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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
Wedding cakes are the undisputed highlights of any wedding celebration! Over the course of my more than 200 wedding events, I’ve seen my share of spectacular, glamorous, beautiful cakes – and here they are!
Buttercream and fresh flowers
Classic and never going out of style…
Megan Reeves Photography
Photo credit: ADLNO
Colored or textured buttercream
Incredible what’s possible with that approach…
Shhivika Chauhan Photography
Duy Ho Photography
Presentation cake – small but pretty
Small size, but huge impact! My all-time favorite… sooo elegant!
Gavin Farrington Photography
Sheer glamour
Towering confections or gleaming gold… we’ll get you dreaming!
Toan Ven Photography
Usman B. Photography
Fondant artistry
A fondant covering allows for limitless artistic expression of the cake decorator, be it Art Deco or Rococo motifs…
Jessica Stout Photography
Tuan B. Photography
Otherworldly illusion cakes
With fondant coverings, even illusion wedding cakes are possible – the first one a suitcase (referencing the couple’s love of travel, complete with destination stickers) topped with a stack of hyperrealistic books (the bride and groom are mathematicians – they choose the titles of their favorite math books). The second cake mimics a stack of Tiffany boxes, with one REAL Tiffany jewelry box integrated into the design. This cake had to be guarded till showtime!
Photo credit: ADLNO
Kevin Chin Photography
I am sure you are getting hungry… which one is your favorite?!
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.
One of my favorite design aspects for any wedding I create is the floral decor for the wedding dinner. The style is, of course, a reflection of the overall aesthetic of that given wedding celebration – so here are the absolute frontrunners in my wedding design practice.
Rustic green garland with flowers and fruits
For an elevated rustic style, the all-time favorite is a green garland with flowers and fruits on bare wooden “harvest” tables:
Isn’t that pretty? Combine with beautiful crossback chairs, ceramic plates, maybe colored glassware and even gold-toned cutlery – guests will LOVE it.
Classic elegance in white
For a classic-elegant look, you can never go wrong with white-on-white high/low centerpieces; either double-height like in this image, or half the tables with a tall arrangement and the other half, alternating, with low arrangements. Roses, lilies and orchids are the “gold standard” for this look.
Add shimmering white linens, gold-rimmed china and either upholstered dining chairs or gold-toned “Chiavari” chairs – and voila! Timeless elegance.
A dream in pink
Lastly – the ever-popular romantic pastel palette AND floral chandeliers! That’s how to create “WOW” at your wedding…
Matching draping of the perimeter, chair covers with a bow and an abundance of candlelight complete this dreamy look. Just be aware that not all venues allow to hang something from the ceiling (and floral chandeliers are surprisingly heavy!) – so ask first before you order.
We expect that in 2025, weddings will be all about personalization, sustainability, and immersive experiences that create unforgettable memories. Couples are opting for intimate celebrations with unique elements, leaving a lasting impression on guests. From eco-friendly practices to cutting-edge technology, here’s a look at the top trends that we at A Day Like No Other foresee transforming the wedding landscape in 2025.
1. Eco-Friendly Weddings 🌱
With a growing focus on sustainability, couples are choosing to make eco-conscious choices for every aspect of their wedding, from invitations to decor. Biodegradable confetti, plantable invitations, and locally-sourced catering are becoming popular. Minimalist designs, such as using seasonal flowers or potted plants as decor, add to the sustainable ethos. Would that be the right thing for you?
2. High-Tech Touches and Virtual Components 💻
Technology is enhancing wedding experiences through augmented reality (AR), drones, and live-streaming. Couples can now invite guests who can’t attend in person through VR technology, creating an immersive experience. Digital guest books and AR photo booths are also becoming staples. Since the vast majority of MY clients are working in high tech in Silicon Valley, I will definitely offer such suggestions to them!
3. Personalized Wedding Attire 👗
Brides and grooms are opting for custom-made attire that reflects their personalities. Some are choosing bold colors, while others are selecting multifunctional outfits that can transform from ceremony to reception style. Non-traditional choices, such as jumpsuits, detachable skirts, and embroidered accessories, are popular. One of my latest couples celebrated their cultural heritage – bride Gypsy, groom Viking – in their wedding attire, similar to the photo below. The gentlemen actually wore raw furs as collars!
4. Micro-Weddings with Macro Experiences 🌍
The trend of intimate weddings continues, with couples investing in high-quality experiences for a smaller guest list. Micro-weddings allow for unique touches like destination ceremonies, gourmet tasting menus, and elaborate, multi-day celebrations. The latest dream destinations: St. Barth’s, Anguilla, Bora Bora… and of course Iceland, which is still a big trend.
5. Bold Color Schemes and Statement Florals 💐
Couples are embracing bold colors like emerald green, royal blue, and deep burgundy for a striking look. Statement florals, such as oversized arrangements or flowers suspended from the ceiling, add drama to the decor. Floral arches and hanging gardens are also gaining popularity. It’s really, “Go big or go home!”
6. Interactive Food and Drink Stations 🍹
Interactive dining experiences are a huge hit in 2025. Couples are setting up live cooking stations, custom cocktail bars, and dessert stations where guests can personalize their orders. Think DIY pizza bars, gourmet s’mores stations, and signature cocktail mixology sessions. One of my recent couples had a sushi roll station, another one a creme brulee bar (with custom toppings). The possibilities are nearly endless!
7. Unique Venue Choices 🏞️
Traditional venues are taking a back seat to unique, offbeat locations. In 2025, couples are choosing to host weddings at unconventional venues such as art galleries, botanical gardens, rustic barns, and even ancient ruins. Outdoor weddings at vineyards or mountaintops are still trendy. I have done wedding ceremonies on the decks of historic tallships and chartered yachts… one in a recording studio where celebrities like Willie Nelson did recordings… one at Monterey Bay Aquarium, one at the SF Academy of Sciences. Are you already getting inspired?!
8. Interactive Entertainment 🎶
From live bands to immersive experiences like magicians or caricature artists, couples want entertainment that engages guests. Silent discos, hologram performers, and interactive storytelling for speeches are emerging as popular options. Several of my couples have booked artists to capture the wedding day through live painting. We’ve had dance instruction in Charleston moves for a Great Gatsby-themed wedding; there are poets for hire who will write a haiku for each guest. Again, so many possibilities!
9. Weekday Weddings 📅
To save costs and access more availability, couples are increasingly opting for weekday weddings. They often add unique elements like a weekend getaway for guests or hosting pre-wedding dinners and post-wedding brunches to create a multi-day celebration. And the cost savings are substantial! (That is, if you choose Monday through Thursday – Friday weddings are already considered “regular” wedding days…). Just keep in mind that your guests would have to take days off to attend; a weekday date might make it impossible for some.
10. Modern Wedding Registries 🎁
Traditional registries are being replaced by experiential gifts. While in the past, it was considered rude and very bad style to ask for cash gifts, the rules have relaxed in the last few years. Couples are opting for cash funds towards home renovations, honeymoon adventures, or contributions toward experiences like cooking classes or wine tastings, instead of the standard kitchenware and appliances. Chinese couples have always been and are still in luck here: cash gifts in the famous “red envelopes” are a time-honored tradition in the Chinese culture. No etiquette fauxpas here!
Conclusion:
We at A Day Like No Other anticipate that 2025 will be a year of breaking traditions and embracing innovation in the wedding industry. From sustainable choices to high-tech enhancements, each trend is about creating a memorable, personalized experience. Couples are encouraged to prioritize their values, invest in quality over quantity, and create a celebration that truly represents them.
Brides.com and minted.com have agreed on the new Wedding Color of the Year 2025, and it is BEAUTIFUL!
‘Verona sunset’ is a vibrant hue between burnt orange and terracotta, and as such definitely living up to its name… the terracotta tone of Tuscany and the glowing orange of a fiery sunset. It’s warm, positive, inviting… and therefore, we here at A Day Like No Other have been using it again and again in the past!
You want proof? Here you go!
Ben Ingram Photography
Ben Ingram Photography
These photos show a wedding last September – we love to combine this accent color with adjacent sunset hues, like in this gorgeous bridal bouquet:
Ben Ingram Photography
Another example – from last year October:
JJ Chen Photography
JJ Chen Photography
More examples – from a wedding in 2019 (yes, we were a full five years ahead!!)
Danny Dong Photography
Danny Dong Photography
I hope you are now inspired!! WE can’t wait to integrate this gorgeous color into our 2025 wedding designs.
