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!
Makeup before putting on the gown?
Any professional hair or make-up stylist, will advise that you absolutely apply your make-up before slipping into your gown. If possible try to step into your gown (without shoes), but if that isn’t do-able, have your bridesmaids assist with holding the opening of your gown as wide open as possible. Raise your arms over your head and put your hands together as if you’re preparing to drive into water. Your bridesmaids will then lower the gown over your head, and your arms will protect your face and hair. The more girls helping, the better you’ll be. Then, once you are dressed, you or your makeup artist can look at the whole picture and determine if any finishes touches are needed.
Becca & Dustin – More! (Part 2)
Because of Beth’s (True Love Photo) extreme photographic talent, and never missing a design detail, I have so many fantastic pictures to share of Becca & Dustin’s June 19th home wedding. Sit back and enjoy! Becca envisioned a little bit of Southern Elegance (she and her sister spent a few Saturdays on ladders hanging Spanish Moss from the trees), and wanted to upscale the vibe by adding lots of color, crystals, and hanging lanterns. Check, check and done!
Tables were named and peacock feathers added to compliment the table linens selected. It’s always a pleasure to work with the great gals at Celebrations Party Rentals. And thank you so much to my pal Sarah with Cuttings Floral Design for the perfectly coordinated flowers. Love ‘em!
To compliment that Southern feel, The Zebra Club, our fun and accomplished bartending service, created Mint Juleps. Hummmmmm (oh, I only sampled!)
This picture has histoy to it… Beth and I have been setting up this shot for a few years. Becca and Dustin enjoy a great cold beer… thus their toasting goblets were filled.
And, have you ever seen a wedding cake that followed with the theme so beautifully? Carissa with Sugar and Spice Specialty Desserts really outdid herself! What a focal piece!
Becca ‘s mom and dad love to garden and the entrance to their property had a long driveway lined with all sorts of flowers. Daisies, cosmos, dahlias and a beautiful crop of just beginning to bloom sunflowers.
I gave Becca the suggestion of making a bride & groom scaregrow, as it seemed so fitting with the garden. She had the best time shopping in thrift stores for what she referred to as “the ugliest ’70s style wedding gown.” Rather than a top hat for the groom, they used a Billibong logo baseball cap.
After a scrumption and plentiful buffet dinner prepared by Bravo Pasteria, wedding cake, fun at the photo booth (complete with goofy hats) by Jensen Films, then the dancing began, under the light of paper lanterns. Doug & Dara with Music on the Move added some wonderful special touches and a little interactive frivolity, and then the p-a-r-t-y dancing began. Crewful at 10:00? NOT!
Thank you Becca and Dustin, and also your wonderful families. It was a delight to work with you over the year. I’m going to miss you! You’re great parents to baby Coralynne. Enjoy your wedded life and your beautiful family. Also a huge thank you to all the vendors who worked so hard and so caringly to create a fantastic day for this couple.
Becca & Dustin – Married! (Part 1)
I had the best year working with Becca on her June 19th home wedding. She is the sweetest girl, with the most loving family. Dustin is the nicest gentleman… a real keeper (if you ask me)! Becca and Dustin have been together since high school; soul mates, friends, and now proud parents to little baby Coralynne – who was a huge hit at the wedding! I received a disk with a zillion images from the most wonderful photographer in all the world – Beth Baugher of True Love Photo. So, here you go with Part 1!! This first shot is of the wedding rings, held by the Best Man. How perfectly appropriate!
The above photos of Becca is so lovely. The ever so talented Shana Beals did the make-up artisty for the bride and several bridesmaids. I loved the bridesmaids dresses and the fab colors of the bouquets. Peacock feathers was one of the underlying themes to the day, and our fabulous florist, Sarah with Cuttings Floral Design, really outdid herself with the design concept. Wait until you see more in Part 2!
Sarah is quite the seamstress and she custom designs ring bearer pillows, too… soooo perfect; just darling!
Meet baby Coralynne… Becca and Dustin’s 10 month old little sweetie! We thought a halo of ”Baby’s Breath” was appropriate for this little angel. She sat in a beautifully decorated wagon and was pulled by Dustin’s young brothers, the ring bearers. I had the sign made for the wagon by Lara of The Calligraphy Girl... pure delight.
Come back in the next couple of days for more beautiful photos… design and special touches abound.
Chelsea Clinton’s Wedding Reading
This last weekend, Chelsea Clinton married Marc Mezvinsky (from the photos I’ve seen so far, it was a beautiful wedding. A lovely wedding reading was included within their inter-faith ceremony (and you know how much I enjoy a meaningful reading!). Below, is the reading… maybe you’ll want to include it into your wedding ceremony?
The Life That I Have by Leo Marks
The life that I have
Is all that I have
And the life that I have
Is yours
The love that I have
Of the life that I have
Is yours and yours and yours.
A sleep I shall have
A rest I shall have
Yet death will be but a pause
For the peace of my years
In the long green grass
Will be yours and yours and yours.
Wedding Readings – Selection #7
Another heartfelt reading to share with my readers. Many couples include readings within their ceremonies, and I ask for a copy to keep in my file. This one is very nice, but unfortunately it has no title nor author. Enjoy…
Marriage is a lifetime commitment to the best that two people can find and bring out in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other human relationship can equal. Within the circle of its love, marriage encompasses all of life’s most important relationships. A wife and husband are each other’s best friend, confidant, lover, teacher, listener, and critic. Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life. Happiness is fuller; commitment is stronger; even anger is felt more intensly but passes away more quickly. Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life is unable to avoid. When two people pledge to love and care for each other in marriage, they create a spirit unique to themselves, which binds them closer than any spoken or written words. Marriage is a promise that takes a lifetime to fulfill.
A personal post… my Granddog!
It’s been awhile since I bragged about Jemma, one of my ”Granddogs,” and so here she is. This lovely (just turned 2 years old) boxer NEVER settles down. When she comes to visit, she is constantly on the go (and I’m always fretting over her toe nails and our hardwood floors!). So, when my daughter took this photo of Jemma sleeping, and sent it over to me to prove that she does sleep, well, how could I resist not showing you this little angel face?!
Keri & Chris’ e-session – They’re so Hot!
Working with Miss Keri over the last six months has been a delight! Keri and Chris live in San Diego and they have chosen to marry in Sacramento since this is their home town (actually they went to high school together in Folsom, California). Their wedding date is set for September 25, 2010, to be held at the perfectly traditional iconic St. John’s Lutheran Church in downtown Sacramento, followed by a fun-filled, stylish reception at the Hyatt Regency. Keri and Chris selected the fabulous Allison Stahl as their photographer, and the three of them recently had a wonderful time at their e-session. I just had to share!
This beautiful couple has great history together, and I appreciate how their love and affection is so apparent from these photos. Sorry, Mom Jenny… but this couple is Smokin’ Hot! Can’t wait to see the magic that will be, come wedding day!
Tabletop Photo Shoot for Our Wedding
When I started working with Jennifer Dunham-Starr with The Memory Journalist on the Tabletop Photoshoot for Our Wedding magazine (Fall/Winter 2010), I knew immediately what my design theme would be… something I am drawn to and connect with – “Farmhouse Chic”. Call it whatever you want, but my story-line vision is the bride wanting to marry at her grandparent’s old farm house, with the reception being held in the very cool old barn. Grandma would open up her linen closet and china cupboard and pull together all the elements to make for a beautiful table. All with love and sentimentality. The barn that we used for this photo shoot was the perfect locale… Wilson Vineyards in Clarksburg, CA.
For vintage charm, I used a milk glass pitcher, blue Mason jars, Quaker Lace tablecloth, and antique dessert plates. Thanks to Classic Party Rentals for providing the gorgeous blue china, glass chargers and the napkins.
And don’t you think that Grandma would be happy being busy making home-made preserves for take-home gifts, as well creating gorgeous wedding pies? Many thanks to Jen’s Petite Pies for creating three full sized pies (we enjoyed eating them after the photo shoot!!)
I love all the old fashioned and charming details such as the rustic jute wrapped handle on the bridal bouquet, the meaningful expressive tags hanging from the jelly jars, the salt cellars with tiny spoons, a simple chalkboard sign listing the yummy pie flavors, and an embroidered wedding sampler (yes, hand-stitched by yours truly!!)
Thank you to Katie Edwards of Ambience Floral Design for the beautiful, yet relaxed floral concept. I also thank you so much for volunteering to paint your four chairs to blend so perfectly with the china and color hues! What a champ. Thank you to Classy Calligraphy for the jelly tags and to Calligraphy Girl for the chalkboard sign.
Tori & Rich Smith – Married!
What a fantastic wedding! I am totally in love with this vivacious bride and fun-loving, calm groom, and was thrilled with the outcome of their wedding day – held May 8, 2010. So many great details – so much fun – tons of eye candy! Tori is a sign language interpreter and had a unique underlying theme to her wedding – ”hands.”
I’m only showing a few photos; just a sneak peek. Tori & Rich’s wedding will be featured in the Winter/Spring 2011 Sacramento Bride & Groom magazine, so you’ll have to stay tuned for future reading and visual delight, and learn more about how “hands” played a part of this wedding celebration!
I do want to thank some very important and talented vendors… Katie w/Ambience Floral Design (drop-dead gorgeous designs), Joe w/ Extreme Productions (perfect music blends and super accent lighting), Jenny w/Sun City Roseville-Timber Creek Ballroom (great organization and superb food), Icing on the Cupcake (fun and yum), John with Pro Finish Design Photo Booths (always a hit), the team at Celebrations (for perfect linen selections) and all of this beauty was captured by Sam w/Sharpe Photographers (great eye!)