Tag Archives: ceremony

For those that don’t know how to write a best man/maid of honor/father or mother of the bride speech…

Posted on by

… we present to you expert insights by Brian Franklin, co-founder of Vows&Speeches, an agency specializing in writing vows, toasts and speeches for weddings. Here at A Day Like No Other, we wouldn’t know anyone more qualified to guide you through this “minefield” than him!

And here we go…

Photo credit: Allexa Crosson

A great wedding speech can be one of the highlights of a wedding… but conversely, a terrible speech can lay waste to the event. More commonly, though, wedding speeches are just mediocre or boring… which begs the question:

Why should anything be boring (or worse) at a wedding where every other aspect of the wedding has been thought through?

Most people who write wedding speeches simply just don’t have enough guidance or help.

Here are some tips that will help you make the most out of your speech or toast, and avoid some of the common pitfalls and cliches that tend to ruin these moments.

Photo credit: Allexa Crosson
  1. Keep it between 3-4 minutes.
    This is typically between 400-600 words, but the only way to know is to read it out loud and time it. (It depends on your speaking style. Attention spans are shorter than ever – and if you go longer, you risk losing the audience and blowing a very carefully crafted.
  2. Use only the safest jokes and stories
    Avoid jokes or stories that could conceivably embarrass someone or expose a secret. Additionally, not everyone wants to revisit bad times in their lives, so be careful about talking about difficult times or breakups. Never talk about past relationships/wives.
  3. Avoid generic phrases
    Try to avoid anything you’ve heard at a wedding before. Don’t say “You’ve always been there for me.” Instead give examples of how they’ve been there for you. Talk about what they mean to you and why. Be specific and tell a story.
  4. Always address both of the couple as equally as you can.
    If anything, try to weigh it towards the person you know the least. If you don’t know them well, focus on the positive changes you’ve seen in your friend or family member since their relationship began, and how happy you are that this person will be in your family. Speak to what you’ve seen and know.
  5. Don’t let the truth get in the way of a thoughtful and kind speech
    The mission of any wedding speech is to pay tribute to the couple and toast to their happiness. It’s not to reconcile your true feelings about the person your friend/child/sibling is marrying. Always keep your comments positive. Always.
Photo credit: Danny Dong

6. This isn’t your big shot at standup. This is about making them happy.
You may very well be a funny person, and your familiarity with the couple may give you a lot of material to work with, but ultimately, treat this as a gift to them. Jokes should resolve into a serious idea and/or loving statements. It’s fun to roast people, but balance the roast with the mission at hand: their happiness. Keep the speech focused on them, not on how funny you can be.

7. Create balance in your tone. Don’t make it all serious or all humor.
Dynamics are critically important to the success of any speech, and you should focus on creating dynamic both in content and tone. There should be fast, exciting, fun parts and slower, more serious and earnest parts. Four minutes of listening to someone spout their love is a lot without breaking it up with a bit of humor. Similarly four minutes of straight humor comes across as unsentimental. It’s important to have both to keep people’s attention.

8. Practicing out loud brings confidence and better performances.
Like any physical activity, repetition creates muscle memory. It’s not necessary for you to memorize the lines… but the more you do it, the more you will be able to concentrate on your tone and the expression of the words, rather than the words themselves. It will also help you work through lines that may be difficult and take extra practice (or require editing).

9. Get help if you’re nervous or having trouble finding the words.
Obviously, we’d love to work with you… but if there’s someone you know that can help you, ask them. If you’ve already written something or have parts of it done, try them out on someone you trust to give you an honest assessment. It’s better to get advice in advance and make the adjustments then to test it out for the first time in the spotlight. That said, we can provide help on both the writing and the practicing of your speech! It’s made a huge difference for hundreds of weddings. (See our testimonials)Want help or just to chat about what we do? Book a call here!

10. Never, ever, ever say “For those that don’t know me…”
It is the biggest cliché in the wedding universe. It is painful. You will be introduced by the DJ/MC… but otherwise, you can also identify who you are within a story. ( For example… “As your older sister, my initial job was to torture you…”). But on behalf of all wedding pros… please… just don’t say “For those who don’t know me..”

    Photo credit: Sandra Fazzino

    Vows & Speeches helps you find the words that are in your heart, and gives you the delivery coaching you need to make these moments everything they can be. For more information on how we can help you create custom vows, or for info on our wedding speech or ceremony services (or for other engagements), please visit https://vowsandspeeches.com or email [email protected] for more info.  More information on our vows services can be found here. 

    Brian Franklin is a communications and public speaking expert and the Co-Founder of Vows & Speeches. Prior to Vows & Speeches, he was a communications and advertising consultant for political and public affairs campaigns. He’s been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, ABC News, Brides, Bridal Guide, the Knot, and many more. 

    4 Reasons to do your own personalized vows (and not exchange them in private)

    Posted on by

    Expert tips from professional speechwriter Brian Franklin at Vows&Speeches

    Here at A Day Like No Other, we always team up with experts in their own (wedding-related) fields to optimally serve our clients – and you, our readers! Today again we are delighted to present to you in-depth advice from Brian Franklin, co-founder of Vows&Speeches, an agency specializing in writing vows, toasts and speeches for weddings. So here we go:

    Whenever I hear of people exchanging their vows in private, I feel a sense of disappointment. I wish I could have talked to them, because not only are there very compelling reasons to say your vows in the ceremony, a lot of the fear and anxiety that are often keeping people from doing so can be overcome.

    Photo credit: Danielle Gillett

    Here are some of the reasons couples should do their own vows:

    1) Your vows are often one of the best parts of the wedding day:

    The vows, when personalized, are many people’s favorite parts! When you say your own vows—which are as much of a declaration of your love and appreciation as they are vows—it’s more powerful than the ring exchange or the I-dos. Your vows are where we get first hand insight from both of you as to what you love the most about each other, what makes you laugh, and ultimately, why we’re all here to see this. It’s a beautiful moment of vulnerability and more impactful than anyone else saying it on your behalf. If you don’t say them, do generic ones, or say them in private, you’re denying yourself the opportunity to learn about you. 

    Photo credit: JJ Chen

    2) When your guests hear your (personalized) vows, it changes the event:

    When you say your own vows, then entire vibe of the event changes. People forget that many of the people in the audience may not know your story as a couple. Perhaps they came from out of town, or they’re more friends of one of the parents. Even your own friends may not know some of your funny backstory or what you saw that caught your eye on that dating app. By giving your story from your (sometimes different) perspectives, your guests can understand you better, and they get more invested in the rest of the event. Importantly, you also get to hear your fiancé say out loud all of the reasons why they love YOU, which is an awesome moment for you as you’re about to seal the deal.

    3) The way to alleviate public speaking fears:

    There’s a two-part prescription for alleviating any fear (or terror) you might have about public saying your own vows in front of others: Content & Preparation. (Okay… for some of you, there’s a third part: a shot of whiskey.)

    When you love your vows—when you’re truly happy with what’s written and confident your vows represent how you feel and are written well—they’re simply easier to say.  

    Photo credit: Frank J. Lee

    This is where time is important: You need to give yourself adequate time, not just for the writing part, but for practicing out loud in front of someone who can help you with the delivery. By saying your vows, 15-20 times, out loud, you automatically get more and more comfortable. When you add some coaching on how to deliver your vows better, the fear starts to evaporate. It becomes something you know how to do.  

    When you love the content and you’ve been given guidance on the delivery aspects, it changes everything about how you go into these moments.  

    There’s an added bonus for those of you prone to sentimental crying: The act of saying your vows out loud, over and over again, takes enough of the sting out of the words to allow you to get through them without sobbing jags. Don’t worry, you’ll still get the feels, just not in the way you might be worried about.

    Photo credit: Megan Reeves

    4) They’re as much of a memento to your love as any picture, video, or keepsake. 
    You will always have them. Whether you watch the video, see a picture of your partner reading them, or hang them in written form on your wall, your vows are a tribute to your love and that moment you will cherish forever. During hard times, should they ever come, they become something to reference.

    Vows & Speeches helps you find the words that are in your heart, and gives you the delivery coaching you need to make these moments everything they can be. For more information on how we can help you create custom vows, or for info on our wedding speech or ceremony services (or for other engagements), please visit https://vowsandspeeches.com or email [email protected] for more info.  More information on our vows services can be found here. 

    Brian Franklin is a communications and public speaking expert and the Co-Founder of Vows & Speeches. Prior to Vows & Speeches, he was a communications and advertising consultant for political and public affairs campaigns. He’s been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, ABC News, Brides, Bridal Guide, the Knot, and many more. 

    How to write great vows: The 5 key elements

    Posted on by

    Expert advice from Brian Franklin of Vows & Speeches

    Today I have a special treat for all of you who are struggling to write your own vows: expert advice from a professional specializing in exactly THAT. I am reprinting his own “words of wisdom” – thank you, Brian, for helping us out here! We at A Day Like No Other and all our couples are so thankful for your advice!

    As speechwriters for weddings and other events, we’ve helped write a lot of wedding vows. While there’s no substitute for working with a professional, where you’ll get help with both the writing and the delivery of them, here are five key elements that will help you make the most out of these moments. 

    Photo credit: Frank J. Lee

    1) Brevity:

    The hardest part about writing vows is striking the balance between saying what you want to say and the knowledge that your guests are already ready to get to cocktails and may be baking in the hot sun. Two minutes is plenty of time to get across the most important sentiments, touch on the key aspects of your love, and still have a few vows at the end. Longer than that and it can easily be a bit tiresome and potentially start throwing off your timeline. Whatever you decide, it’s very important that you read it out loud, time it, and let your planner know how long it will be. 

    2) Personalization, Specificity, & Originality

    Great vows don’t use generic language or clichés: They are personalized, specific, and original. For example, don’t say things like “you’re my person” but instead say “From that day that you stood in line—in the rain—to get me some pizza from Chiccareli’s because you knew it would make me happy after a hard day at work… I knew I was yours.” Don’t just talk about how much you love them… talk about WHY you love them. What do they do, specifically, that you love? What is it about them that is different? How do they show their love for you? What are the specific examples of how? 

    Some people, when they first hear about our business, Vows & Speeches, mistakenly think that getting help with writing their vows might make it less personal. In actuality, our interview process helps us dive deeper into their story and feelings about their partner and their relationship then they would have on their own. Over and over again, it’s the specific details we’re able to dislodge—sometimes little moments or aspects of our client’s relationship—that make for the best moments in their vows. 

    Photo credit: Danny Dong

    3) Humor

    Every good relationship has an element of humor, so your vows should as well. Talk about what’s funny about you two. What makes you laugh? What do you tease each other about (that would be appropriate for a wedding). What do they do or collect that amuses you? What do they like that you hate, but can joke about? When we’re interviewing our clients, we’re looking for those fun parts that maybe won’t be laugh-out-loud jokes, but will put a smile on people’s faces and serve as a counterbalance and release from the heavily sentimental love stuff. Just don’t make jokes that could be potentially embarrassing, upsetting, or otherwise inappropriate for such an important moment. 

    Photo credit: Ben Ingram

    4) Roughly equal length and quality

    There is nothing more awkward that seeing one person say beautiful, fun, and meaningful vows that they clearly put a lot of time and thought into, and then it’s followed with vows that are super-short or clearly thrown together at the last minute after Googling “how to write wedding vows.” If one of you is struggling, lack the writing skills to put it together, or are just running out of time, then get help! We’re happy to help you make it shine. 

    Photo credit: Danny Dong

    5) Your actual vows have originality

    At the end, there are usually 3-4 actual vows or promises, and as with the other parts of the vows, you’ll want to avoid anything generic or commonly used. 

    Instead, make promises that speak to what you know about your partner, or what you hope to do to be a better partner to them. You can also have a bit of fun with them. It’s the personalization of the actual vows—the originality that is specific to you and your relationship—that will make them meaningful and more engaging.  

    Here are some examples:



    Vows & Speeches helps you find the words that are in your heart, and gives you the delivery coaching you need to make these moments everything they can be. If you would like some help to make your vows shine, or have questions, please reach out to [email protected], and for more information on Vows & Speeches, visit: https://vowsandspeeches.com    .

    Anja and Eric in the Redwoods

    Posted on by

    A career lawyer working 12-hour days and a Dutch engineer traveling worldwide for business – when such a super-busy power couple plans a wedding, they need help. A lot of help. Anja and Eric realized that fact early on and enlisted my company, A Day Like No Other, shortly after booking their venue. As avid outdoorspeople, they had chosen Nestldown Estate, a 36-acre property of natural Redwoods, manicured lawns, elegant event spaces and whimsical extras like a lifesize toy train, a giant sand sculpture, a fairytale cottage, flying dragons… it is truly one-of-a-kind!

    Our planning journey, as expected, happened with many starts and stops, depending on the couple’s workload and schedules. Catering, flowers, photo and video; music, guest entertainment, transportation and guest accommodations… there was a lot to be done! And finally, the Great Day had come.

    For bride Anja, the day started with hair and makeup services by Design Her Image…

    … while groom Eric was likewise busy with preparations.

    Time to present herself to her groom for the first time in all her wedding beauty – First Look!

    Photographer Ben Ingram and The Good Folk Film team captured every precious moment.

    Meanwhile, the teams of Nestldown, A Day Like No Other, La Bocca Fina Catering and florist Green Petal Designs were frantically working behind the scenes to get all preparations done in time. Guests began arriving via shuttle (Corinthian Ground Transportation), and our DJ Woody Miraglia of Big Fun Disc Jockeys began playing prelude music in the “Chapel,” a natural clearing amidst towering Redwoods, accessed by a long flight of stairs which make for the most dramatic walk “down the aisle.”

    The wedding ceremony was officiated by a longtime friend of the couple, and as such was very personal – and emotional.

    Just married! “You may kiss your bride!”

    While guests were invited to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, musically accompanied by Victoria Studio (Victoria Liu), a duo playing classic Chinese tunes on authentic Chinese instruments, the newlyweds had many more photos to take…

    Behind the scenes and unbeknowst to the guests, a Lion Dance Troupe (Lion Dance Me) was preparing for the big surprise of the day.

    Once dining tables had been set up…

    … guests were invited to attend the couple’s Tea Ceremony on the Main Lawn…

    … and after that, the drumroll started!

    Here come the cutest Chinese lions you’ve ever seen! They cozied up to the guests, batted their eyelashes and were altogether absolutely adorable.

    Guests were delighted, and then dinner took place “under the stars” and under twinkling lights, accentuated with toasts and speeches.

    After dinner, guests were invited to the “Barn” – the central function space at Nestldown – for Cake Cutting and dancing.

    The “Barn” is a barn just by name (and by its architectural style) – it is in fact a rustic-elegant event space with everything you might wish for, including a monumental crystal chandelier…

    … below which countless couples have performed their First Dance as husband and wife, just as these two here did. And except for the traditional Bouquet Toss and Cake Cutting…

    … it was all DANCE, DANCE, DANCE for the rest of the night.

    It was a truly unforgettable day. Anja’s and Eric’s Grand Send-off was the high point of the night:

    Bubbles…

    … and an exit in an authentic vintage London Taxi!

    Bon voyage!

    Allison and Jeston – whirlwind planning of a glamorous wedding

    Posted on by

    If I had to give this wedding a label, it would be “classic elegance and glamour – in time lapse.” Why? We planners at A Day Like No Other had just six weeks to plan the whole elegant affair… while the couple was managing a household move! Our last vendor contract was confirmed on the day before the event. It was intense, to say the least… BUT the result was beautiful, and bride and groom were super happy!

    Allison had chosen an incredible lace wedding dress with a long train and matching veil…

    … and a classic bouquet in stunning purple (all florals by Green Petal Designs).

    Here are their rings:

    Ready for one pre-ceremony photo (all photos: Danny Dong) – without seeing each other, though!

    After a wedding ceremony in their church, serenaded by harpist Aysha Gomez-Kureishi …

    … the couple left for photos in a vintage white Rolls Royce (from NLS).

    Off they went to the Redwoods, with their harpist bringing her gilded harp along!

    Isn’t that spectacular?!

    All the while, multiple vendor teams were hard at work to get everything ready for Allison’s and Jeston’s reception at the historic Peninsula Golf and Country Club – the venue team, my two production managers, Nimy and Deanna, the florist crew, and our Jazz trio (Magnolia Jazz). The gold-decorated wedding cake (from Copenhagen Bakery) was delivered, and when the newlyweds arrived, Cocktail Hour was already underway, and everything had been set up for dinner…

    … in the grand ballroom of the Clubhouse, beneath glamorous crystal chandeliers. The tables were adorned with lush floral centerpieces, part of them towering and part of them low and overflowing their silver compotes …

    Everybody was having a great time (including the newlyweds!) .. .

    … serenaded by the Magnolia Jazz Trio.

    Allison and Jeston shared their First Dance as a married couple…

    … and, following tradition, the bride tossed her bouquet to “all the single ladies.”

    What else? Cake cutting, of course!

    After that, it was only dancing, dancing, dancing… until the couple’s Grand Send-off!

    Wishing you a lifetime of happiness, Allison and Jeston!

    Are you inspired for your own wedding? Contact me at [email protected] for your free consultation.

    A Day Like No Other – wedding coordination and design

    “When only the best will do…”

    Aileen and Yao at the Presidential Penthouse Suite

    Posted on by

    Aileen and Yao were already planning their big, big wedding in their native Korea – but they also wanted to host a smaller event for their local friends in the San Francisco Bay Area. 50 guests, give or take… BUT elegant. What better place for that than famous Penthouse Suite in the Fairmont San Francisco, home to all US presidents and foreign dignitaries visiting the City. The couple booked my company, A Day Like No Other, to help with the festivities … and here we go!

    While photographer Allexa Crosson and videographer Sig Reboquio were already documenting all the pretty details, from rings to invitations to flowers…

    … the Fairmont staff under the leadership of event manager Jim Bast was busy repositioning furniture in the suite and starting kitchen operations.

    Bride and groom were getting dressed…

    … and florist Nancy Liu Chin delivered the bridal bouquet, boutonnieres and many, many floral arrangements for centerpieces and other tables. She also decorated the fountain on the patio with floating flowers…

    … for a romantic and very polished effect.

    Time for the couple’s First Look…

    … with the SF City skyline as their glorious backdrop. And then – many more photos!!

    Here in the famous Billiards Room – a Moroccan folly entirely decorated with elaborate tiles…

    … in the two-story library whose ceiling is decorated with the outlines of constellations and where a secret passageway to the rooftop opens behind a moveable bookshelf (an escape route for all the royalty and dignitaries staying here on a regular basis…

    … and in the elegant living room of the Penthouse apartment – adorned with intricately carved wood paneling, an elaborate fireplace surround and priceless antiques.

    After their ceremony, officiated by a friend on the patio overlooking the meanwhile foggy City skyline, it was time to party!

    Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres were served in the living room…

    … and the newlyweds raised a glass to their union. DJ Marcus Lee (from Paul Stylez Events) had the music going, and everyone was in a joyful, festive mood. In the meantime, the Jim Bast and the Fairmont team and my assistant Nimy and I were hard at work to get the dining room ready for dinner…

    Every place setting was adorned with a wedding-ring shaped sugar cookie…

    … and a handwritten personal Thank You note by the couple – a true “labor of love!”

    After dinner and speeches, Aileen and Yao were ready for their Grand Entrance …

    … and their choreographed First Dance:

    … followed by a truly “wild” Father-Daughter Dance to the tune of “Heartbreaker!”

    The rest of the evening was one big upbeat dance party, only interrupted by Cake Cutting (Cake by Intincing Creations).

    What a party! What’s next? Another REALLY big party back in the couple’s native Korea! Congratulations, Aileen and Yao!

    How Wedding Customs in the US and Europe Have Changed Over the Last 100 Years

    Posted on by

    Weddings have always been a celebration of love and commitment, but the way they’re celebrated has evolved dramatically over the past century. From grand traditions to modern twists, weddings in the US and Europe have seen fascinating changes that reflect shifts in culture, technology, and values.

    A Century Ago: Formality and Tradition

    In the early 20th century, weddings were steeped in tradition and formality. In both the US and Europe, church ceremonies were the norm, often followed by modest receptions at home or in community halls. Brides wore white gowns to symbolize purity, a custom popularized by Queen Victoria in the 19th century. Large family gatherings were a must, and couples typically adhered strictly to cultural and religious customs.

    For example, in Europe, weddings often included specific regional traditions, like the German Polterabend (breaking porcelain for good luck) or the French croquembouche tower instead of a tiered cake. Meanwhile, American weddings began incorporating unique trends, like elaborate bridal showers and printed invitations.

    Mid-20th Century: Economic Prosperity Meets Glamour

    The mid-century brought prosperity and, with it, more extravagant weddings. In the US, the post-war boom allowed for bigger celebrations, with fancy banquet halls, multi-tiered cakes, and elaborate photography sessions becoming the norm. Europe, too, saw a shift toward grander ceremonies as economic recovery took hold.

    Wedding dresses became more glamorous, with fuller skirts, lace details, and dramatic veils inspired by Hollywood. Some brides boldly did away with long veils in favor of face veils, headpieces or fascinators that still look chic today:

    Couples began personalizing their ceremonies, although religious and cultural traditions still played a significant role.

    In the 1980s and 90s, wedding dresses kept “growing,” becoming more elaborate and voluminous.

    Today: Personalization and Inclusivity

    Fast forward to the 21st century, and weddings have become all about personalization. In both the US and Europe, couples now have the freedom to design their weddings to reflect their unique stories. Rustic barn venues, destination weddings, and eco-friendly celebrations are all the rage.

    Cultural traditions still hold value, but many couples opt for less formal ceremonies or mix traditions from different backgrounds.

    From vintage-inspired beginnings to modern-day innovation, weddings in the US and Europe have transformed into a vibrant tapestry of love and creativity over the last 100 years.

    A & E – a magical late-summer wedding

    Posted on by

    In the first half of 2024, I had the pleasure of planning and designing a very special wedding event – a celebration for a very private couple whom we shall call here “A” and “E.” When I first met them, they were already legally married; they’d had an intimate, family-only ceremony in their backyard on an auspicious date by the Chinese horoscope. The “real party” had to wait – and THAT they entrusted to my company, A Day Like No Other.

    Our first task was to find an elegant venue with a view not too far from the couple’s home, and I was able to present several options to them. What they spontaneously loved was a spectacular place, perched high atop a mountain ridge with views from the Golden Gate Bridge to Silicon Valley: Thomas Fogarty Winery.

    The next vendor decision was an equally easy and spontaneous one: photography team Danny and Julia Dong who captured the magic of the location and the beauty of the occasion from start to finish. Collideskope videographers joined them and recorded all those precious moments throughout the day.

    After preparations at home …

    … with hair and makeup services by Wowpretty Salon, bride, groom and bridal party transferred to the venue (all transportation provided by Corinthian Ground Transportation) where many vendor teams were already hard at work to get everything set up in time. Florist Karen Baba of PlanDecor begun decorating the couple’s own arch, while the bride was helped into her elaborate, light platinum-colored dress …

    …by her bridesmaids.

    What an incredible train!

    After putting on her princess heels and receiving her gorgeous bridal bouquet, A. was ready to show herself to her “Prince Charming” …

    … who had likewise been prepared by his groomsmen.

    After their official First Look, bride and groom had many, many photos to take…

    … first only the two of them, and then with their attendants.

    Bride and bridesmaids were CLEARLY very happy with their flowers!

    Guests were already arriving (via Corinthian shuttles), and DJ Derek Mizuno of Entourage Events put the finishing touches on his sound setup, supporting the soloists who, as friends of the couple, were performing as well.

    The ceremony was officiated by a friend of the couple…

    … in bright sunshine and with a lot of joy and smiles!

    Just married! More photos for the newlyweds, while guests were treated to Fogarty wines and delicious hors d’oeuvres by Michi Catering and the photo booth (from Entourage Events) offered fun for everyone.

    Dinner is ready! The Michi team had set the tables with elegant gold-rimmed china, matching gold-toned flatware, pink glassware and with shimmering lavender napkins in a loose knot…

    … and florist Karen’s centerpieces provided a big pop of lively color – especially on the Sweetheart Table!

    The sunset on A & E’s wedding day was spectacular – unforgettable together with the endless views…

    Once dinner was over, everyone moved inside for Cake Cutting (cake by PQ Fung/ Pastry Atelier PQ) …

    … and dancing. The couple had practiced an intricate choreographed First Dance routine that left everyone utterly speechless.

    With that, the dance floor was officially open, and guests only took a short break to help themselves to the mouthwatering pastries from the dessert table (Pastry Atelier PQ).

    The conclusion of the evening was as spectacular as the day itself – with a shimmering bubble exit for the newlyweds!

    Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!

    Rachel and Jim – a one-of-a-kind union

    Posted on by

    Rachel and Jim had met and lived together for more than two decades, literally “growing old together,” and then they decided to make their union official – and for that occasion they were envisioning an elegant, warm celebration with their children, grandchildren and circle of the friends acquired over a lifetime. What better setting for such a one-of-a-kind wedding than the storied Fairmont San Francisco? So Rachel and Jim secured it for their venue. And then… they realized that a lot more needed to be planned. A whole lot more. I am honored that they chose my company, A Day Like No Other, to make their vision a reality. We jumped right in… and over a yearlong collaboration on vendor bookings, logistics, design and decor, we truly became good friends!

    The couple began their wedding day at their “homebase,” their room at the Fairmont….

    … with this unbeatable view of the City and the Bay.

    While Rachel had her hair done by her longtime hair stylist Eric Webb and her makeup applied by Tiffany Chiang of Design Her Image, photographer extraordinaire Kevin Chin captured the beautiful details.

    Then bride and groom helped each other getting ready …

    And even if they had seen each other during the morning preparations, Rachel wanted to have a traditional “First Look.” She was soooo excited!

    Here they are, on the glorious main staircase in the Fairmont lobby.

    It was so moving to see… and then it was time for many, many photos.

    Meanwhile, frantic preparations were underway to get everything ready in time for guest arrival, the ceremony and Cocktail Hour and, of course, for the reception with dinner and dancing. The Fairmont team, led by Corrine Mitten, had set everything up for us already (thank you!); florist Karen Baba of Plan Decor was busy decorating the chuppah on the Fairmont Rooftop Garden; DJ Tyler Huffman and the Rhonda Sauce Jazz Trio (both from Ivy Hill Entertainment) were getting situated for sound and music, and my assistant Deanna and I were coordinating the myriad details behind the scenes.

    We set up the WELCOME sign – which I had custom-designed based on the couple’s choice of invitation card, with a custom color scheme based on – you won’t believe it – the carpet pattern in the ballroom! Its elegant eggplant and antique gold arabesques were the inspiration for the whole color scheme, resulting in a very cohesive overall look and feel. These colors were ultimately chosen because they also fit so well with the bride’s dress choice of teal silk – the bridal bouquet and floral arrangements (from PlanDecor) were kept in rich jewel tones (the bride’s favorite colorway), again based on eggplant and gold.

    Next came the Guest Book table – with the signage again showing the motifs and colors of the invitations; the guest book cover picking up the eggplant hue, and the big floral arrangement playing along.

    Next up: Ketubah signing before the wedding ceremony.

    And with that, the two are actually MARRIED.

    The chuppah was waiting, resplendent in, you guessed it, eggplant, yellow and jeweltones …

    All guests had meanwhile arrived, and the great moment had come! To the tunes of Rascal Flatt’s God Bless the Broken Road (played by DJ Tyler Huffman of Ivy Hill Entertainment), Rachel and Jim walked down the aisle.

    The two “broke the traditional glass” TOGETHER…

    … and then the whole congregation broke out chanting “Mazel Tov” to the newlyweds.

    While the new couple enjoyed a little quiet retreat – and then had many more photos to take – their guests were treated to a Cocktail reception in the Pavilion Room ….

    … with live entertainment by the Rhonda Sauce jazz trio.

    Meanwhile, we all put the finishing touches on the elaborate dinner setup in the Crown Room…

    … where subtly shimmering eggplant-colored linens and napkins (from Napa Valley Linens) coordinated perfectly with the room’s interior and intimate lounge seating (from Hensley Event Resources) in the recesses of the ballroom invited guests to quiet conversations and little breaks from the festivities.

    The tall centerpieces, literally hovering above the dining tables, formed a lively color accent – without interfering with conversation across the table (something the groom had been adamant about!).

    To round out the lush, rich look and warm feel of the elegant ballroom, we added a large number of tall living plants – stunning palm tree varietals and huge Bird-of-Paradise plants (from Indoor Greenery) from the entrance steps to the whole perimeter and at strategic spots in the room.

    Guests found their table assignments through eggplant-colored escort cards in the exact same design as all other signage – just in an “inverted” colorway!

    Ready for dinner! The newlyweds kicked off the dinner-and-dancing portion of their celebration with their Grand Entrance and First Dance to the song How Sweet It Is by Marvin Gaye (professionally choreographed by and practiced with Cynthia Glinka of Dance with Glinka).

    With that, dinner service began, live music accompanied the feast, and many family members and guests proposed toasts and well-wishes. Once dinner was finished, Rachel and Jim had one more important task to accomplish: cutting their cake – traditionally the first shared task of a newlywed couple.

    Per our wishes, the talented Kelly Zubal of Inticing Creations had decorated the elegant white cake with the exact floral motif that formed the common thread from invitation to signage to wedding decor.

    Once that was done, everyone flocked to the dance floor to kick off the dance party with an exuberant Hora Dance during which, traditionally, the newlyweds are hoisted high up above the dancing crowd – and that’s exactly what we did!

    From that point on, there was no holding back on the dance floor, and DJ…. kept everyone exactly there! It was a wonderful, unforgettable celebration – and bride and groom were SO HAPPY!!

    Wishing you this happiness together for every single day, Rachel and Jim!

    A Meaningful Ceremony Ritual for YOU

    Posted on by

    Planning your wedding ceremony, you might be wondering how to make this core event of your wedding day personal to the two of you, and one of the most beautiful ways to do this is by incorporating a ritual that is meaningful to you – and that will be unforgettable to your guests.

    Many of my couples opt for lighting a “unity candle” together – which is great for indoors (e.g. in a church), but can be tricky outdoors, as even a slight breeze might blow it out.

    If your ceremony is taking place outdoors, you could alternatively blend sand as a symbol of your irreversible union…

    … or blend wine, to express that same sentiment.

    There are more options – you could plant a tree together, symbolizing your growing and thriving relationship…

    … or you could, in a nostalgic twist, release doves…

    …. or butterflies, to celebrate the occasion.

    I hope this is giving you a few ideas for YOUR ceremony!