Wedding Readings - Selection #3

As I have written before, including a sentimental, meaningful reading in your wedding gives the ceremony more depth. Enjoy another offered selection ; the author of this one is anonymous.

Sooner or Later

Sooner or later we begin to understand that love is more than verses on Valentines and romance in the movies. We begin to know that love is here and now, real and true, the most important thing in our lives. For love is the creator of our favorite memories, and the foundation of our fondest dreams. Love is a promise that is always kept, a fortune that can never be spent, a seed that can flourish in even the most unlikely of places. and a radiance that never fades, this mysterious and magical joy, is the greatest treasure of all - one known only by those who love.

Site Inspection - Ceago (Part 2)

Thought I would post a few detail shots of this beautiful property - Ceago Vinegarten, located on the Northern Shores of Clear Lake, in Lake County, California. The word Ceago is a Pomo Indian word with a rough translation of "Valley of the Grass Seed."
The architecture and decor is Spanish/Mediterranean and there are so many wonderful accent pieces and design elements. The balconies overlooking the reception courtyards are lined with bright Geranium plants. Weathered window shutters, and massive wood doors are everywhere.

Many quads and courtyards have focal fountains. This sweet one is on an adobe wall in an inner patio and once the climbing rose bush blooms, it will be even more beautiful.

Decorative tiles accent stairwells and many other focal spots. The design with the triangular dots is Ceago's iconic symbol. It's a design from the Milk Snake - another reference to Pomo Indian life.
Check it out! These cool chairs are make from wine barrels. Fantastic!
When entering the property you'll pass by a pasture with walnut orchards and sheep grazing. A darling hen house is off to the side of the pasture. In addition to the organic winery operation, they use Biodynamic farming techniques as well.

The Venue Vixens had a wonderful time touring Ceago Vinegarden and are considering a return trip to stay in their three Casitas located along the lake's edge. That way we can totally immerse ourselves in the experience. Heaven!

Brides and grooms... this is a must see for a wedding venue (call me, let's discuss!!)

Site Inspection - Ceago (Part 1)

Stunningly gorgeous!!! Recently the Venue Vixens were conducting site inspections in lovely Lake County. After leaving our overnight accommodations at Villa La Brenta we drove to the Northern shores of Clear Lake to meet Carleen the Dir. of Hospitality at Ceago Vinegarten. And was she ever hospitable! A fantastic display of artisan cheeses, dried fruits and honeycomb awaited us as we sampled tastings of Estate Grown wine.

Ceago is an organic, Biodynamic winery and farm...which means they cultivate quality grapes without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers (but there is so much more involved to this concept)! The developer and property owner of Ceago is Jim Fetzer, past President of Fetzer Vineyards.

The fields of lavender (in June the above field is a sight to behold!), olive, fig and walnut orchards add to this Spanish/Mediterranean slice of heaven.
Tiled roofed hacienda design, heavy Spanish furnishings and lovely courtyards cornered by sturdy towers are perfect for gatherings or wedding receptions. Interesting, unique and very cool details are everywhere. I was captivated!
My shot of the Grand Pomo Room did not turn out. The picture below is from their website. It is a fantastically dark, rich, handsome room for dinner receptions - and has a huge fireplace at one end . The one photo I am including is of the huge bar area. My mouth dropped when the massive wood doors opened into this room.

Note to self... the Venue Vixens must take along a professional photographer when we do these site inspections! I'll post more photos in the next couple of days with lots of wonderful details.

Site Inspection - Villa La Brenta

Conducting site inspections is just one of the many perks to wedding planning, and I had the pleasure of joining our Venue Vixen group last weekend for tours and inspections of two properties in beautiful Lake County (Northern California).

We were invited by Villa La Brenta for an overnight stay and indepth discussions with the owner and director of marketing. This is a brand new venue less than 2 hours from downtown Sacramento, but upon arrival, the feel is of a far-away European countryside.

The villa design was inspired by Italian architect Andrea Palladio and is in stunning contrast as it sits amongst acres of wine grapes. The front of the estate is landscaped with lavender and box hedges. On the 'back side," outstanding views abound and one can get lost in thought gazing out at the coastal mountain range and rows of grapes while sitting on one of the terraces or poolside.

Weddings can take place within the vineyard, with poolside wine and socializing, followed by a seated dinner on the terrace, and the night ending with dancing in the gazebo under the stars. Can it get any better?

Headcount for this property is best suited for 75 to 100, although a strolling reception could take more guests. At this time, the villa has two or three rooms for specially arranged overnight accommodations for the bridesmaids (the night before) and for the newlyweds (wedding night) but in the future, plans for expanding are on the drawingboard.

Future posts will provide information on the next property we visited - Ceago Vinegarten on Clear Lake.

Hillary & Shawn - married

Hillary & Shawn Luesing married March 27, 2010, on a lovely sunny, warm spring afternoon. Hillary contacted me 3 months prior to the wedding day asking for "day of" coordination and I happily was able to assist her pull the last pieces together and be there on wedding day to oversee, coordinate, facilitate and send my happy bride down the aisle! The married table-side at the Placer Event Center in Rocklin, California. Working with her florist Mary, (a friend and extremely talented floral designer), the color palette of vibrant blue, hot pink and limely green was perfectly executed.

Apparently Hillary's mom makes a mean Ginger Snap cookie, and each guest was lucky enough to go home with a bag of cookies, which included the coveted recipe. Snappy!
The cake was beautiful and was created by another very talented acquaintance.

This was my first opportunity to work with Gary Buth of G-Photo Design. He was terrific! Fast, efficient, very pleasant, easy-going, creative and ever-so-clever... isn't this picture cute?

Thank you Hillary and Shawn. It was a beautiful day. I wish you well.

Wedding Readings - Selection #2

Thought I'd share another very thoughtful reading that one might consider to incorporate into the wedding ceremony. This one is by Laura Hendricks, and is entitled:

Love is Friendship Caught Fire
"Love is friendship caught fire; it is quiet mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection, and makes allowances for human weaknesses. Love is content with the present, hopes for the future, and does not brood over the past. It is the day-in and day-out chronicles of irritations, problems, compromises, small disappointments, big victories, and working toward common goals. If you have love in your life, it can make up for a great many things you lack. If you do not have it, no matter what else there is, it is not enough."

I like this one... it is so true.

Creative Chair Decor

The two most important chairs at the reception belong to the Bride & Groom - right?. Enjoy decorating the backs to give the chair a little something "special." It doesn't have to be elaborate (especially if the chair is facing a wall). Here are a variety of chair decor... maybe one will suit your style?The next two are show stoppers... they deserve to be seen, so position your bridal chairs to be visible to the guests.

Sashes come in a multitude of colors to match your wedding color.

A burlap sash or strip of fabric is a unique and fun designer touch, and the very last photo is an example of using a very simple length of tulle to dress up a utilitarian chair.

Use your imagination and have fun!

Happy Easter!

Wishing you all a joyous and happy Easter Sunday. Whether you spend your day searching for eggs left by the Easter Bunny, or celebrating in a religious service (or both!), enjoy the day and embrace your family and glorious spring.

Granddog Jemma, on a play date

I couldn't resist posting these goofy photos. Jemma, my granddog, the boxer on the left, enjoyed a spring break play date at the doggie park and met two pals.

No names associated with these friends, but apparently they had a swell time and the "chemistry" was just right for the hope to meet up again on another date.

Wedding Readings - Selection #1

Some couples tell me "we want the ceremony short and quick!" However, the ceremony is the MOST important part of the entire day (in my humble opinion) and so by incorporating a meaningful reading makes for a tad bit more interest.
I will post different readings over the next few weeks, for your consideration. If one strikes you, share with your honey, and then advise your officiant that you'd like it included into the service:

In Marriage
In marriage, walk the path together, side by side whenever possible. Remember to hold each other when it is cold. If the air becomes too close, make a little space so each can breathe. When the path is narrow, pick one to go first. Always be willing to follow; don't be afraid to lead. Trust your partner; trust yourself, for marriage is a journey that leads to great love.

Tori & Rich's e-session

You first met Tori & Rich last fall right after they retained us as their full service wedding planner and designer. Rich has been stationed in the middle east serving our country (thank you Rich), and he recently had a 2 week leave to be home. Tori had a to-do list a mile long! On MY to-do list was to arrange to meet with Sam of Sharpe Photographers for their e-session. Here are a few Sam sent to me to post.

This wedding will be held May 8th, and I can't wait! I adore Tori; she is the greatest bride, and their wedding will be fantastic!

Wedding Style 101 Workshop - March 28th

I have two free tickets to give away to attend the Dynamite Weddings Wedding Style 101 event to be held on March 28th. E-mail me soon!
This will be a great opportunity to gain insider information and speak candidly with those qualified to help you facilitate your wedding day goals and help you create your own personal wedding day style. There will be champagne, delicious treats, door prizes, and loads of fun, and you'll walk away with a better sense of your wedding style.

When: March 28, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. (over by 3:00 p.m.)
Where: Granite Bay Golf Club

Sign up here before space runs out - cost is just $25.00/couple ... or send me an e-mail or give me a call and I'll tell you how you can get TWO free tickets.

I'll be there! Come see me.

Hillary & Shawn's E-session

Such a happy couple and one that is knocking on the door of their wedding day... which will be held in one more week, March 27th. I strongly encourage my couples to schedule their engagement photo session sometime prior to the wedding so that they develop a relationship with their photographer and he/she can get a sense of how a couple pose or how comfortable they are in front of the camera. With the winter weather being problematic, Hillary and Shawn finally had their engagement session a couple of weeks ago.

I love this photo of my couple out in a field; great lighting.

It will be a pleasure to work, for the first time, with Gary Buth of G-Photo Design.

The anticipation is building Hillary & Shawn!