Expert interviews: florist Marie Krick of Laurel & Vine

Marie and I have collaborated on numerous wedding projects for more than a decade, some modest in size, and some requiring a whole army of florists for installation. No matter the scope, Marie is always prepared, having everything planned out meticulously ahead of time. But aside from that, she is also flexible and able to change plans in the moment – a vital skill in the events business!

What is your specific strength as a florist?

 I am good at thinking on my feet. There are so many unforeseen circumstances that come up on wedding days, and I have always been able to accommodate my couples’ “wedding day emergencies” with some quick “flower thinking.”

Photo credit: Sandra Fazzino
Photo credit: Sandra Fazzino
Photo credit: Sandra Fazzino

– What is your style? Your approach to your work?

My signature style is “garden with a touch of wild whimsy.” My approach is to stay very organized on the back end. I plan exactly how many stems of each variety will be going into each design months before the wedding. This allows for efficient, elegant, and confident designing.

– What does it take to deliver stunning wedding flowers?

Understanding each variety and its unique needs is key. Some roses need just one day outside of the cooler to open to perfection. Others need four. Some varieties shouldn’t be in the cooler at all. Knowing how to time the care and handling of each flower makes for stunning wedding flowers.

Photo credit: Kreate Photography

What is the difference between low-quality and high-quality floral decor?

Low quality florals aren’t given “love.” They aren’t trimmed, misted with water, or kept at the correct temperature and therefore may not hold up on a wedding day. They’re also poorly designed by someone who was most likely rushing or simply didn’t have the knowledge of basic design principles that would enable them to impart the “wow factor.”

Photo credit: Danny Dong
Photo credit: Danny Dong

Why are wedding flowers so expensive?

Flowers in general are considered a luxury. But most couples want more than just “everyday” flowers. They want special varieties such as garden roses, Icelandic poppies, and butterfly ranunculus. These more “special” varieties usually cost more than flowers you would find in a typical grocery store. 

Most couples are also looking for well-designed flowers. This means that they’re hiring a florist for his/her time and expertise beyond just the physical blooms. And if the wedding day includes numerous large flower installations, the florist needs to bring a team to help him/her set it up. That labor gets expensive, especially if your florist (hopefully) is paying a fair wage to his/her employees.

Photo credit: Danny Dong
Photo credit: Danny Dong
Photo credit: Danny Dong

What else would you like to add?

If couples are wanting to get the most “bang” for their buck, I recommend focusing on putting larger and more impressive floral designs where guests will be looking and spending time the most. Think: altar design, bar flowers, sweetheart table, etc. Put the bulk of your budget in these places, and then you can cut back in other areas if needed.

Photo credit: Juniper Spring

Expert interviews: Photographer Kevin Chin

Another insight into the ground rules for wedding photography from acclaimed San Francisco photographer Kevin Chin with whom I have worked on many weddings – and his photos are always fantastic! Elegant, capturing the atmosphere and the moment AND all the pretty details – a balanced approach to capturing a wedding, and always stunning!

How did you get into photography? And, in particular, into WEDDING photography? What is it that fascinates you about it?

Like many people, photography started as a hobby for me.  I was always the one taking photos on family vacations and gatherings.  I started taking photos of my friends for fun.  From there, people started to ask me to shoot their family portraits and weddings.  The rest is history.  Weddings are the most important day in a person’s life, and I feel privileged and honored to capture their special day.  Experiencing the joy and emotions of a wedding day is something that I never get tired of.

“What is your specific style and why?”

I would say I incorporate a mixture of many different styles when shooting a wedding.  You need to well-versed in many photography styles to capture all the different elements of a wedding.  I am very good at posing my couples to flatter their body characteristics and their style to make them look their best.  I’m also good at observing and capturing real candid moments throughout the day.  And, of course, I use my creative eye to capture all the pretty details of the wedding day that the couple has chosen, which include the wedding dress, flowers, decor, venue, etc.  I also take into account what style of photography my couple is looking for.  Some prefer candids and don’t like posing for photos, while others want beautiful posed portraits and want to look like a model.  I try to capture a good mixture of everything, but I’m happy to accommodate their preferences.

“How have you evolved as a photographer?”

I have been a professional photographer for over 30 years.  I have gone from shooting film to digital.  I have always strived to shoot in a classic style that will not look dated over time.  During the film days when there weren’t any previews of the photos you were shooting, with practice and experience, I developed a repertoire of poses and key shots that I knew would always work and that every couple would like.  These were the “safe shots” or “money shots” that I knew I had mastered and that I could rely on for every wedding.  When digital came around, I was able to experiment more because I could see a preview of the images as I was shooting.  This gave me the freedom to experiment more which, I feel, made me a more creative photographer.  I feel I offer the best of both worlds because I learned the fundamentals of photography with film and became even more creative with digital technology.


“How do you connect with couples?”

My couples tell me that they appreciate my calm demeanor and easygoing personality.  This is something that is appreciated on the wedding day because it helps the couple stay calm on their wedding day.

“What is the difference between an experienced professional photographer and laypeople shooting with their cellphone cameras?”

Wedding photography is the one category that couples should invest in wisely because when the wedding is over, all you have left are your wedding photos.  You want to make sure you invest in an experienced professional photographer that can capture all the different events of a wedding day.  As I mentioned before, a professional photographer should be experienced with capturing flattering portraits, candids that capture authentic moments, and beautiful detail and venue shots.

These different photography styles is what it takes to capture the true essence of the wedding day.  You may love the style of your photographer that you are about to choose, but make sure they are experienced on how a wedding day flows.  This is important because you want to make sure your photographer doesn’t miss any key moments such as the first kiss, the first dance, etc.  Once the moment is over, it’s over.  There are no second takes on a wedding day.

“Why is wedding photography expensive?”

You pay for what you get!

“Anything else you want to add?”

Whomever you pick as your photographer, you want to make sure you get along with that person because your photographer will be with starting with you putting on the dress until the last dance.  You want to make sure that you like this person and that you vibe with their personality.

NorCal special: my favorite wedding venues

The famed Fairmont San Francisco

Where even to begin?

Iconic landmark. Prestigious historic mansion. Refuge of American presidents and foreign dignitaries. Even: movie set (for “The Rock” with Sean Connery!). The Fairmont San Francisco is all of this – and more. Walk its corridors, and see a whole gallery of the history of the City by the Bay – narrated through visits of the rich and famous, cultural icons and politicians to this incredible hotel.

Photo credit: Kevin Chin
Photo credit: Evonne and Darren

What better place for an elegant, sophisticated wedding celebration? Especially for an authentic San Francisco flavor, AND for true million-dollar views.

Photo credit: Kevin Chin

Whether you are just enjoying an intimate elopement dinner in your room in the Fairmont Tower…

Photo credit: Gavin Farrington

… or have your big ceremony and dinner and dancing here, it will be an unforgettable celebration!

The Rooftop Garden is a perfect spot for outdoor ceremonies…

Photo credit: Kevin Chin

… while the adjacent Pavilion Room with its incredible Art Deco chandelier lends itself to indoor ceremonies.

Photo credit: Evonne and Darren
Photo credit: Evonne and Darren

Photo opportunities in the hotel include the majestic main staircase…

Photo credit: Myrtle Photography

… the lavishly appointed lobby …

Photo credit: Evonne and Darren

… the Rooftop Garden …

Photo credit: Myrtle Photography

… and, of course, the double-height Penthouse Suite where all American presidents stay when they visit San Francisco.

Photo credit: Evonne and Darren
Photo credit: Evonne and Darren
Photo credit: Allexa Crosson

You can, of course, have your whole wedding in this Penthouse Suite – it can accommodate up to 100 guests for a ceremony on the patio, cocktails in the living room, dinner in the dining room and, if you wish, dancing, too! And the best thing? Once your guests have left, you can simply stay and spend the night in one of the most luxurious bedrooms you’ve ever seen!

But we are getting ahead of ourselves… for a bigger wedding party, there are several glamorous ballrooms to choose from for dinner and dancing:

Photo credit: Kevin Chin
Photo credit: Myrtle Photography

… always with elegant tabletop items like silver chargers and cutlery included.

Photo credit: Gavin Farrington

And once the party is over, just look out over the City, together as a married couple. Nothing beats this romantic moment!

Photo credit: Evonne and Darren

So … now you know why the Fairmont is high up on my personal “Favorites” list! And the best thing: I’ll be back in a few months to create more wedding magic there… can’t wait!

Contact me at [email protected] for your free consultation.

A Day Like No Other – wedding coordination and design

“When only the best will do…”

NorCal special: my favorite wedding venues

Allied Arts Guild – my choice for smaller weddings

Allied Arts Guild is one of those hidden gems – you just have to see it to believe it! Tucked away behind high walls and hedges in the heart of Silicon Valley, Allied Arts Guild is a serene historic garden oasis, offering peace and beauty in our fast-paced world. Only minutes away from Stanford University and Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto, it truly feels a world away. Built in 1929 as a workplace for artists in authentic Spanish style and adorned with authentic tiles and objects of art from Spain, Tunis and Morocco…

Photo credit: Vicens Forns
Photo credit: Vicens Forns
Photo credit: Juan Pinnel

… this unique compound of art studios and a restaurant (Café Wisteria) serves to raise funds for critically ill children at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. Resident artists today range from jewelry designers to fashion designers to interior designers and everything in between, and the onsite Artisan Shop is noted for its exquisite handmade art pieces and lovely vintage items.

Photo credit: Augie Chang
Photo credit: Juan Pinnel

The whole complex is available to rent for intimate weddings up to 140 guests, with indoor/outdoor options both for ceremony …

Photo credit: Vicens Forns
Photo credit: Vicens Forns

… and reception.

Photo credit: Vicens Forns
Photo credit: Juan Pinnel
Photo credit: Vicens Forns
Photo credit: Vicens Forns
Photo credit: Vicens Forns

Now you know why I love Allied Arts Guild so much!

Intrigued? Contact Events DirectorTiana Wong for a tour or call 650-325-2450 and let us at A Day Like No Other help you to make your vision become reality!

NorCal special: my favorite wedding venues!

Today: Villa Montalvo, Saratoga

Photo credit: Danny Dong

Where even to begin?! One of the most beautiful historic mansions in the San Francisco Bay Area, it was built in 2011 for then-San Francisco mayor James Duval Phelan; the surrounding 160 acres of meadow and forest were transformed into a manicured park in the Italianate style by John McLaren (who also designed Golden Gate Park). The name “Villa Montalvo” is a reference to popular 16th-century Spanish writer Garci Ordóñez de Montalvo, who first coined the name “California.” At his death, Senator Phelan was explicit in his bequest of Villa Montalvo. “I would like Villa Montalvo, to be maintained as a public park and for the development of the arts.” And that is exactly what happened! Today, the villa welcomes elegant weddings for up to 250 guests with indoor/outdoor options – so you are literally covered even in case of inclement weather.

Photo credit: Danny Dong
Photo credit: Danny Dong

One of the property’s most popular ceremony sites is the Love Temple, set inside the Italianate Garden at the bottom of the Great Lawn. A wide, rose-lined brick path flanked by antique marble statues leads to this open-air, white-columned pavilion, and couples wed in view of the surrounding garden with the Villa and woods in the background.

Photo credit: Todd Rafalovich

Directly behind the Villa, the Oval Garden offers a lush, intimate setting complete with classical statuary and wisteria-covered pergolas. A brick pathway serves as the center aisle, and a columned arcade makes a stately backdrop for exchanging vows. A third ceremony option is the new West Lawn Garden, which can accommodate 300+ guests.

Photo credit: Todd Rafalovich

While the newlyweds are photographed on the picturesque grounds, family and friends enjoy cocktails either in the West Lawn Garden or the scenic Spanish Courtyard.

Photo credit: Danny Dong

Receptions follow on the Villa’s broad veranda, where everyone is treated to splendid garden vistas and the occasional visiting deer (and which can even be enclosed, should the weather not cooperate!)

Photo credit: Todd Rafalovich

The Villa’s interior is equally impressive. All of the first floor’s adjoining rooms open onto the veranda, creating a wonderful flow to your event. The huge Main Hall at the center of the house boasts a high, beamed ceiling, gilded chandeliers and an enormous fireplace. The Hall is often used for dancing, its many French doors left open so that the music carries out to guests relaxing in the adjacent courtyard and on the veranda.

Photo credit: Wanderlust Photography

Other unique gathering spots include the handsome Library, paneled with rare New Zealand walnut, and the Dining Room, a cozy salon with a century-old fireplace and richly paneled walls.

Perhaps the Villa’s most charming space is the Solarium, the perfect niche to showcase the wedding cake.

Photo credit: Danny Dong

And that’s not all: The entire upstairs is reserved for the wedding party and their immediate family. The three spacious suites include a lavish dressing room, with its own balcony overlooking the Great Lawn.

In short: Villa Montalvo is the PERFECT wedding venue – offering privacy, elegance, historic ambiance and innumerable beautiful spots, year round. No wonder I love it so much for my couples…

Photo credit: Danny Dong

Intrigued? Contact venue manager Bri Banners at [email protected], and for all your wedding planning needs, contact me at [email protected] for your free consultation.

A Day Like No Other – wedding coordination and design

“When only the best will do…”

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Expert florist interview: Nancy Liu Chin

Nancy and I are going back more than a decade… and I have come to highly appreciate her very elegant approach to wedding flowers. For example, she is not using any “fillers” – and that, of course, makes her arrangements more beautiful (but also more expensive). It’s true – she is a luxury wedding florist! Just admire the stunning floral decor she creates… and learn from her insights!

Behind the Blooms: A Florist’s Approach to Luxury Wedding Flowers

🌿✨ Ever wonder what goes into creating breathtaking wedding florals? Here’s a little insight into my world as a florist!


What is your specific strength as a florist?


What sets me apart is that I don’t just design as a floral designer—I design as an event designer. My work isn’t just about making arrangements look beautiful; it’s about crafting a full guest experience. Every floral element is placed with intention—how it looks, feels, photographs, and enhances the atmosphere for both the couple and their guests.

I’m also too practical to design just for a trend. Trends come and go, but a well-designed event is timeless. Our design philosophy is rooted in my instantly recognizable belief that florals should complement, not compete with the space, the setting, and the guest experience. I approach every event with this mindset, ensuring that the floral design elevates the event in a way that feels intentional and seamlessly integrated.

What does it take to deliver stunning wedding flowers?


Beyond beautiful blooms, it takes:
✔ Designing with Purpose – Every arrangement is curated for its aesthetic, functionality, and impact on the event flow.
✔ Expert Curation – Sourcing the freshest, most stunning blooms to create the perfect palette and texture.
✔ Seamless Collaboration – Working closely with planners, venues, and other vendors to ensure every detail aligns.
✔ Flexibility & Quick Thinking – No event goes 100% as planned, so adapting without sacrificing design integrity is key.

💡 Real-Life Solution:
One of the most complex installations I ever tackled was designing an orchid chandelier where the rigging point was on the 2nd floor, but guests were entering from the Mezzanine. The strands had to hang 27 feet down, so I had to engineer a way to suspend a grid from the 2nd floor opening that extended all the way to the Mezzanine.

On top of that, each strand had to be prepped in advance to avoid tangling—one wrong move, and we’d have a massive floral mess before the event even started! It took careful planning, precision rigging, and an eye for both aesthetics and logistics.

That’s the level of detail we go to—designing florals that not only look breathtaking but are also executed flawlessly.


Why are wedding flowers so expensive?


Great question! The cost isn’t just about the flowers—it’s about everything that goes into creating a flawless execution:

💐 Premium Blooms – Many wedding flowers are imported, seasonal, or require careful handling.
👩‍🎨 Expert Design & Labor – Designing, processing, arranging, and installing florals takes skilled professionals and hours of work.
🚛 Logistics & Setup – Transporting fragile blooms, setting up installations, and ensuring everything looks perfect under a tight timeline.
📆 Event-Day Execution – Unlike home flowers, wedding florals must be flawless for one day only, requiring meticulous planning.

A wedding is a one-shot production—and florals are a critical part of that visual storytelling.

Evoto

What’s the Difference Between Low-Quality and High-Quality Floral Décor?

It all starts with the artisan’s mission, execution, and service.

💐 Low-quality florals feel like an afterthought—generic, uninspired, and poorly executed. They lack careful sourcing, handling, and attention to detail, often arriving wilted, misplaced, or unfinished.

🌿 High-quality florals aren’t just about expensive blooms—it’s about how even a simple carnation is cared for, how a bunch of sweet peas is watched for days, and how upon delivery, wilting flowers are replaced, glass is wiped, and centerpieces are placed perfectly.

Luxury floral design is about craftsmanship and precision—but also having enough skilled hands on site to ensure everything is installed on time, adjusted, and perfected. It’s about going beyond expectations, so the final product feels effortless, polished, and truly extraordinary.

“What else do you want to add?”


Great floral design is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about how it makes people feel. It’s about creating an atmosphere, a memory, an experience. When done right, florals don’t just decorate a space—they transform it.

Our design is intended to reflect my instantly recognizable belief that wedding florals should be more than just pretty arrangements—they should be part of the guest experience, an extension of the event design, and a defining element of the celebration.

For me, florals are never just about flowers. They’re about elevating the event, enhancing the guest experience, and making a moment unforgettable💫

Expert interviews: photographer Todd Rafalovich

On how to choose your perfect wedding photographer

“How did I get into photography? And why am I fascinated by weddings?

I believe both my twin brother and I got the artistic genes from my mother. She was an art major in college. Definitely not from my dad; he had an engineering mind.  Though I didn’t draw, I picked up a camera (film of course) when I was a child. And I fooled around with photography through high school. Taking pictures of friends and family. Then, after graduating college, wanting to travel and not sit behind a desk, I started modeling. This gave me freedom to travel (which is a big part of my photography journey now) and I met and worked with some of the best photographers around the world. In a way, modeling was my photography school. I learned “in front of the camera” (as a model) how to direct my subjects from behind the camera (as a photographer). After traveling extensively during my 20’s, I felt it was time to settle down, and photography was a very natural progression as I had been involved in image creating for many years already. Since I was very comfortable around people (traveling and working on so many fashion sets), I felt I had more than enough experience in directing people to create “fashionable portraits.” Combining this with the non-stop photojournalistic photography that I did while traveling, I felt I was groomed for wedding photography (the culmination of both portraiture and photojournalism, set in a high pace environment). It didn’t take long before I was booking jobs in the Bay Area, Southern California, Texas, and a number of other cities around the US.

So what brought me to weddings was my previous experience, what kept me immersed in the wedding industry was: 1) The incredible satisfaction of capturing once in a lifetime moments to preserve forever, and the connection and appreciation from my clients. 2) The wonderful network of vendors that I worked with regularly at these events. From wedding coordinators, to caterers, to florists, and the venue operators. I was working two, or three events every weekend so we got to know each there very well. They were my extended family. 

What is my specific style, and why?

Photography, is a visual representation on how I view the world. This is what makes each artist different. I love the spontaneity and unpredictability  of life. It fascinates me. Having the vision and skill to capture these fleeting moments in a way that expresses the feeling and emotions of that instance is inspiring. This is the photojournalist in me. Along with that, composing and directing “set shots” that bring out the best in whoever I work with, is another rewarding aspect of wedding photography. This is the fashion side of me. So, fashion-photojournalism is the best description of my style. 

How have I evolved as a photographer?

With any art, or job for that matter, you bring all of your experiences to the table when you go to work. Everything! So, year after year I expand my portfolio of knowledge. To date, I have a portfolio extending over 30 years. This experience includes something like a thousand weddings, countless portrait sessions, hundreds of corporate events,  many wonderful family shoots, and traveling and photographing people and cultures in 6 continents (about 50 counties). I evolve everyday I shoot. I come to each session with an incredible amount of previous experience, but, I approach each situation with a “new set of eyes,” as each person, and situation will present new opportunities to create unique images. That is what keeps me inspired and engaged in every shoot I take on. Photography, like life, is a never ending process of learning and experiencing. To really accel in any business, it is critical to always be curious and want to expand on your previous experience. 

How do I connect with couples?

I have always had a very calm demeanor. I believe this sense of peace resonates with my clients. Then, because I have so much experience, and have seen so much over 30+ years of photography, my confidence is evident. The combination of a calm demeanor and visible confidence, polite but purposeful direction,  puts my couples at ease.  They know they are in good hands. 

What is the difference  between a professional and part time photographer with a cell phone?

As mentioned before, weddings are a culmination of different types of photography. First, there are the “set”, or posed photos. These take a creative vision, and the skills to direct the subjects to get the desired result. Not necessarily an easy task unless the photographer is very accomplished, and has the full trust and attention of the subjects to make the posing go quickly and seamlessly. I am very good att this. Second, the photojournalistic aspect of weddings takes: anticipation, then instantaneous decision on angle, lens use, camera settings, etc. in order to fully portray the moment in a meaningful way. Both aspects involve experience and creativity. That doesn’t mean that a “non-pro” can’t take a good image. But, it takes someone with extensive experience and creativity to create powerful images on a consistent basis. 

Why is wedding photography expensive?

People are paying for years and years of experience. There is no substitute for time. Also, the artists unite, one of a kind, creativity. Their vision cannot be replicated or copied. 

Yes, a ’non-pro” photographer can shoot a wedding and probably be much less expensive. But there is no doubt that the quality of the imagery, and the experience working with that photographer will be very different from an accomplished professional. Also, a wedding is a “one shot” deal. There are no “re-do’s” in wedding photography. Everything has to be done right, at that very moment. 

Beyond the “day of performance”, there is the post production work (editing) of the imagery. Most weddings are typically a one day event, but the post production can take many days. It’s not unusual to spend 40 or 50 hours in post production to create the final product.

To sum up my thoughts on wedding photography and booking the one that will work for you, I would consider a few things-

  1. Look carefully at how the photographer takes both candid and posed images. Does the style resonate with you? Also try to look at a lot of images, especially ones that are relevant to your event (Indoor? Outdoor? Formal? Casual?)
  2. The photographer is with you throughout the day. ALL DAY. How comfortable you are in their presence will affect you on the day, and the images that are created.
  3. Trust. Having trust is critical on the day of (no second guessing) as well as knowing that the person will deliver a product you are happy with in a timely manner.

Todd Rafalovich     [email protected].   650.619.0915

Follow our travels and stories on Instagram!

https://www.instagram.com/toddrafalovich

How to write great vows: The 5 key elements

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
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Anja and Eric in the Redwoods

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

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…”