceremony to non-Chinese guests and served as an expert Mistress of Ceremonies.
An oversized “Double Happiness” symbol formed the perfect backdrop for the ceremony.
Post-ceremony, the couple changed into lighter outfits for post-ceremony photos, and the predicted rain, thankfully, was late in coming.
Guests were meanwhile enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on the open deck, and various crews put the finishing touches on the dinner setup inside the Hill House.
The Sweetheart Table, of course, received extra-special flower treatment!
After dinner, the couple enjoyed their official First Dance…
… opening the dance floor for everyone – to the tunes by DJ Stefano of Big Fun Disc Jockeys.
Everyone enjoyed a really great time…
… and in between, the newlyweds snuck out for a private moment outside.
It was a magical day – congratulations, Lisa and Alex, and our best wishes on your lifelong journey together!
And here you can see the day coming to life… courtesy of Weddings on Film!
Truly “At Last…” – Traci and Steve are Tying the Knot!
After nearly a decade together, Traci and Steve were finally ready to “make things official.” Both divorced with children, they had been introduced by a mutual friend, and the attraction was immediate. They’ve been together ever since. But they both wanted to give their children time to heal and time to get to know and appreciate the new “parent” in their lives. All their (combined) five children literally grew up with the person who would eventually become their step-parent. By and by, they became one big, blended family. Now that all their children are grown-ups, Traci and Steve felt they could make their longstanding union official – and all their children were enthusiastically “on board.”
I feel so honored that they chose my company, A Day Like No Other, for help with the planning and execution of their special day. And in fact, a lot of planning went into it!
Finally, the great day had come, and for Traci, her Maid of Honor (her daughter Sofia) and her junior bridesmaids (nieces Lisa and Annie) the day began with hairstyling (by Traci’s friend Melissa) and makeup services (by Cassandra McClure).
Florist Neli (of Floral Art & Decor) delivered the bridal bouquet, a dream of ivory and blush pink roses with the tiniest hint of “something blue” – and Traci absolutely loved it!
Then it was time for the bride to get into her dress (from Nouvelle Vogue Bridal Boutique), a breathtaking “mermaid” style with illusion neckline, lace applique and an endless train, a gown that fit her like a glove and highlighted her model figure.
Maid of Honor Sofia helped her Mom get into her dress – a true “mother-daughter moment!”
Both ladies were very happy with their bouquets!
The ceremony and reception were held at the Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park, a historic Spanish-Mediterranean style compound with courtyards, gardens and little art galleries and studios. It was a glorious summer day under blue skies and with a slight breeze – simply perfect!
To music by DJ Mark, the bride walked down the aisle on the arm of her son Liam.
The ceremony was officiated by Chris Thielen (Personal Weddings by Chris) against the backdrop of an arch covered in a profusion of lavish flowers (by Floral Art and Decor).
“You may now kiss the bride!”
Just married!!
Now it was time for many, many photos with photographer Teresa Halton and her colleague Vitalyi (for the time being, all we have are my iPhone snapshots – wait until you see the professional photos!) – while guests were treated to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in one of the cozy courtyards of the venue.
The venue staff under the expert leadership of Events Director Tiana Wong and Catering Manager Angel Kleiner had set up beautiful wooden dining tables and chairs and set these tables with elegant gold-tone chargers and flatware (all rental items: Hensley Event Resources).
Green garlands with blush roses (from Floral Art and Decor) were placed down the middle of each row of tables for an elegant yet casual effect.
Flowers were simply everywhere…
… and of course, the couple’s Sweetheart Table received “special treatment!”
With all preparations in place, the couple came back from their extended stroll on the property to join their guests..
… for a Grand Entrance, dinner, mingling, and after that, for dessert and dancing inside.
Traci and Steve had wished for a photo display honoring their loved ones who are no longer with us, and so we designed a remembrance wall with all their favorite photos, flowers and candlelight.
The dessert table was right in front, with vegan cupcakes in a variety of flavors (by Cakes by Ricky). The showstopper was, of course, the “naked cake” (with layers of Tiramisu and banana cream) by Studio Cake, which was as delicious as it was beautiful to look at.
Bride and groom completed their traditional first task as a married couple – cutting the cake – with bravura.
After that, they opened the dance floor with their First Dance to (of course!) “At Last…” by Etta James:
An elegant celebration like theirs simply deserves an equally memorable conclusion – and so the couple left through a tunnel of sparklers…
… cheered on by their guests, to their waiting getaway car – a breathtaking vintage Stutz limousine (by Elegant Journey).
That’s what we call a PARTY! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness, Traci and Steve!
Stacey and Kirill – a glorious summer wedding
This is the setting these two had chosen for their Great Day: Thomas Fogarty Winery in Woodside, perched high on a ridge above Silicon Valley, with breathtaking views across a vineyard, all the way from the San Francisco skyline to San Jose. No wonder they fell in love with this spectacular spot – but like so many other couples, the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to postpone their nuptials by nearly a full year. On July 10, their special day finally arrived – and fortunately, nobody had to wear a mask or abide by any restrictions any more.
For Stacey and her bridesmaids, the day began with hair and makeup services by Hanh Cao and her team, and then the bridesmaids helped Stacey into her elegant wedding dress. Photographer Gavin Farrington and his assistant and videographer Ron Tse (of Filmore Productions) captured every precious moment (for the time being, all we have to offer are our own snapshots… wait until you see the professional photos!).
By 3:30 pm, guests were arriving via shuttles (from Corinthian Ground Transportation).
And then, the great moment had finally arrived: Stacey was escorted down the aisle by her parents:
… preceded by her two super-cute flower girls who actually stole the show!
Stacey was carrying a summery colorful bouquet by Green Petal Designs (who had created all the stunning floral arrangements for this wedding).
Kirill was already waiting for her in front, together with 100 guests …
… under clear blue skies, with a slight breeze and with endless views. It was perfect! The brother of the bride officiated – it does not get any more personal than that! – and Henry Kim of Big Fun Disc Jockeys live-streamed the ceremony for those guests who were unable to attend in person.
Just married!! And off to a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony – while their guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on the open Deck.
As a special showstopper, guests found their table assignments NOT on a printed board or via little tented cards – they found them on a glass of champagne! Here is Stacey’s and Kirill’s “champagne wall” (all rental items from Bright Event Rentals) which everyone will most definitely remember!
Meanwhile, the catering crew (of Toast Catering) had been hard at work not only to prepare delicious dishes, but also to set everything up to perfection.
In accordance with their “midcentury modern” esthetic, the couple had chosen a streamlined design with silver grey linens, dark grey china, blackened flatware – and gorgeous floral centerpieces as an uplifting pop of color.
After dinner, guests were treated to delicious “Rocko’s Ice Cream Tacos” – and to delirious fun with “The Wong Photo Booth.” Then it was time for the couple’s First Dance to the tunes of DJ Stefano (of Big Fun Disc Jockeys) with illumination by Just De’Lights.
Outside, the day concluded with a spectacular sunset, and everyone agreed – THAT party had absolutely been worth the wait! A lifetime of happiness to Stacey and Kirill!
Happy Independence Day!
While the country is celebrating Fourth of July – Independence Day – the annual remembrance of gaining independence from the British Empire in 1776, we at A Day Like No Other especially celebrate all those who are voluntarily giving up their individual independence for something much better: the lifelong union with their best friend and lover. Cheers to all our wonderful couples who are about to embark on this adventurous, arduous and supremely fulfilling journey!
Our First Post-COVID Wedding: Trisha and Bryan
Trisha’s and Bryan’s wedding had been in the making for a full twelve years! That’s how long these two have been together. To be fair – they decided to get married after ten years, started their planning, found their venue – and then COVID hit. Everything came to a halt. They postponed their wedding date, and then had to postpone again. They had to cut their guest count dramatically – then, they were suddenly allowed more guests again. In short, it was a rollercoaster ride.
As a longtime friend and collaborator of the bride (who used to be the Director of Events at a venue where I frequently work), I was honored that she chose my company, A Day Like No Other, to coordinate her Great Day, and so I took that rollercoaster planning ride with her, from start to finish.
Last weekend, we finally hit the finish line – on a glorious day and with a perfect event. Trisha (and Bryan) were truly overjoyed!
For the bride and her bridesmaids, the day began with hair services by Shawna Jarnagin, the “Girl with a Curling Iron” and with Makeup by Nett.
Once that was done, the bride was ready to inspect her glamorous wedding dress:
… which she combined with delicate, blush-pink Badgley-Mischka princess slippers:
Her bridesmaids (and “bridesman”) helped to put her in her dress.
Star photographers Danny and Julia Dong and Wild Atlantic Films videographers captured every precious moment – for the time being, all I have to offer are my snapshots; just wait until you see THEIR photos and footage!
The couple’s chosen venue – The Club at Ruby Hill, an elegant golf and country club in the SF East Bay –
is nestled in an elegant parklike setting…
… of utmost privacy and tranquillity. It feels like a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A true oasis!
The ceremony took place in the open courtyard of the venue…
… with over 100 guests in attendance (all vaccinated!) – a relief after COVID regulations allowing for just a handful of family members to participate in wedding ceremonies, for more than a year. Impressive altar arrangements by FlowerStory flanked the ceremony spot.
Finally, the great moment had arrived. With music provided by Big Fun Disc Jockeys, the bride was accompanied to the ceremony by her parents.
And after a full twelve years, Trisha and Bryan said “I Do!”
Just married!
The ceremony was live-streamed by Kevin and Megan of Fantasy Sound to allow remote guests to witness the festivities and offer their well-wishes to the newlyweds.
While Trisha and Bryan had many more photos (and video footage) taken, their guests enjoyed cocktails, and many work crews put their finishing touches on the festive setup – the venue team headed by Events Director Janan Ali, the florist team of Kim’s FlowerStory…
… the lighting team of Fantasy Sound. Primrose Bakery delivered the cake …
… and The Joyful Whisk delivered cupcakes; friends of the couple installed a Sweetheart Table backdrop of hundreds of handmade paper cranes and a photo booth backdrop for the booth by The Black Tent; my assistant Quan and I were busy helping to set up the dessert room (yes, a whole room!) …
… and keeping everything organized and on track. But it was all so worth the effort – have a look:
In lieu of place cards, the couple had prepared personalized favor boxes for the guests – containing a scented candle with their favorite fragrance (an enticing aroma of a fresh latte!)
After dinner, the newlyweds opened the dance floor with their choreographed First Dance:
… and the rest of the evening was spent dancing, enjoying desserts and wedding cake and having fun with the photo booth. Everyone agreed: what a wedding!!
Wishing you a lifetime of happiness, Trisha and Bryan!
See it all on film here!