Many of my clients, who have established households, advise they have everything and don't want to register, and would prefer that their guests just not bring a gift. HOWEVER, your guests will want to give you a gift. I recommend that you register at one location and select something unique and fun... patio dishware for outdoor entertaining, Asian influenced dishware, Fiestaware, or even a full set of cookware (rather than the random mis-matched pots and pans you've collected). Or, how about letting your guests know you love to dine out and travel, and so gift cards for restaurants, bistros or B&Bs are appreciated. If you are wine aficionados, request bottles of wine or champagne. Your best communication tool is a wedding website; they are fun for your guests and gives them the registry information, as well as some insight into your wedding planning.

Labels: Gift Registry, Wedding Planner Sacramento

A wonderful organization I am familiar with is the Healthy Marriage Project. Their tag line is "Relationship Education for a Lifetime." I love the idea of their next workshop entitled:

LEARN TO WRITE DYNAMITE LOVE LETTERS - and here is their press release:

Are you in love with feelings you want to express in words but don't know how? Here's the perfect chance for you to learn to convey those warm fuzzy feelings in love letters that will seal the deal with your favorite sweetheart.

On Saturday, February 6th, a Valentine prep workshop on love letter writing will be offered two times at two locations. Early rising word challenged sweethearts will gather at Crepeville (1730 L Street, Sacramento, CA) for a 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. workshop, while those preferring afternoon events and Valentine's Day shopping will convene at a second workshop offered at the Downtown Plaza (5476 L Street, Sacramento, CA) from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.

Led by relationship educator Susi Pinto, particpants will learn and experience proven secrets of sweet written conversation nearly lost to time and technology. Join a group of other fledgling loving wordsmiths for fun and learning at one of these two events. Bring a friend!

To register in advance go to http://www.sacmarriage.org/ or call (916) 362-1900. Although there is no cost for these workshops, in order to promote relationship education in our community, a voluntary donation of $14 to the Healthy Marriage Project is suggested.

Labels: Healthy Marriage Project, Love Letters, Wedding Planner Sacramento

Recently three of the regional wedding magazines showcased weddings that we produced in 2009 (read the previous posts). But I was quite delighted when the January issue of the iconic Sacramento Magazine was delivered, as they generally feature something wedding related in the first yearly issue. The topic was "It's Not Your Mother's Wedding" and we have two beautiful, unique, and very cool weddings showcased in the issue. Enjoy reading the article here.

Labels: In the Press, Sacramento Magazine, Wedding Planner Sacramento

Let's eat!

Labels: Thanksgiving Dinner, Theme table design, Wedding Planner Sacramento

Golly... 9+ weeks have flown by since the inception of D&L's wedding planning, and now we're just one week away from a beautifully orchestrated wedding day. Darren & Lisa recently had their e-session with Jennifer Dunham-Starr of The Memory Journalists. She was able to capture the essence of their relationship perfectly, by bringing forth their playfulness, love of nature, affection. and (may I say...) sexy demeanor! Darren & Lisa chose the U.C. Davis campus arboreum for their photo session, as it holds a very special place in their heart. Their first meeting and brief early relationship was 20 years ago, while they both attended U.C. Davis.

Labels: E-Session, The Memory Journalists, Wedding Planner Sacramento

On Thursday I post a wedding tradition. I have one more left (to make this an even 20), so I hope you have been enjoying, and learning from these postings.

The Money Dance: This custom originated in Poland in the early 1900s in immigrant neighborhoods and is still celebrated at many weddings today. During a money dance, male guests pay for the privilege of dancing with the bride, and the female guests pay for the privilege of dancing with the groom. The money collected is to be used for the honeymoon or to give them a little extra cash with which to set up housekeeping. The dance gives guests one-on-one time with the newlyweds (or at least until somebody cuts in!) As this picture shows, at many Filipino weddings, the money is pinned onto the gown or tux and fun elaborate weavings of dollar bills are created to wear as crowns, ties, or even tails! An alternative to pinning, is to use the honor attendants to hold the money, or the groom's tux pockets, and the bride can have a lovely money pouch (save the fabric from those pins!)

Labels: Money Dance, Wedding Customs and Traditions, Wedding Planner Sacramento

I am in love with Beth Baugher of True Love Photo! I've known Beth for a number of years, and have had the delight and extreme pleasure to work along side her on many weddings. I wanted to showcase a bunch of fun and crazy photos Beth has taken of the wedding rings. These pictures go to show just how Beth's head and photo eye works. She'll wanders around with the rings in her hand lookin' for the perfect photo op. They'll pop up in the oddest locations. Prepare to smile as you look over these True Love Photos!

Labels: Photography, True Love Photo, Wedding Planner Sacramento, wedding rings

Labels: Our Weddings, Personalizing, Sacramento Magazine, Sacramento Wedding Consultant, Wedding Planner Sacramento