Here’s a little sneak peak of Sam and Tim’s wedding at the Resort at Squaw Creek. I love the pops of color in the meadow – can’t wait to see all of the wedding images from Annie X!
Lake Tahoe Wedding Planner | Real Wedding at the Ritz-Carlton Highlands
July 6, 2010
We just received these images of our Memorial Day wedding from Stout Photography! Rose and Dan’s wedding took place a day after a late Spring snow fall – the weather thankfully cleared and the sun came out just in time for their outdoor ceremony at the new Ritz-Carlton Highlands. It was beautiful! Rose and Dan are quite possibly the most laid back bride and groom I have ever met. They took the planning stumbles (of which were many) with ease and were as sweet as pie! Rose’s family is Italian, so there were a few “Italian” flares including the God Father music playing in the background for speeches, the ladies lunch on the wedding day – mom’s home made spaghetti and meatballs (yum), and a traditional dance called Tarantella!
The ceremony took place on the fireside terrace with the String Beings providing the perfect elegant music in the background. Although a brief service, each moment was romantic and memorable. Rose’s father pulled me aside after the service to tell me how excited he is for his daughter, but nervous about letting her go – you can see how serious he was in the image above (love this)! He is a true Italian father: proud, protective, and very charismatic!
Rose and Dan were not fussy about the details, so we created a clean, simple, and elegant look. Pewter chivari chairs, muted tones for the flowers, and small accents completed the look. Since the venue required an entree count and a form of entree symbols at each place setting, Dan’s step mom offered to create a unique symbol on each escort card that would serve the purpose while adding to the decor. She added red gems for the beef eaters, gold gems for the vegetarians, and silver gems for the chicken eaters. The colors complimented the escort cards while blending perfectly with the wedding style.
I really enjoyed planning all of the details with Rose and Dan. They always incorporated a little humor into the emails, phone calls, and meetings … even when we discovered that we had to find a new venue within 2 months before the wedding! They are a beautiful couple and such genuine people. I wish them the best of luck with everything!
Photography | Stout Photography
Flowers | Martha Bernyk
Venue | The Ritz Carlton Highlands
Musicians | The String Beings
DJ | We Ain’t Saints
Engagement Pics | Truckee, CA
June 24, 2010
Nothing like big smiles and a little snow for an engagement shoot! Sam and Tim spent their engagement session with the very talented Annie X in downtown Truckee, CA. Annie is fabulous at finding fun locations for creative shots. It helps when the town comes with a fake, old-fashioned gas station! This weekend, the two will tie the knot in Squaw Valley! Enjoy their engagement photos below and stay tuned to see the wedding photos shortly!
Sweet Melissa Patisserie | Brooklyn’s Sweet Corner
June 17, 2010
During my recent trip to the east coast, I had the pleasure of dining at the cutest little café in Brooklyn called Sweet Melissa Patisserie. As I entered the door, my wedding eyes instantly noticed the “Best of by The Knot” sticker. Known for their pastries and home made ice cream, this little gem is as pretty as pink and as sweet as sugar. Sweet Melissa’s has been recognized not just by The Knot, but also by Brides Magazine, Food and Wine, Zagat, and many more publications for “best wedding cake,” “afternoon tea parties,” and “sinfully delicious sweet and savory treats.”
Beyond the endearing style is the delicious food! I happen to be allergic to dairy and eggs – a breakfast restaurant’s nightmare and a huge downer for my taste buds. Needless to say, going out for brunch is a bit odd. However, I was really hungry! The waitress kindly spoke to the chef about adjusting an entrée for me (smoked salmon) and it was unbelievable! The flavors were shockingly delicious and the presentation was beautiful! It was a delightful way to enjoy a relaxing meal away from the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn.
Nearly Weds & Wedding Paper Divas | Custom Websites in Style
June 15, 2010
One of the most popular things to add to your ‘wedding to-do list’ is “build a website.” It is a fantastic way to inform your guests of things to do, where to stay, and the itinerary for the weekend. It has pretty much become an essential for destination weddings…unless you enjoy receiving numerous phone calls from guests asking, “where should we stay” … “what sort of activities are available” … and so forth.
Several companies offer ‘free’ sites’ including Mywedding.com and theknot.com, but the downfall with this is that you have to work with their limited templates and color schemes. Nearly Weds is a fairly new company that has teamed up with Wedding Paper Divas, an online invitation company. You can now design a website that matches your invitations – brilliant! The cost is minimal and the product is impressive! Their additional features include:
* Custom domain names
* Personalized blog
* Online RSVP
* Guest list management service
* Bridal party page
The Wedding Boutique | White House Black Market
June 11, 2010
Ladies,
Exciting news – White House | Black Market has added The Wedding Boutique to their already fabulous clothing line! The look is elegant, sophisticated, and oh so perfect! In addition to gorgeous wedding dresses, they also have fabulous bridesmaid dresses that don’t even come close to looking like the mundane dress that haunts every bridesmaid. They also have shoes, accessories, honeymoon clothes, and so much more. I love it!
Planning a wedding involves many, many tasks, one of which is finding your best gals dresses that match your colors and wedding style. But, brides do your friends a sincere favor and find them a dress that is #1 fun and stylish, #2 they can wear again, and #3 fits their body type.
I am often asked by my clients and friends, “what can I do that’s different and fun for my wedding?” Well, I have a thousand and one answers for each of them; however, one of my answers is always, “start with the colors, look, and feel.” Your bridesmaids stand proudly next to you while you say your vows…they are the second focal point of your big day (you and your groom being the first and foremost focal point, of course)…and they frame your wedding! The color and style of their dresses paints the preliminary picture your guests see as they are welcomed into your ceremony – make it fabulous, exciting, and most importantly – you!
Tahoe Unveiled | Wedding Glamour Exposed
June 7, 2010
Exciting news! We are planning an event for brides this October at PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn. Take a look at the press release below to learn all about it. Pass this on to friends, fellow brides, and anyone you think may be interested!
Slated for Oct. 16, 2010 at PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn, Tahoe Unveiled is an opportunity for upscale brides and grooms to gain first-hand insight from the region’s finest wedding vendors at a venue that epitomizes casual elegance. Unlike sprawling conventional wedding fairs, the intimate Tahoe Unveiled promises to make planning one’s wedding almost as pleasurable as the event itself.
“There is a great misconception regarding what a Tahoe wedding is or can be,” explains organizer Stephanie Anderson, of One Fine Day, based in Lake Tahoe and San Francisco. “Tahoe Unveiled will dispel myths and offer inspiration from the area’s most reputable wedding vendors and professionals. If you think a Tahoe wedding must be rustic, think again. From the venue to the dress, there are so many different elegant interpretations of Tahoe nuptials.”
Scott Corridan | ElizabethMessina.com
In preparation for this boutique wedding event, Anderson culled through the region’s wedding vendors and found the best representations of each category. Instead of searching through endless isles of vendors, brides will have an opportunity to sit down and discuss their Tahoe wedding vision with experts who can make it a reality.
“Brides will leave the event inspired, not exhausted and overwhelmed.” Anderson adds. Anderson says the event is designed to be a wedding experience. For instance, instead of stilted blocks of display areas, Tahoe Unveiled will have an innovative flowing floor plan with various design showcases that are sure to inspire. Sipping complimentary Champagne and noshing on scrumptious food tastings from local caterers, attendees will feel relaxed and primed for addressing the details of I-Do in Tahoe.
Thought-provoking presentations from area wedding professionals further up the event’s ante. Consider the expertise of celebrity wedding planner Scott Corridan who is a featured presenter at Tahoe Unveiled. A recent transplant to Tahoe-Truckee, Corridan was named by In-Style magazine as one of the top 10 celebrity event producers in the country.
Catherine Hall Studios
Also on hand for the event will be noted photographer Catherine Hall , whose work has been featured in a variety of wedding publications including Grace Ormonde, Elegant Bride, Modern Bride and The Knot. Additionally, the fabulous Bellissima Floral Creations will weigh in on all things floral. The Lake Tahoe-based florist’s work has been published in Destination I Do, Modern Bride, Today’s Bride and Brides.com. The entire Tahoe Unveiled event is sponsored by the luxury-driven Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine.
At the heart of Tahoe Unveiled is the stunning Tahoe-Truckee region, which will be vibrant in its autumn attire and still warm daytime temperatures. Attendees are encouraged to parlay Tahoe Unveiled into a relaxing weekend getaway with exclusive lodging packages available. Tickets are $35 per person and include access to event, complementary wine, Champagne, appetizers and gift bag. Purchase tickets in advance at www.tahoeunveiled.com.
For more information, visit TahoeUnveiled.com or call 530.386.1609.
Pretty Paper meets Snap Dragon
May 14, 2010
While doing my daily research for crafty, inspiring, chic, and anything interesting, I stumbled upon Satsuma Press’ website. Satsuma Press is a letterpress and design studio based out of Corvalis, Oregon. Their work is beautiful and has a lot of personalized touch.
Beyond the images of their work, I came across a very touching story about their son, Liam, who has a neuromuscular disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. He is a gorgeous little boy who seems to be as ambitious and outgoing as your typical 6 year old, but the poor thing has a disability that prevents him from using his legs. He gets around in his “Snap Dragon” – a fantastic nickname for his mobile chair, which also reflects the character of this ambitious fellow! Due to his condition, his parents are in the process of raising money to make their bathroom fully accessible for the little man. If you would like to read about Liam’s daily adventures and/or donate, you can go to his site – We Love Liam.
