Let Them Eat Cake!

And more on the cake subject... (pardon that the photos below were taken with my little digital camera)
I recently attended a wonderful event called Let Them Eat Cake - a delightful Marie Antoinette/French inspired afternoon at Antiquite Maison Privee in mid-town Sacramento. Kristine Smith of Wish Bridal organized the event - wonderful concept!Brides sipped glasses of champagne and walked around the cakes on display and then judged the magnificent, unique designs of several bakeries. The masterpiece above was created by Sugar and Spice Specialty Desserts.
The above is the fun top of the elegant cake by The Sweetest Things bakery.
The elaborate design above was by Village Cake Shoppe... such detail!
The attendees selected this awesome cake created by River City Cake Co. as the winner for overall design concept. Congrats Tanya and staff! The stunning cake on the left was by Sweet Cakes by Rebecca and again, on the right is by Sugar and Spice. I'm sorry that I missed photographing a lovely creation by Shelton's Wedding Cake Designs. Pastry Heaven showcased this fun design.

Each bakery displayed even more beautiful creations at their individual tables, and offered samples to taste. The sweetness in the room was very evident! So yummy. And the guests went crazy over all the small bites and individual desserts that Carissa of Sugar and Spice was offering. I had a huge need to eat French Fries after the event!

Calligraphy Cakes

I've been holding onto this sweet picture from a Martha Stewart Wedding magazine of a couple of years ago (even wedding planners rip through magazines and save specific pictures). I so want a bride of mine to consider a Calligraphy Cake!

Naturally, your baker has to have a talent at writing out the meaningful, romantic words, but I also understand there are "transfer sheets" that bakers can obtain. Talk to your pastry chef or favorite bakery and see if they can create a look similar. And, you can come up with your own words - love, hope, faith, charity are a few more.

Dream Wedding Show Television Commercial

The Dream Wedding Show will be held in Sacramento, CA on February 28, 2010. Footage of one of my beautiful clients was included in a 30 second commercial spot to be aired on cable and the local television stations promoting the upcoming show. Very fun!

Click the link here to view the commercial.

Thanks Ryan, of Heritage Video, for selecting this gorgeous Napa Valley wedding of Sara and Kyle. Not only are you a great wedding videographer, but you do a mighty fine commercial, too!!

A twist to the ceremonial "alter"

Rather than the expected wedding arch to frame the ceremonial alter, consider setting up a simple banquet table (4' or 6') and cover it in a beautiful linen, and then add one stunning floral arrangement. Other items can be added to the table, such as a Unity Candle, vessels for a Sand Ceremony, Honorarium Candle, a Bible, or a chalis for a private communion. This is a simple but impacting design. This wedding was held at Avio Vineyards in Amador County. Having the alter table designed like this did not block the stunning views of the vineyards and distant hillside. Photo by Ryan J. Lane.

Registering for Gifts

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.

Assn of Bridal Consultants Quarterly Meeting - It's All About The Groom

I am the co-director of the Northern California Association of Bridal Consultants (along with my pal Kendra Wershing of Pfeiffer Event Planning). Our Association meets quarterly and I had the pleasure of planning the January meeting. The theme had been rolling around in my head since last summer when I first met Ryan Hammonds of R. Douglas Custom Clothier. I wanted an evening where we ladies learned a bit about men's fashion and so the focus was about the groom and his entourage. Carissa of Sugar and Spice Specialty Desserts created a whimsical and delicious groom's cake for our enjoyment. So clever! I had a blast working with Sarah of Cuttings Floral Design for the table top design. The details were certainly evident - white bow tie, pleated table runner to replicate a cummerbund, black stones for the cuff links and studs, carnation petals for the boutonniere, and a pocket square tucked into the napkin.
Darcie of Slip of Elegance Chair Covers provided the elegant tone-on-tone satin table linens and added a handsome black tie to the chair backs. The educational component to our evening included several topics. Besides Ryan giving us a great introduction to men's wear (you should see the detail he puts into his custom suits!), we also had Matt Brys of Extreme Productions giving us tips on how to incorporate the groom more into the reception planning session, and Mike Jensen of Jensen Films created a "movie" oriented to the men involved in the day.

Evan Selby and Chef Chris Jackson of Tre Events created a knock-out buffet dinner consisting of bacon-wrapped chicken breast and the most heavenly mashed potatoes. No watercress finger sandwiches for us ladies... after all, it was a manly night!The venue I selected for this meeting was Antiquite Maison Privee in mid-town Sacramento, which is a unique, handsome, warm, urban-feel brick building that has historical significance. I am extremely appreciative that Carmen Salazar was on hand to take all these wonderful photos. Thank you to one and all for your contributions to a very interesting and informative evening!