Assn of Bridal Consultants Quarterly Meeting - It's All About The Groom
I am the co-director of the Northern California Association of Bridal Consultants (along with my pal Kendra Wershing of Pfeiffer Event Planning). Our Association meets quarterly and I had the pleasure of planning the January meeting. The theme had been rolling around in my head since last summer when I first met Ryan Hammonds of R. Douglas Custom Clothier. I wanted an evening where we ladies learned a bit about men's fashion and so the focus was about the groom and his entourage. 
Carissa of Sugar and Spice Specialty Desserts created a whimsical and delicious groom's cake for our enjoyment. So clever! 
I had a blast working with Sarah of Cuttings Floral Design for the table top design. The details were certainly evident - white bow tie, pleated table runner to replicate a cummerbund, black stones for the cuff links and studs, carnation petals for the boutonniere, and a pocket square tucked into the napkin.
Darcie of Slip of Elegance Chair Covers provided the elegant tone-on-tone satin table linens and added a handsome black tie to the chair backs. 
The educational component to our evening included several topics. Besides Ryan giving us a great introduction to men's wear (you should see the detail he puts into his custom suits!), we also had Matt Brys of Extreme Productions giving us tips on how to incorporate the groom more into the reception planning session, and Mike Jensen of Jensen Films created a "movie" oriented to the men involved in the day.
Evan Selby and Chef Chris Jackson of Tre Events created a knock-out buffet dinner consisting of bacon-wrapped chicken breast and the most heavenly mashed potatoes. No watercress finger sandwiches for us ladies... after all, it was a manly night!
The venue I selected for this meeting was Antiquite Maison Privee in mid-town Sacramento, which is a unique, handsome, warm, urban-feel brick building that has historical significance. I am extremely appreciative that Carmen Salazar was on hand to take all these wonderful photos. Thank you to one and all for your contributions to a very interesting and informative evening!
Carissa of Sugar and Spice Specialty Desserts created a whimsical and delicious groom's cake for our enjoyment. So clever! I had a blast working with Sarah of Cuttings Floral Design for the table top design. The details were certainly evident - white bow tie, pleated table runner to replicate a cummerbund, black stones for the cuff links and studs, carnation petals for the boutonniere, and a pocket square tucked into the napkin.Darcie of Slip of Elegance Chair Covers provided the elegant tone-on-tone satin table linens and added a handsome black tie to the chair backs. The educational component to our evening included several topics. Besides Ryan giving us a great introduction to men's wear (you should see the detail he puts into his custom suits!), we also had Matt Brys of Extreme Productions giving us tips on how to incorporate the groom more into the reception planning session, and Mike Jensen of Jensen Films created a "movie" oriented to the men involved in the day. 
Evan Selby and Chef Chris Jackson of Tre Events created a knock-out buffet dinner consisting of bacon-wrapped chicken breast and the most heavenly mashed potatoes. No watercress finger sandwiches for us ladies... after all, it was a manly night!
The venue I selected for this meeting was Antiquite Maison Privee in mid-town Sacramento, which is a unique, handsome, warm, urban-feel brick building that has historical significance. I am extremely appreciative that Carmen Salazar was on hand to take all these wonderful photos. Thank you to one and all for your contributions to a very interesting and informative evening!Labels: Antiquite Maison Privee, Carmen Salazar Photography, Cuttings Floral Design, Extreme Productions DJs, R. Douglas Custom Clothier, Slip of Elegance, Tre Events
posted by Lora Ward at
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Note on your calendar to attend the next mixer to be held on February 25th at Celebrations!Party Rentals. You can pre-register through the 
In our planning discussions, Anca advised that it is a Romanian custom that she circle three times around a bucket of water (originally milk) and then kick the bucket over! The symbolism is carefree abundance and good luck. I happen to own a vintage milk bucket... here it is - with some water.
After this, the newlyweds, parents and godparents gather with a glass of champagne, gave a toast to the bride and groom and to themselves as a family, and then threw their glasses into a pile, smashing them with great enthusiam. This photo is a little dark as I (very smartly) laid a black cloth on the ground so as to make it a bit easier to clean up 12 broken champagne glasses! 
Remember I said the Romanian gentlemen kiss the ladies' hand? So cool!!
Chris requested that each table have one bottle of Slivovitz so the guests may enjoy (another tradition in Romania). This is a very sweet plum brandy.
It is customary for the groom to arrive to the house and present the bridal bouquet to his soon-to-be bride. Anca descended the stairs on her Godfather's arm, and Chris was giddy with excitement as he first laid eyes upon her. Look at his expressions! I love this!!
After a few more photos, they headed to The Saints Archangels Michael & Gabriel Romanian Orthodox Church (whew, that's a mouthful)! A cozy, intimate, lovely church, here in the Sacramento area.
Rather than having a bridal party, it is the custom to have "Godparents." These are very close friends (or relatives) who support the couple whole-heartedly. As a matter of fact, it was the Godmothers who suggested, 18 months ago, that Chris and Anca communicate through e-mail... from Sacramento to Romania (where Anca lived). In the photo below, the Godparents are the Candle Bearers in the ceremony (love the colorful icons along the wall).
Beautiful ornate metal crowns are wore by the bride and groom, placed on their heads by the Godparents, which symbolizes the bride and groom will be the King and Queen of their home and family.
The Christian Orthodox priests walk the bride and groom around the alter three times.
And after all the wonderful steps of this hour long service, Chris and Anca are married!!
Follow up in a few days for Part 2 for many other fun photos of the reception. Thank you so much to 
