NorCal special: my favorite wedding venues

Posted on March 3, 2025 by jlammerts

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.

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

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

… 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…

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

Photo opportunities in the hotel include the majestic main staircase…

… the lavishly appointed lobby …

… the Rooftop Garden …

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

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:

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

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

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!

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 [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…”

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 florist interview: Marie Krick of Laurel&Vine

Posted on February 26, 2025 by jlammerts

I have worked with Marie many, many times over the years, and we have really become friends. We know we can fully rely on each other – and so I have never before asked her how she even approaches and does her work (it always came out fantastic… so why ask?). But with so much experience she has to share, I now did ask her – also for you, my readers!

“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 been able to accommodate my couples’ “wedding day emergencies” with some quick ‘flower thinking.’

“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.

“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 give the “wow factor.”

“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 find in a typical grocery store.

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

“What else do you want 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.

Expert interview: Florist Karen Baba of Plandecor

Posted on February 23, 2025 by jlammerts

How to choose your perfect wedding florist

“What is your specific strength as a florist?“

Attention to detail and the importance of understanding my clients’ vision.

“What is your style? Your approach to your work?”

My style varies depending on the client and venue. But personally I prefer a romantic, unique “garden-y” look…but I also love working with contemporary designs.

“What does it take to deliver stunning wedding flowers?”

Determination and attention to detail

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

Basically the types of flowers you choose, attention to detail, containers, specialized unique decorative items – and the desire to be the best!

“Why are wedding flowers so expensive?”

A lot of labor goes into creating an event, and the cost of the flowers themselves, the containers, mechanics etc.

“What else do you want to add?”

There’s nothing better than hearing from your client that you exceeded all their expectations and that their guests raved. That is what makes what we do worthwhile. And working with great vendors like you Jutta….thank you xx

Karen Baba

Plan Decor

650 766-0980

www.plandecor.com

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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 [email protected]. 650.619.0915

Follow our travels and stories on Instagram!

https://www.instagram.com/toddrafalovich

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

Posted on February 19, 2025 by jlammerts

Expert tips from professional speechwriter Brian Franklin at Vows&Speeches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3) The way to alleviate public speaking fears:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 …