Monday, April 18, 2011

A Royal Napkin Ring for a Truly Royal Event

Written by Allison Hopkins for Très Fabu Event Planning and Design

As Très Fabu Event Planning and Design approaches its mega April 23rd wedding, which will take place at Serrano Country Club in El Dorado Hills, California with 250 guests, the wedding planner would like to share a sneak peak of the evening’s napkin rings — which were recently revealed on TV in Los Angeles!

Brian Worley, wedding planner for “Shedding for the Wedding” on the CW Television Network, showed KTLA viewers the dazzling custom napkin rings that were designed by Wildflower Linen specifically for Très Fabu Event's upcoming wedding for clients Kasie and Thomas, along with the fabulous mother of the bride, Jann Bytheway. The wedding will feature an array of blues, platinums, blacks, and whites, and the napkin rings will definitely add a sparkle to each table!

Worley was invited by KTLA to give his version of what the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton will look like. The napkin rings are a replica of the oval, 18-carat sapphire and diamond ring once belonging to Princess Diana that has now been passed down to Kate as her engagement ring.

To view the video from KTLA:
http://wildflowerlinens.com/blog/

Event photos coming soon in a few weeks!!

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Justin and Alissa One Year Later

Written by Allison Hopkins for Très Fabu Event Planning and Design 

As Justin and Alissa Creel approach their one-year anniversary, the couple is excited to retell the events that made their wedding so priceless. The evening of April 17, 2010 was a magical night for them. At Wine and Roses in Lodi, California, the couple celebrated their love and unity among 160 friends and family.

The design of this beautiful spring wedding (by Très Fabu) consisted of pinks, browns, and creams throughout the flowers, linens, programs, and apparel. Alissa wore a strapless, classis A-line dress that was simple and elegant, with a bubble hem on the bottom that “made her look like she was floating.” Justin was stunning in a single button tuxedo with a white vest and a white tie. Bridesmaids were in pink; groomsmen in brown vests and ties. 

The couple chose to have a modern, non-denominational Protestant ceremony that lasted about 20 minutes. Pastor Jon Holmes married them in a ceremony that included live music sung by a close friend of the bride. 

After the ceremony, Justin and Alissa went with Debra Hiebèrt, owner of Très Fabu, for the “private reveal” of the reception hall and a romantic dance together.

 “We never would have realized the importance of this if Debra hadn’t scheduled it in,” says Justin. “But now we realize that your wedding day flies by in a flash and having some private time to enjoy the beauty and atmosphere that Debra had created in the reception hall was very important to us.”

As the evening advanced into a fabulous reception with dinner and dancing, Matt Brys from Extreme Productions kept the mood going with excellent mc skills and a variety of music requested by the bride and groom.

Dinner was prepared by Wine and Roses and included a piece of grilled chicken and a piece of filet mignon on each plate. According to the couple and many of their guests, it was “to die for!”

“It was one of the best meals I have ever had, hands down,” says Justin. “We received multiple compliments on how good the food was, even from friends of ours that are chefs.”

Along with a delicious meal, each of the vendors played an important role in creating the look and feel that the couple wanted for their special evening.

“Not only is Debra’s creativity unmatched, but her contacts—florists, photographers, DJs, linen companies, etc.—made planning and executing the wedding substantially easier, allowing us more time to enjoy the process,” says Alissa. “We never had to worry that our vendors wouldn’t show or wouldn’t come through.”

Shelly McArdle provided amazing florals and according to the bride, “they were beyond perfect!!” CinZo Photography was “wonderful to work with” and “did a fabulous job of capturing the wedding.”

The couple topped the celebration off by honeymooning on a beautiful cruise ship through Rome, Naples, Sicily, Athens, Rhodes, Ephesus, and Alexandria…a perfect tour of the Mediterranean.

One year later, they report back that there are “no babies yet” but plenty to keep them occupied. They continue to work full-time and grow with their careers.

One last thought from the couple in regards to hiring a wedding planner. “You don’t know, what you don’t know.” The essence of his statement is that it’s impossible to know everything that will impact your wedding day. 

“One of the most important aspects of working with Debra was knowing that she would be able to take care of any unexpected situations that might arise during or after the wedding,” says Alissa. “Being as prepared as we were allowed us both to enjoy and appreciate the day, making it a priceless memory.”

Wedding Design, Planning and Production: Très Fabu Event Planning and Design, www.tresfabuevents.com

Floral Design: Shelly McArdle, www.floralartistrybyshelley.com

Photography: CinZo Celebration Photography, www.CinZoPhoto.com

Entertainment/Lighting: Matt Brys of Extreme Productions, www.extremeprodjs.com

Wedding Cake: Divine Desserts, www.divinedessertbyaguirre.com

All Linens:  Mimi & Co., www.mimiandcompany.com

All Event Paperie:  Our lovely bride, Allissa Creel.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

A Quick Thanks to Wildflower Linen!

Written by Allison Hopkins for Très Fabu Event Planning and Design
 

Wildflower Linen recently expressed its gratitude to Très Fabu Event Planning and Design on http://wildflowerlinens.com/blog/drape-it-the-knot-magazine-northern-california for being included in The Knot's Northern California issue. 


In response to The Knot's question regarding linens and vendors, Debra Hiebèrt, owner of Très Fabu Events, said: "Youngsong Martin of Wildflower Linen travels all over the country, as well as Asia, India, and Europe to find fabrics, which end up dictating the trends. That's why she's one of the leaders of this industry, and why the showrooms, like the one in San Francisco, are chock full of decor eye candy."



Debra and her staff at Très Fabu Event Planning and Design are so proud to be working with Wildflower Linen to create one-of-a-kind affairs. The company was founded in 2001 and has been involved in many of Très Fabu's weddings/receptions and special events and continues to amaze clients with exceptional fabulous designs.

A little bit more about Wildflower Linen....
Founder Youngsong Martin, formerly a nationally known fashion designer and marketer of high-style women’s apparel, launched Wildflower Linen in southern California. Her full-service rental company has since redefined the special-event linen field in terms of style, glamour and customer care while becoming a prestigious provider to clients nationwide and abroad—for functions of all sizes and budgets.

Wildflower Linen creations have been featured at the post-Oscars Governor’s Ball and Vanity Fair after-parties, aboard charter yachts, in noted resorts and country clubs, at several Presidential library events, and also at the gala party for a Dream Works premiere at the Venice Film Festival in Italy.


Thursday, March 24, 2011

Très Fabu is Now On The Ritz-Carlton Resort Preferred Vendors List!



March 24, 2011
Written by Allison Hopkins for Très Fabu Event Planning and Design

Debra Hiebèrt, owner of Très Fabu Event Planning and Design, is pleased to announce that Très Fabu has been formally invited to be a partner on The Ritz-Carlton’s list of preferred professional event vendors for its Half Moon Bay Resort location.

Debra has recently planned and designed a few events at the hotel’s gorgeous Pacific grounds (see photos below). The entire Très Fabu Event Team is thrilled and honored to be partnering with such a prestigious resort!                                                                                                     







Monday, March 21, 2011

Vendor Spotlight: Jesse Christian Hendricks | Spanish Guitarist

Written by Allison Hopkins for Très Fabu Event Planning and Design

Stephanie and Justin (Très Fabu’s bride and groom from December 2009) are one of many couples who have enjoyed the beautiful sounds of Spanish guitarist Jesse Christian Hendricks. You may have seen him featured on KCRA Sacramento or CW31 Good Morning Sacramento. He’s been entertaining California’s Central Valley, Bay Area, and beyond for more than ten years.

Hendricks performs at weddings and special events and has played at a variety of venues, including upscale restaurants, hotels, spas, museums, and city festivals. With a passionate and classy approach, Hendricks’ music has been called classical, flamenco jazz, rumba, and world music.

“The guitar is capable of different types of music so you really have a lot of flexibility with it,” says Hendricks. “For example, I often perform beautiful classical guitar for pre-ceremony and ceremony music. It is dignified and classy, a perfect touch to the wedding. Then, for the cocktail hour or dinner, I like to spice it up a little with flamenco-style jazz. This music is a mix of originals and other famous artists, and it provides a lively backdrop for guests to enjoy while mingling.”

Hendricks is mostly self-taught and found a great interest in the Spanish guitar (including classical and flamenco music) as a young adult. He truly loves the sounds of Spain and South America. He believes that the Spanish guitar is the most romantic, evocative instrument one can imagine.  

“My favorite part of the job is the idea of being part of something special—whether that is a wedding, concert, or reaching out to seniors and children,” says Hendricks. “Music is a powerful gift that transcends all ages and backgrounds.”

Along with music, what Hendricks loves most in life is traveling.

“When I was younger, I lived in Europe for several years, taking in all the wonderful culture,” says Hendricks. “I have lived in Italy and Argentina and I have to say that the music I perform is a musical postcard and nostalgic reminder of everything I love about those countries.”

Be sure to check out Hendricks’ tunes at www.jessechendricks.com!

He also offers guitar classes and private instructions for all ages and levels.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Carly & Jason ~ One Year Later

Memories of Their Winter Wedding

Written by Allison Hopkins for Très Fabu Event Planning and Design

“Thank you for making our wedding the most magical and unforgettable day of my life. The wedding was everything I wanted: simple, classic, and elegant.” –Carly Skinner

The proposal.
Jason surprised Carly on New Year's Day in 2008 at sunset. The couple was overlooking London from the top of the London Eye, the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe. They were alone in a capsule with champagne and strawberries. Carly had no idea he would be proposing and was caught completely off-guard!

The special day | January 30, 2010
St. John’s Lutheran Church & Tsakopoulos Library Galleria
Sacramento, California

The atmosphere…candles, candles, candles!
The main idea for the wedding and reception was simple but elegant. Carly opted for the use of candles throughout the reception venue and minimal floral arrangements. The candles created a very romantic mood, with delicate lighting everywhere you turned. Debra Hiebèrt, owner of Très Fabu, focused mainly on the head table and used votive candles and a mix of different sized vanilla pillar candles to enhance the feeling of amber romance.

Colors and florals.
Black, champagne, and ivory. The bridesmaids wore black gowns with a champagne sash, while Carly wore ivory with silver rhinestone bead work. The men wore black tuxedos.

The bridal bouquet was clean and classic—including roses, freesia, gardenia, and stephanotis,” says Cathy Brooks of Visual Impact Design. “Hydrangea was used as an accent. A silver broach was placed on the stems of her bouquet for an accent of bling.” 

The dress.
“I LOVED my dress,” says Carly. “I visited at least eight stores and did not find a dress that made me feel like a bride. Finally, I went to Always Elegant Bridal. I wish it had been my first stop. I found multiple dresses there that I liked, including the one I finally selected. The gown was very comfortable and had the sparkle I was looking for. It was also very affordable.”

The sentimental cake topper.
The cake topper was originally used at the wedding of Carly’s grandparents and was over 50 years old. They were the only set of grandparents not at the wedding and it was special for Carly to have a part of them there with her. Carly’s grandmother had actually painted it and added on details to customize it for her own wedding.

The family tree.
A large centerpiece on the guest book table included branches with pictures of family weddings hung from them…these were designed by the bride and groom, were double sided, and hung with black ribbons and crystals. 

The “sparkle” of the night.
To top off the evening…guests held long-lasting sparklers outside as the newly crowned Mr. and Mrs. Everitt made their way down the row!

The team behind the magic.

Wedding Design and Execution: Très Fabu Event Planning and Design

“I quickly realized that I wanted someone who knew the ‘vision’ for the wedding to oversee the set-up and flow of the day,” says Carly, who was located in Santa Barbara (six hours away) during the planning process. “When we met with Debra, I felt like she really understood what we wanted from the day. She had wonderful suggestions while being completely devoted to keeping it ‘our wedding’ and letting us make the decisions. In the end, it was great to have someone I could trust to take care of everything. She was so supportive in the planning process and handled everything the day of the wedding so we were able to fully enjoy our day, family, and friends.”

A note to Debra (Tres Fabu) from the mother of the bride on the morning of:
“…as I look at my daughter sleeping, her wedding gown hanging...how fortunate we are to have you in our lives...looking forward to the celebration!” –Liz Skinner, Carly’s mom

Photos: CinZo Photography, www.CinZoPhoto.com


Cake: Divine Desserts, www.divinedessertsbyaguirre.com

Red Velvet Cheesecake: The Cheesecake Factory, www.thecheesecakefactory.com

Florals: Visual Impact Design, www.visualimpact-design.com

Catering: All Seasons All Reasons, www.allseasonsallreasons.net

DJ: Extreme Productions, www.extremeprodjs.com

Paperie: Deb Penrice of By Invitation Only

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Shutterbugs in Love!

Written by Allison Hopkins for Très Fabu Event Planning and Design 

CinZo Photography
The biggest smiles are behind the camera.
It all started in San Francisco in 2007 when he spotted her and couldn’t keep his eyes away, though she seemed not to notice. ‘He’ was Lorenzo Bartone; ‘she’ was Cindi Kinney. Two people with a true passion for capturing life. They were both attending a wedding photography seminar and he waited by the hotel entrance, approached her, and offered to assist her on a wedding shoot. A successful plan!

Lorenzo and Cindi lived two hours apart and endured a long distance relationship for about a year, until Cindi moved in with Lorenzo.

“I remember walking in his house for the first time and thinking who is this guy with this amazing art that he's photographed,” says Cindi. “He had the most loving sweet dog named Phoebe and I had a cat named Phoebe—many similarities!”

Shortly after moving in together, the couple made long-term plans.

“We decided that, not being kids anymore, we’d do this with full commitment,” says Lorenzo. “On Christmas Eve, while Cindi was making a sandwich, she cut her finger, requiring a trip to the ER (where we spent the entire day). This changed my plans for asking her to marry me—at least the ‘ring’ part—as the finger next to her ring finger had a bandage the size of a banana on it. The next morning (Christmas morning), I asked to see the bandaged finger and placed a ring on the other one, asking first, of course.”

Along with the ring, the wedding, and the joining of families, came CinZo Photography—the combination of two talented professionals with the ability to offer clients the best of both worlds. Cindi’s background focuses on portraiture and Lorenzo’s on advertising and product work, while both share a love for wedding photography. Cindi has been photographing weddings for more than twenty years. They come as a package deal for their brides and grooms, and with their dual American/Italian citizenship, they can work in Italy and the European community.

“We seem to work together effortlessly,” says Lorenzo. “Our strengths and weaknesses complement each other perfectly. Cindi is more in touch with the emotional side of people; I’m a highly experienced studio/advertising photographer (used to teach lighting). She’s a better editor and a terrific designer. I spent a year at Apple helping with virtual reality research, so I’m pretty technically capable.”

The couple resides in Auburn, California in a lovely old home on lots of land. Cindi’s favorite: a fireplace in the bedroom and bathroom! The décor includes her large collection of various small hearts—made of metal, wood, and stone (many of the rocks have been found on their hikes by the river). She also has photographs and paintings of hearts.

What’s in store for this Valentine’s Day? Cindi and Lorenzo plan to enjoy a hike and a romantic dinner. 

“Cindi is the most loving, thoughtful person I’ve ever met,” says Lorenzo. “Sincere, completely who she seems to be, never superficial or two-faced. Always genuine; always sweet and loving.”

“He cooks for me,” says Cindi. “I had always wanted to marry a cook! He never really knew he was so talented in the kitchen until he had someone (me!) to appreciate his cooking. It's just so nice at this time in my life to have a partner who shares in almost everything I do. It's a great feeling of support. We ham and egg it amazingly well, which allows us each to do the things we love.”

Future plans? To travel through America during the slow months, photographing the ‘personalities’ along the way. Lorenzo began this project many years ago and the couple would love to eventually complete the book.

Grazie: an Italian word meaning thanks/gratitude.

Lorenzo and Cindi included this word on their wedding announcements.

It’s a term that is kept close to their hearts. 

Together; www.CinZoPhoto.com

His; www.bartonephotography.com

Hers; www.CindiHeartstrings.com

Phone: 707.206.5531