Ashley & Sean’s 1st Anniversary
I can’t believe it’s been one year since Ashley & Sean said their “I dos” at Granite Bay Golf Club! August 22, 2009 was a wonderful day with a fabulous theme of “Hot August Nights” – no detail was left unturned. The vibrant and “hot” colors of red, oranges, fuchsia and yellows were played well. Katie with Ambience Floral Design created the fun, bright flowers and the ribbon spheres, and also installed the stunning red backdrop for the ceremonial alter. We repeated the backdrop behind the fabulous dessert table featuring yummy confections by Carissa of Sugar and Spice Specialty Desserts.
Sean is a firefighter (more “hot”), and so I had him cut the wedding cake with his fireman’s axe (quite a surprise for Ashley), plus he arranged for a vintage fire truck to whisk them away at the end of their reception. Mother Nature even provided a brilliant sunset for the evening. Thanks to Jordan of Jordan’s Photographic Designs for capturing all the fun and beautiful moments!
It was a great wedding! I hope the First Anniversary is celebrated in Hot August Nights style. Happy Anniversary Ashley & Sean!
Joanna & Jeff – Happpy 1st
Joanna selected Shannon with Flourish as her wedding florist… and Shannon rocked the house when it came to design and the autumnal concept. The huge centerpieces were made up of seasonal flowers placed in tall Annabelle containers with Sugar Baby pumpkins and pears filling the base. So cool!
Heather & Jeremy – Happy 1st!
The romantic lighting was perfect for the ceremony held in front of the massive fireplace. Heather was not a bit nervous with all the attention on her, as she is comfortable being “on stage.” She is a professionally trained opera singer (she was in Japan performing just weeks before her wedding!)
Heather’s side of the bridal party was made up of 3 bridesmaids and 2 “bridedudes” (a long time friend, and her brother). A wonderful idea!
The colors of the wedding were deep blue, aubergine and bronze, with pops of fuschia/orange accents. The table linens were incredible – a rich custom-made gold beaded overlay, on top of a bronze brocade fabric. Each place setting had a boxed gift of a “French Kiss” (a gold foil wrapped prune confection), along with a unique “cootie catcher” with wedding wishes done in calligraphy; very amusing!
And the cake was perfectly iced in the smoothest fondant, and with the added flowers made a stunning focal piece to the room. Photography by Ryan Donahue Photography.
Happy Anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. Sung. I am sure your marriage is full of love and lots of singing.
Happy 1st Year Anniversary!!
August 9, 2008, was a miraculous day for a remarkable woman. Carrie Shellhammer married her Knight-in-Shining-Armor, Zach Chown. The wedding was held at The Lodge at Tahoe Donner in front of 120 smiling (and tearful) guests. Carrie is a “miracle” as she had never expected to marry -rather for almost 8 years, she was dying, due to a genetic disorder causing pulmonary hypertension and other complicating disorders. She and her mother planned music for her funeral rather than for a future wedding. In December of 2003 Carrie underwent surgery for a lung transplant, receiving the organ from a 16 year old young man who’s life ended entirely too early. As recuperative months moved into years, Carrie beat the odds and is a survivor of a difficult and unpredicable transplantation.
These are the faces of a very happy couple listening to heartful and humerous toasts of many friends and family members.
The wedding cake design fit with the theme perfectly, and was created by D’lish Catering of Lake Tahoe. Gorgeous!
I love this photo of Carrie’s bridal bouquet. The contrast of the beautiful flowers against the natural mountain pine needles is awesome. All flowers were created by Thrans of Lake Tahoe.
The Lodge of Tahoe Donner is beautiful. Talking a walk to get away from all the wedding excitement is very nice.
All of the above photos were taken by Martin Johanneck. For further reading about Carrie’s story, please click here and read the San Francisco Chronicle article, and also view the video. It’s a very moving story.