NorCal special: my favorite wedding venues!

Posted on February 27, 2025 by jlammerts

Today: Villa Montalvo, Saratoga

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!)

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.

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.

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…

Intrigued? Contact venue manager Bri Banners at bbanners@montalvoarts.org, and for all your wedding planning needs, contact me at jutta@daylikenoother.com for your free consultation.

A Day Like No Other – wedding coordination and design

“When only the best will do…”

Expert florist interview: Nancy Liu Chin

Posted on February 27, 2025 by jlammerts

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.

“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

Posted on February 23, 2025 by jlammerts

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-

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?)
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.
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 info@toddrafalovich.com. 650.619.0915

Follow our travels and stories on Instagram!

https://www.instagram.com/toddrafalovich

How to write great vows: The 5 key elements

Posted on February 19, 2025 by jlammerts

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 brian@vowsandspeeches.com, and for more information on Vows & Speeches, visit: https://vowsandspeeches.com.

Anja and Eric in the Redwoods

Posted on February 11, 2025 by jlammerts

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 February 7, 2025 by jlammerts

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 jutta@daylikenoother.com 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 January 7, 2025 by jlammerts

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!

A & E – a magical late-summer wedding

Posted on December 20, 2024 by jlammerts

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 December 19, 2024 by jlammerts

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!

Creating magic through lighting

Posted on November 13, 2024 by jlammerts

What’s MY magic wand for creating ambiance? Lighting. It can transform any room dramatically, enhance its beauty and make less-attractive areas literally disappear in the shadows.

And here are the dramatic changes in what a room can look like…

with regular white lighting:

… or with gold-toned uplights around the perimeter…

… or transformed into a sensuous lounge with dimmed ceiling lights and dark red uplights…

… or with a “clubby” vibe in purple:

… or back to elegance with gold-toned pinspots on the individual tables:

… or (my personal favorite) illuminated by candlelight!

Point made – the room looks and feels totally different in different light.

Which one is YOUR favorite?

Wedding Woof

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