Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Three Très Fabu Weddings Make 2010 Video Contest!

Written by Allison Hopkins for Très Fabu Event Planning and Design

It’s the end of another year of fabulous weddings and videographer Phill Sheffield has decided to let the people choose: which video takes the cake? He has posted 10 videos on his blog—three of which are of weddings designed and executed by Très Fabu Event Planning and Design:

Carly & Jason – married on January 30, 2010 at The Tsakopoulos Library Galleria, Sacramento, CA


Van & Steven – married on October 30th, 2010 at Catta Verdera Country Club, Lincoln, CA

Stephanie & Justin – married on December 19, 2009 at The Sheraton Grand, Sacramento, CA


View Videos and Vote:

Please visit the following link to view the videos and to vote! The contest ends January 9, 2011.

http://phillipalanfilms.blogspot.com/2010/12/phillip-alan-films-top-10-of-2010.html

Prizes:

The top prize for the brides is a $250 gift card to IKEA and second place is a $50 Target gift card.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Justin and Stephanie Castillo Celebrate 1 Year

The happy couple is still treasuring their perfect courtyard wedding!

Anniversary: December 19

Written by Allison Hopkins for Très Fabu Event Planning and Design 

There was no question in their minds that a candlelit courtyard wedding was a must. It would be an ideal setting for uniting Stephanie’s Italian family with Justin’s Guatemalan side. A year later, they still can’t believe just how special it was.


Stephanie credits it to “the perfect storm of an amazing wedding planner and an amazing mother.” 

The unbelievable transformation of the Sheraton Grand Sacramento into a quaint church ceremony followed by a romantic courtyard reception left the bride, groom, and their guests stunned. It involved 600 candles, amazing lighting effects, a fountain (complete with pavers and moss), ironwork candelabras, olive branches, fresh flowers, and sugared fruit. Elegant colors were used throughout the décor: antique gold, creamy ivory lace, olives, champagnes, and browns.


“I could not believe I was walking into the Sheraton Grand when those doors opened,” says Stephanie. “Wedding guests were taken to our very own church though lighting, décor, ambiance, and romantic candlelight.”

As Cat Stevens’ “Morning Has Broken” began to play, Justin and 190 guests turned to see Stephanie in a beautiful ivory lace gown coming down the aisle, escorted by her two brothers. The song was chosen in honor of her father who has passed, as it was his favorite music. The lighting in the room, which was created by Extreme Productions, set the feel of the last of the setting sun coming through the windows…truly perfect for their 5 o’clock wedding.

Father John Mabry married the couple in a traditional yet very personal ceremony. Stephanie and Justin chose readings from various religious and literary sources and after much thought, decided to exchange traditional vows.

“Something felt so right about saying the same vows as our parents and grandparents who were there with us that day (in body and spirit),” says Stephanie.

Following the ceremony was a cocktail hour in the private courtyard (the reception room) where guests enjoyed listening to a live Spanish acoustic guitarist, Jesse Christian Hendricks.

The “courtyard” itself was nothing short of magic…between the beautiful fountain in the center, the amazing head table, and the overall lighting effects: hanging market lights set the tone for the evening and gobo lights mimicked the shadows of leaves from the moonlight. Each table had unique containers collected from local antique stores: old copper pots and gorgeous urns, no two the same, were filled with olive branches, rosemary, spray roses, hydrangeas, pears, and grapes.

“It was like every one of the vendors went all out to do what they do best,” says Justin.

Dinner was catered by the Sheraton and included vegetarian and non-vegetarian options; the main course was portabella mushroom risotto timbale or Petaluma chicken filled with apple brioche stuffing. A three-tier cake followed, with chocolate grand marnier, triple chocolate, and the couple’s favorite, chocolate pistachio!

Looking back, the evening is an unforgettable memory for the couple, just as their first dance—“Memories Are Made of This” by Dean Martin—had promised. A year later, Stephanie and Justin are enjoying feeling even more connected and content to be with their soul mate. Stephanie is still loving her job as a special education preschool teacher and Justin continues to work with computer programming…and is thrilled to be getting a new drum set! The couple plans to celebrate Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Guatemala, along with their families.

For more information about the vendors, please visit:

Event Planning, Design & Decor: Très Fabu Event Planning and Design, www.tresfabuevents.com

Photography: CinZo Celebration Photography, www.cinzophoto.com

Lighting: Extreme Productions, www.extremeprodjs.com

Floral: Floral Artistry, www.floralartistrybyshelley.com

Video: Sheffield Multimedia/Phillip Alan Films: http://sheffieldmultimedia.com/ and www.phillipalanfilms.com

www.sheffieldmultimedia.com

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Tres Fabu Events Wedding Highlight Film held at Serrano Country Club


Tres Fabu May 28th from Phill Sheffield on Vimeo.



"Let all thy joys be the month of May."   ~  Francis Quarles


Enjoy a simple and elegant film highlight from Phillip Alan Films, http://phillipalanfilms.com.

The weather was spectacular back in May to create our client's classic black & white design with a dash of pink!  It was an event full of simple elegance, modern tradition and romance!  Enjoy a sneak peek of the wedding film and how we transformed Serrano Country Club into what the client's envisioned and then some!


Event credits include the following:


Event Planning, Design & Decor: Très Fabu Event Planning and Design, www.TresFabuEvents.com

Wedding Aisle & Floral Design: Floral Artistry: www.FloralArtistrybyShelley.com

Photography: CinZo Celebration Photography: www.CinzoPhoto.com

Custom Designed Booklet Wedding Invitations; Table Names; Welcome Signage:  ~ Robyn Lyn Steward of Philosophia: www.LaPhilosophia.com
Wedding Cake: www.FreeportBakery.com

Venue: Serrano Country Club: www.SerranoCountryClub.com


Lighting:  www.ExtremeProdjs.com

Rentals: Celebrations Elegant Party Rentals: www.CelebrationsPartyRentals.com
Classic Party Rentals ~ Sacramento:  www.ClassicPartyRentals.com

Linens: Mimi & Co.: www.MimiandCo.com

Wedding Guest Table Linen; Cake Linen; Ceremony Linen: Wildflower Linens www.WildflowerLinens.com

Thank you P.A.F. ~ the film is incredibly elegant and showcases the team's work beautifully!  Thank you!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Note of Gratitude from Carol & David's Sacramento Wedding Celebration on 10.15.10.



David & Carol enjoying a vintage glass of wine in The Firehouse Restaurant's ever infamous wine cellar as they toast in celebration of their newly crowned Mr. & Mrs. status!!!!

Dear Debra,


We cannot thank you enough for orchestrating such a magical evening! You truly turned our vision of our wedding into reality. One of our friends said to us that it was as if we were on a movie set.  The candlelit fireplace mantel was the perfect place for our ceremony, followed by the reception in the courtyard of the Firehouse Restaurant in Old Town Sacramento! The setting was absolutely modern, simple, and romantic. Everyone, including all 20 kids, had a blast!


We also want to thank you for introducing us to your contacts (hopefully I don’t forget anybody). We loved everyone! Leilani (makeup) and Renee (hairstylist) were like part of my family; we had a blast listening to Hip Hop during the trial run; they were with me up until I walked down the aisle, then later at The Mixx where we had our after party! I’ll forward the link to CinZo’s website to view the pictures!

This leads us to Cindi and Lorenzo of CinZo Photography…..wow, what a fabulous couple! They were so easy to work with and really made us feel comfortable.  They captured the evening so that we would never forget how much fun we had. The pictures are fabulous!
   
The DJ/MOC, Sean Kennedy, from Music and More Entertainment, was excellent!  Sean went over and above the call of duty!

I have to give a couple of shout-outs to the Firehouse Restaurant (Shannon) and Bella Blooms (Vicky).  What a beautiful setting in the Courtyard with the trees, mini-lights, and flowers everywhere! We picked the perfect night for our wedding! 

Debra, thank you so much for all that you’ve done for us; you helped us keep to budget with your suggestions and contacts and we didn’t have to worry about the day of our wedding. Everyone mentioned how professional and detailed you were that night!

Thank you, Thank you! We have a new friend in you!!!

With love and friendship, 

David and Carol Carmany
and our boys, Nicolas, Jack, and Justin 


Carol lived in southern California during the planning process.  




Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Rustic Meets Romance at Oak Farm Vineyards

Written by Allison Hopkins for Très Fabu Event Planning and Design

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. ~ George Eliot


Cara Wademan had a very clear vision for her fall wedding. She imagined casual yet chic with a rustic flair; a relaxing ceremony surrounded by friends and family; a place where her guests would be free to roam the grounds; and an abundance of comfort food!

When Debra Michelle Hiebèrt of Très Fabu Event Planning and Design introduced the idea of Oak Farm Vineyards in Lodi, California, Cara was immediately sold.

“Debra found Oak Farm Vineyards, a gorgeous vineyard complete with a barn (my one request) and a touch of southern charm with a large, white plantation house,” says Wademan. “The barn reminded me a lot of the old hay barns I see at my Grandma’s house. I am also in love with white running fences, and Oak Farm has loads of them!”

Sunday, October 3, 2010 proved to be a perfect autumn day — sunny and mild with a bit of a breeze. The ceremony began at two o’clock in the afternoon and 150 people attended. Debra and Cara incorporated a variety of fall colors that complemented the natural beauty of the land. Patina green was brought out in the bridesmaids’ dresses. Oranges, greens, and ivories were shown in a variety of pumpkins of different shades (Luminas, Full Moons, Young Beauties, Autumn Golds, Marina Di Chioggias, Fairytales, Cinderellas, mini Jack o' Lanterns, and Baby Boos). The table linens were carefully chosen — underlays of chocolate and burnt tangerine, and burlap overlays that were woven with a swirl design.

The floral and decorative arrangements provided by Shelley McArdle of Floral Artistry incorporated a variety of wheat and leaves, roses in red and apricot tones, cream and orange chrysanthemums, sunflowers, and other yellow hues.

“Shelley listened to my requests and she executed them 1,000 times better than I could have imagined,” says Wademan. “It really touched me that she went to the trouble of searching antique stores for a broach for my bridal bouquet. She went above and beyond.”

The wedding was performed by Pastor Kevin Brown of Lodi. He successfully created a relaxing atmosphere (the couple’s request) while they exchanged vows in a short ceremony. Six bridesmaids and three groomsmen supported the happy couple at the altar. The groom (Mike) was dressed in a classic black and white tuxedo, and the bride…

“I wanted a gown that was fun and flirty and that’s exactly what I got!” says Wademan. “It was a couture gown that has lots of vertical ruffles down the skirt. I loved it. I think I now know what a princess at Disneyland feels like with everyone wanting to take their picture with you.”

Dinner was displayed beautifully—a rustic buffet with burlap runners, wine boxes, and an antique drying rack that housed the wrapped utensils. Randy Peters Catering created a wonderful meal that consisted of wild rice stuffed butternut squash; corn on the cob (roasted in the husk) with a chili butter sauce and topped with parmesan cheese; garlic sirloin roast; freshly baked artisan rolls; cornbread stuffing; and a chilled green salad.

“People can’t stop talking about the food at the wedding,” says Wademan. “I couldn’t have imagined a meal that better fit the season. They really put a lot of thought and effort into planning it.”

For dessert, Cara wanted every guest to have a mini cake! Cupcakes were baked by Icing on the Cupcake in five autumn flavors: vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, snicker doodle, and maple nut. They were displayed beautifully on dark copper three-tiered cupcake stands.

CinZo Photography captured all the afternoon bliss (including lawn games for the guests) and the special moments of the evening as the couple danced to live bluegrass music and mingled with their families and friends.

When the night came to an end, each guest was sent home with a special gift that was baked and packaged by the bride — a fabulous little jar of peanut brittle in honor of Cara’s grandfather who passed away a few years ago. Cara has many fond memories of making the holiday treat with her Gradfather Jack and included the special story on a tag attached to each jar.

Newlyweds Cara and Mike are extremely thankful for Debra, the Très Fabu team, and for their perfect autumnal wonderland.

“The moment I realized having a wedding planner was well worth the money was during an appointment with my caterer,” says Wademan. “They were asking questions, and all I could say was ‘I don’t know, but Debra will.’ I didn’t know if there was electricity where the dinner would be served, or where the best place for them to set up a field kitchen would be so that it would be out of view from the guests, or if there was accessible running water, etc. Debra to the rescue!”

For Debra, the event was a fun challenge. “Autumn is my absolute favorite moment of the year in northern California,” says Hiebèrt. “I just knew I could encompass her vision and pull out the best that Mother Nature has to offer, and design an autumn filled wedding that Cara would just absolutely adore!”

For more information about the vendors, please visit:

Event Planning, Design & Decor: Très Fabu Event Planning and Design, www.tresfabuevents.com

Flowers/Leaves/Wheat: Floral Artistry: www.floralartistrybyshelley.com

Photography: CinZo Celebration Photography: www.cinzophoto.com

Custom Designed Seating Chart ~ Table Names ~ Bar & Wedding Menu ~ Robyn Lyn Steward of Philosophia: www.laphilosophia.com

Cupcakes: Icing on the Cupcake: www.icingonthecupcake.com

Venue: Oak Farm Vineyards, www.oakfarmvineyards.com

Catering: Randy Peters, www.randypeterscatering.com

Video: Sheffield Media: www.sheffieldmultimedia.com

Rentals: Celebrations Elegant Party Rentals: www.CelebrationsPartyRentals.com

Linens: Mimi & Co.: www.mimiandco.com

Wedding Favor table Linen: Wildflower Linens www.wildflowerlinens.com

Wedding Hair Styling:  Renee Marquez: www.stylesbyrenee.com

Wedding Make-up Styling:  Leilani Bryan: www.makeupbyleilani.com

Wedding Favors: Cara Johnson-Wademan ~ Our fabulous bride



Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Note of Gratitude from Laine & Andrew's Carmel Valley Wedding Celebration on 10.24.10





Darling Debra ~

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for such an amazing and over the top intimate wedding you created within the walls of our home here in Carmel Valley this past Sunday.  Our guests and our neighbors here in Tehama keep calling us or dropping by to share their abundance of joy with us!  We all had such an amazing experience with you guiding us every step of the way!!!!  You are the talk of the valley!  It was completely sensational!!!

It was exactly what Andrew and I have wished for!  Our home was dripping in complete romance; glowing with warm embers ablaze in our fireplaces; talented professional opera singers; cello and violin artists; and the opulent drama you created within the walls of our home was beyond amazing.  It was intimate; heartfelt; lovely and had the complete overtone of the incredible romantic drama we had wished it to encompass.  No one wanted to leave.   As you know our last guest left at two in the morning after more fireside champagne and hot cordials.

We are looking forward to creating another celebration here with you and your eye for design!!!  We are thinking of having another celebration at Pebble Beach!!!  You must be here for that to design away!  Must!!

We are actually thinking of hiring you to assist us re-decorating a few rooms within the walls of our estate home.  You brought so much joy and warmth to our wedding ceremony, that we want that feeling to linger on as we invite new and old friends back into our home.

Thank you.  You are a treat of a woman to know and I treasure the fact that I can now call you my friend!  We will have a fabulous gift for you soon my friend to show you our deep appreciation for your talents and that gigantic heart of yours!  Just you wait!

In love, friendship and gratitude,

"The newly Mrs. Laine DeCarrajio"
Andrew & Laine DeCarrajio



Friday, October 15, 2010

A Bride and Groom are Speechless in Sacramento . . . . . .

. . . . . After Two Ceremonies and a Fabulous Reception!

Written by Allison Hopkins for Très Fabu Event Planning and Design

At the end of the evening on May 15, 2010, Alvaro and Inthira Mendoza felt absolutely speechless. Their wedding day began at 10 o’clock that morning with an authentic Lao ceremony performed at home, followed by a traditional Catholic Hispanic wedding that afternoon at St. Rose church in Sacramento. The evening included a ten-course Chinese meal at The Asian Pearl, and dancing until midnight. Everything had gone off without a hitch and a total of 350 friends and family members had witnessed their vows and celebrated as the two families from very different cultures united.

Alvaro and Inthira are both the first generation from their families to arrive to the United States. Alvaro’s family is from Mexico and Inthira’s is from Laos, and although both families immigrated when the children were young, they continued to raise them with their traditional languages, customs, and food.

“Having two wedding ceremonies was very important to us because this shows that we are celebrating not only the unity of love but the unity of both families,” says Alvaro.

“Further, because our families have played an important part in our lives, we wanted to reflect both families’ cultures and traditions and also show the respect and love that we have for one another,” adds Inthira. “Usually I am the one who would plan and execute an event for my friends and family. But since I am the bride, I did not want this task to fall on any family member or friend…therefore we decided to hire an event planner. I think that was the best decision I have made, especially hiring Debra.”

With the help of Très Fabu Event Planning and Design and its team of fabulous vendors, a reflection of the couple’s individual cultures and traditions is exactly what was created…

The Lao Wedding: 10am-noon

Alvaro and Inthira began the first ceremony dressed in traditional Lao outfits that they had recently traveled to Laos to find. Inthira wore a red silk skirt with a matching wrap-around shirt with buttons on the sides and trimming from the skirt along the seams, and Alvaro wore red silk wrap-around pants and a golden jacket with gold chains that went across his chest. Inthira’s outfit was accompanied by a matching red scarf called “pra beang,” with gold beads hanging from the end. Alvaro wore special golden shoes that were shipped from Thailand—these shoes were his favorite part of his outfit, as this style was only worn by the royal family!

 One hundred and fifty guests gathered at the home of Inthira’s parents in Elk Grove to join in the festivities. The decorations were kept simple for this ceremony, with tissue pom poms hung up in the backyard and the inside the house, hydrangeas and palm leaves at the entrance of the home, a mixture of lavender and white roses in the lunch table centerpiece, and white roses and white hydrangeas around the bowl (khan) that held the wedding rings.

“In the traditional Lao wedding, there is a lot of blessing for the bride and groom,” explains Inthira. “The significant part of the ceremony is the tying of the white string to the bride and groom. Tying the white strings also gives the chance for guests to give personnel messages and blessings to the couple.”


The ceremony was followed by a lunch that consisted of authentic Vietnamese and Lao food prepared by Inthira’s mother and also by a local restaurant. Inthira’s father introduced the newlyweds and thanked the guests for attending, announcing how happy he was to see both sides of the family together and enjoying the event!

The Catholic Hispanic Wedding: 3:30pm-4:30pm

After celebrating in Inthira’s true Lao style, the couple, along with 200 guests (some had attended the previous ceremony as well), arrived at St. Rose Church for a traditional Catholic ceremony. The wedding party consisted of three bridesmaids and three groomsmen (Alvaro’s three brothers). Alvaro stood at the altar dressed in a black Calvin Klein suit awaiting his bride…

Holding her father’s arm, Inthira made her way down the aisle in a beautiful mermaid-style gown with a cathedral train. Although Alvaro had seen Inthira earlier that day, he felt a lot of anticipation and excitement during this ceremony.

“The Catholic ceremony was very exciting because the groom does not get to see the bride until she comes through the front door,” he says. “It feels like you have not seen each other in a long time because you both see each other with more love than you can possibly describe. Everything goes by so fast that the only thing you remember is the last phrase when the priest says ‘you can now kiss the bride.’”

With the day’s events going by so quickly, the couple was thankful to have the local husband and wife photography team, Eye Connoisseur, and local videographer, Jonathan Knox, capturing it all.

The Reception: 6pm-midnight

By 6 o’clock that night, Alvaro and Inthira were ready to celebrate, dance, and enjoy a ten-course Chinese meal. Inthira had slipped into a pink dress with a shiny thread design—chosen because the hand-sewn decoration would shine better with the evening light.

“Inthira's gowns were above amazing,” says Debra Hiebèrt of Très Fabu. “She belonged on the cover of an international glamour magazine!”

The Asian Pearl restaurant had been transformed into a magical place, with candles on the tables and tones of purple implemented perfectly throughout the table skirts, napkins, and centerpieces. Extreme Productions created a lavender logo that was shining on the white dance floor, accented by purple background lighting.

“Everyone we spoke to kept telling us how beautiful the reception looked,” says Inthira. “They love the decorations and the floral centerpieces on our head table.”

Floral Artistry provided all the arrangements for the reception, using an abundance of different types of orchids. One challenge was making sure the flowers could handle the spinning of the Lazy Susans that were used on the tables!

“She [Inthira] wanted really tall arrangements,” says Shelly McArdle of Floral Artistry. “We came up with tall cylinders and hung orchids on fishing line and also applied orchids to the outside of the vases.”

The couple chose to have a Lao band and a Spanish DJ, and while having a combination of music concerned them, Debra made sure that everything ran smoothly.

“Debra is beyond amazing,” says Inthira. “She is like a fairy godmother that listens and actually makes your dreams come true. What is great about Debra and her team is that they were with us the entire day without actually showing themselves until they were needed.”

After an endless variety of Chinese cuisine, guests enjoyed a triple berry wedding cake created by Divine Desserts. It was decorated with fresh purple orchids (provided by Floral Artistry), shiny silver rhinestones, sparkly silver ribbon, and silver plaques.

It truly was a full day of unity, happiness, and joy…as Alvaro and Inthira, along with their families and friends, made a promise to each other and began a life together.

“After meeting Debra, I knew at that moment that we just had to hire her,” says Inthira. “She is a great listener and her enthusiasm and professionalism is hard to find. Weddings are not complete without Très Fabu Event Planning and Design.”

For more information regarding the vendors, please go to:

Photography: Eye Connoisseur, www.eyeconnoisseur.com

Flowers: Floral Artistry, www.floralartistrybyshelley.com

Lighting: Extreme Productions, www.extremeprodjs.com

Cake: Divine Desserts, www.divinedessertsbyaguirre.com

Video: Jonathan Knox, 916.284.8563

Music: DJ—Francisco Martinez, 916.995.0622; Salika Band—Contact Sunn Phommavong, 916.233.8255

Party Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Linens: Wildflower Linens, Mimi & Company

Monday, October 4, 2010

Note of Gratitude from Cara & Mike for their Autumnal Celebration on 10.3.10

Hello everyone!!


Mike and I are heading out on our honeymoon soon, but I just need to tell you all something. From the bottom of my heart thank you. I know why Debra recommended each and every one of you.  Our wedding yesterday was beyond breathtaking and above what I could even imagine. I wish I had more time to e-mail you individually, but this will have to do:

Shelley - You incorporated everything I asked for into the floral decorations and bouquets.  The bridesmaids and I could not stop talking about how gorgeous they were.  The fact that you went to such depths to create my autumn vision ~ shows how dedicated you are to your craft. The wheat bunches were also a highlight, and looked better than the ones I showed you in the magazine. 

Cindi and Lorenzo - I wish more than anything that the sun would have been out longer so we could have spent the whole evening taking pictures! You two have an amazing talent, and work so well together, which in turn makes your subjects comfortable and relaxed.  I can not wait to see the pictures. I know they'll be great because you did such a fabulous job with the engagement ones. 

Pastor Kevin - At dinner, Mike introduced me to his 8th grade science teacher, Mrs. Parker. She is now 85 years old and said she has been to more weddings than she can count. Your service yesterday was the best she has ever heard.  Your voice was warm, you were funny, light hearted, and not pretentious. I couldn't agree more.  Thank you for capturing our spirit in your ceremony. 

Renee and Leilani - In the events leading up to the wedding I have had my hair and makeup done multiple times. None of them compared to what you did yesterday. After the ceremony Mike leaned in and told me that I looked absolutely beautiful and whoever did my hair and makeup really knew what they were doing. My bridesmaids were thrilled. Each and everyone. I couldn't have asked for a better group of girls!

Mimi & Gaby - Thank you for being one of the few vendors who actually stocks burlap, and fancy burlap at that!!! The linens were absolutely gorgeous, and really helped to tie the whole event together! 

Randy and Lisa - Not one complaint about the food. NOT ONE!!! You and your crew were professional and very attentive to the guests. This was no ordinary buffet food, let me assure you!!!  Not only did everything taste delicious, but you really took the time to pick menu options that were unique and autumn appropriate. Our guests were amazed.   

Sarah - Talk about an amazing venue!  Thank you for being such a great host.  Our guests loved the grounds, and I caught glimpses of several of them wandering around the premises taking peeks and pictures. GORGEOUS!

And of course, my lovely Debra: I don't have words to express my gratitude for making our day so special and unique. I saw you hustling around working your butt off - all for our occasion and to make our day so special. You are an amazing and caring person.  You have a talent unsurpassed by others in your profession for taking a theme and running with it.  Your vision for our autumnal celebration was spot on!  And your staff!  I can not believe that one of them (Danielle?) gave me her flip flops to wear. Such a sweetheart. You picked fine helpers!  Also, please please, please tell the stationer/printer (Philosophia Custom Paperie) that I have NEVER seen such amazing work in my life. I CANNOT get over how amazing the seating chart is.  SERIOUSLY. Wow!!! I'm still gitty about it!!!!!!  

Thank you all again!!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Cara Wademan :-)


Cara & Mike's Dream Team consisted of:
www.CinZoPhoto.com ~ CinZo Celebration Photograpy ~ Cindi Kinney & Lorenzo Bartone
www.FloralArtistrybyShelley.com ~ Floral Artistry ~ Shelley McArdle
www.RandyPetersCatering.com ~ Randy Peters Catering ~ Lisa Peters & Team
www.MimiandCompany.com ~ Mimi &Co. ~ Mimi and Gaby
www.OakFarmVineyards.com ~ Oak Farm Vineyards ~ Sara Vigil Jones
www.weddingmakeup.blogspot.com/ ~ Make-up by Leilani ~ Lelani Bryan
www.stylesbyrenee.com/ ~ Styles by Renee ~ Renee Marquez
www.LaPhilosophia.com ~ Philosophia Custom Paperie ~ Robyn Lyn Steward
www.SheffieldMultimedia.com ~ Sheffield Multimedia ~ Jim Foust
www.CelebrationsPartyRentals.com ~ Celebrations Elegant Party Rentals ~ Lacey Wright
Pastor Kevin Brown ~ Officiant


Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Romance and Bliss with an Italian/Versaille Kiss

Written by Allison Hopkins for Très Fabu Event Planning and Design

A woman named Anna Akhmatova once said, “Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life."


At Viaggio Winery in Lodi, California, miles and miles from the small towns of Italy, a couple’s dream of an Italian/Versaille inspired wedding came to life. For Brent and Jillian Meinyer, this type of wedding was a vision they shared—but the couple had no idea how perfect and real it could become on the breezy summer evening of June 19.

 “Every minute and detail was crisply carried out to our benefit by Debra and her whole ‘Dream Team,’” says Jillian. “They can take your lives and pick out so many moments that they know will mean the world to you later.”

The private estate, surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and the Mokelumne River, set the romantic feel for the evening…while Très Fabu and the amazing vendors that were selected for this day each played an important part in executing the fabulous event.

“We based the entire wedding off of Jillian’s original color palate of champagnes, ivories, soft apricots and a dash of petal pink,” says Debra Hiebèrt, owner of Très Fabu. “Then when she found the gown of her dreams—that's when I went into overdrive design—and launched off of Shelley's florals as well.”

Shelley McArdle from Floral Artistry started her design based on a single photo that Jillian had selected. From there, she created elegant and vintage arrangements…roses and hydrangeas were used abundantly, and shiny ribbons and sparkly rhinestones added a perfect touch to the flowers. Each flower girl and junior bridesmaid carried her own purse made purely of flowers!

“Shelly is such an amazing person,” says Jillian. “She really stretched every dollar to make the most outstanding floral arrangements that we have ever seen. She made us feel like we were the most special people on earth.”

Brent’s black Armani tuxedo was complemented by a calla lily boutonniere with rhinestones. And then came the bride, who according to her new husband, “…absolutely knocked everyone out with how stunningly beautiful she looked!”

In a strapless, ivory gown that truly captured the romance of the evening, Jillian held a bouquet of light pink and cream roses, and cream calla lilies, and made her way down an aisle covered in pink and cream rose petals arranged in a swirl design.

“When she first saw her bouquet, she [Jillian] was in aw…she kept saying ‘this is just so beautiful,’” says McArdle.

Pastor Kevin Brown from Lodi met the beautiful Bride and Groom at the altar. Beforehand, he asked the couple to come up with five reasons to marry each other, and planned on including them in the ceremony. To their amusement, he repeated the reasons almost word for word—keeping the ceremony fun, meaningful, and most of all, memorable.

After the pronouncement of husband and wife, Jillian and Brent had a fun surprise for the crowd. “At the end of our ceremony—Brent has always been a long time Indiana Jones fan—so we played the theme music as we made our way down the aisle together on our new adventure as newlyweds,” says Jillian.

Everyone was shocked when an aerial confetti streamer launched as well! “They were crying and laughing…it was the perfect touch by Matt at Extreme Productions,” says Jillian.

Extreme Productions created a customized entertainment and production company for the entire event…each song was hand selected, personalized bridal party introductions were created, and the soundtrack for each scene had an energy and feel that was reflective of the moment. There was even a 3D moon projection on the wall near the cake (Jillian’s request)!

“As soon as we secured services with Brent and Jillian, we went right to work on getting to know their personality, their story, their interests, style, and taste,” says Matt Brys from Extreme Productions. “From there, we were able to build out the ‘experience’ of the day (the music, energy, MC work, lighting, production, announcements, etc… and we added in extra flair with lighting and confetti cannons for that WOW factor!”

An indoor reception followed the ceremony, with beautiful candlelit tables, gold plates, and gold chairs. Guests enjoyed catering provided by Viaggio Winery, which included several appetizers, filet mignon, shrimp, portobello mushroom, and lamb. The fabulous meal was followed by Divine Desserts’ scrumptious three-tiered ivory cake, with details of ivory roses around each layer.

Brent and Jillian started the dancing for the night with “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. With the moon projected in the background, and the lighting dark and intimate, the couple was truly “Dancin' in the dark, middle of the night, takin' your heart and holdin' it tight…”

Capturing all the special moments, from the private glances between the newly married couple to the fun and glory of the night, was Cinzo Photography. “We could not believe the amount of detail and thought that was put into taking each shot,” says Brent. “They went above and beyond for us!”

As the day is now a precious memory for the couple (and also was captured in detail by Thomas Hughes Video) Brent and Jillian are both very pleased with their decision to hire a wedding planner. “It was most important for us, as the Bride and Groom, to truly enjoy our day, our love, our way... and it was worth the extra amount of money to have someone else carry the burden of the minor details,” says Brent.

If there was just one word to describe how they felt that day? Overjoyed…that they had a tremendous amount of family and friends to share in their enjoyment and love, and overjoyed with one another as absolute soul mates.


Matt Brys agrees that this day was perfect in everyway. “Très Fabu spent countless hours ensuring she [Debra] knew the vibe and feel of the client and designed a masterpiece that made Brent and Jillian speechless,” says Brys.

According to Brent and Jillian, “You’re not getting married if you’re not ‘Très Fabu’”!!

For more information about the venue and vendors, please visit:

www.viaggiowinery.com

www.floralartistrybyshelley.com

www.extremeprodjs.com

www.divinedessertsbyaguirre.com

www.cinzophoto.com

www.thomashughesvideo.com

www.mimiandcompany.com 

www.classicpartyrentals.com

www.stephaniejdesigns.com

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Critsey Rowe + Alicia + Jim @ Cornerstone Gardens in Sonoma ~ California

Critsey Rowe's photography magic at Cornerstone Gardens in Sonoma ~ California for Alicia & Jim's wedding event. Brilliant! Enjoy these images from Critsey's fabulous blog!