Every Elegant Detail

Meet Every Elegant Detail at the Mix and Mingle Bridal Event at Thomas Fogarty Winery

2012-02-06T11:26:00.001-08:00

Thomas Fogarty Winery is hosting a bridal event on March 11, 2012 from 1 pm to 5 pm. Every Elegant Detail will be on hand to discuss designing your wedding and will be showcasing a few tabletop designs. There will be other amazing wedding professionals from the Bay Area to meet as well. Hope to see you there!

Published in Ceremony Magazine!

2012-01-30T15:54:00.000-08:00

Every Elegant Detail was published in January's edition of Ceremony Magazine! Check out Erin's and Andy's incredibly beautiful, romantic wedding held at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn. Thank you to Ceremony Magazine SF, and congratulations to Erin and Andy!

location | caterer | cake - Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn
linens | rentals - Hartmann Studios Rentals
lighting - Impact Lighting
floral design - Amy Burke Designs
photography - Shannon Stellmacher
stationery - Creative Designs by Mimi
entertainment - Ron Grandia
hair - Dean Roybal, Planet Salon

Gumps Registry in San Francisco

2012-01-27T11:03:00.000-08:00

This is a wonderful event hosted by Gumps along with Taste Catering. If you are looking for a unique location for your bridal registry you don't want to miss this.

Visit to the Four Seasons Resorts in Hawai'i at Lana'i!

2012-01-25T15:00:00.000-08:00

In December, I had the opportunity to visit the luxurious Four Seasons Resorts in Lana'i, Hawai'i. I loved it so much there that I couldn't resist sharing with you! My hostess for the day was Cassie Conching, a representative for the Four Seasons in Lana'i. With its own airport and frequent ferry service direct from Maui providing easy access to the island, Lana'i is a great option for a destination wedding. With an average temperature of 80 degrees even in December, Lana'i's beautiful weather is an excellent way to escape the winter months and take in the tropical climate.

Hulopo'e Beach lies at the base of the Four Seasons Lana'i at Manele Bay and is considered one of the world's most perfect stretches of sand. The resort overlooks the bay, a marine preserve full of colorful fish and even spinner dolphins! This spot is considered one of the very best in Hawai'i for snorkeling and diving, making a dip in the 70-degree water even more irresistible.

The Four Seasons Resort Hawai’i, Lana’i at Manele Bay offers many different location options for weddings. Ceremonies can be held on the beach, on the resort lawn, or even with a grand view overlooking the ocean. There are many choices for receptions too, since the entire celebration can be held outdoors or hosted indoors in a beautiful reception space. Another great thing about holding your wedding at the Four Seasons Resort Hawai’i, Lana’i at Manele Bay is the free access to it's sister resort just up the hill, the Four Seasons Resort Hawai’i, Lana’i at Koele. Amenities at both resorts are graciously offered to guests, and shuttles are provided to transport them back and forth at their leisure.

For those who may desire more of a lodge feel for their destination wedding, the Four Seasons Resort Hawai’i, Lana’i at Koele is the perfect place. Resting atop Mount Lanaihale, the climate at the former pineapple plantation is slightly cooler than the beach below with an average temperatrure of about 65 to 70 degrees. The grounds at the Lodge at Koele offer a myriad of activities, including croquet, lawn bowling, golf on a world-renowned course, sport clay shooting, and even horseback riding. A beautiful reflecting pond is home to koi fish, and the nearby pagoda, fountain, and greenhouse are gorgeous additions to the serene landscape. Peacocks roam the property, adding a whimsical touch to the incredible surroundings.

I want to thank Cassie and the Four Seasons for such an amazing visit to the properties on Lana'i. It was such a pleasure experiencing all that the resorts have to offer, and I can't wait to return for a destination wedding someday!

Shannon's & Rich's Wedding at Thomas Fogarty Winery

2012-01-03T16:33:00.000-08:00

Shannon's and Rich's wedding was my last wedding of 2011, and what a great end to the season for me-- these two were so adorable! It was such a pleasure to be a part of their wedding day!

It was fun to take a little hike in the vineyards, even though Shannon had really fabulous shoes on that we didn't want to get muddy... I think it was worth it though! :)

Congratulations Shannon and Rich, and a happy 2012 to you both!

Venue: Thomas Fogarty Winery
Catering: Thomas John Events
Floral Design: Amy Burke Designs
Photography: Carlie Statsky
Videography: Studio MSV
Cake & Cupcakes: Studio Cake
Linens: La Tavola
Rentals: Hartmann Studios
Invitations: Hello Lucky
DJ: Big Fun Disc Jockeys
Guitarist: Terrence Farrell
Wedding Dress: Priscilla of Boston
Bride's Shoes: Kate Spade
Hair & Makeup: jbeautique
Tuxedos: Black Tie Tuxedo & Formal Wear
Limousine Service: Lone Star Limousine
Shuttle Service: Destination Systems

Thank you 2011

2011-12-22T10:01:00.000-08:00

As we draw to the end of 2011, I am so happy for all of the amazing bride's and grooms and families that were such a joy to work with! A huge thanks to all of the wedding industry professionals that helped make all of these weddings and events a success for Every Elegant Detail and each and every client. I wish you all Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!! Here is to a wonderful 2011!

Janece

Selecting the Perfect Venue

2011-12-04T19:15:00.001-08:00

One of the most important decisions you'll make for your wedding is which venue to host it. There are so many aspects of your wedding that are dependent on this choice, so we want to give you some pointers on finding the perfect place.

1) The first and most important step of selecting a venue is always to clearly define your budget and the vision you have for your wedding. This way you'll know exactly what you're able to spend to make your dream a reality, and you won't have to deal with any disappointment later in finding out that a venue you fell in love with is far too expensive for you.

2) Another important step is to develop the flow of events for the wedding. This will mean thinking about what kinds of smaller event spaces you'll need to combine to create the full event. Imagine and map out the way the day will go-- will guests be greeted with a welcome beverage in a garden? Be seated for the ceremony on a lawn? Be invited for cocktails on a terrace? Be greeted for dinner and dancing in a ballroom? Consider every move you and your guests will make throughout the event to be prepared to look for the appropriate space to host these activities.

Mill Cottage Photography

3) Determine the physical requirements of your event. This means considering how many people will be attending the event, how much space is available indoors versus outdoors, calculating square footage, and so on. Make sure to estimate larger rather than smaller, since it's easier to fill a space up than it is create extra event space out of thin air!

4) Deciding on the general area or region and type of venue in which to hold your wedding should also receive attention. Do you want to host a rustic winery wedding in Sonoma, or would you prefer the contemporary feel of a loft in the city? What about a destination wedding in the Bahamas? Narrowing down your venue options by deciding on the general location in which you want to hold your wedding will help.

5) The logistics that go into hosting a wedding at a particular location may aide in your decision as well. Considerations such as whether transportation can easily get to and from the site and whether there are appropriate guest accommodations nearby can make or break the decision on a venue. Another important factor may be the proximity of the location to a house of worship needed to hold the wedding ceremony, such as a church or synagogue.

Shannon Stellmacher Photography

6) An important part of selecting the right venue that is often overlooked is considering the interests and expectations of your invited guests. If most of your family is from a small town and used to simple life, they may not feel the most comfortable or much more have the resources to come to a wedding at the most opulent hotel downtown. Vice versa, if you throw a destination wedding out in the sticks on a farm, your city friends and relatives may not relish the idea of putting on boots and trampling through mud. Be sure to accommodate your guests to some extent at least, since you want them to feel at ease enjoying the day in celebration with you.

7) Finally, compare and evaluate all of your options. Play around with new, creative ideas. See what kind of venue will best suit your needs and dreams for your big day. And most of all, have fun searching for the special place where your life in wedded bliss will begin!

We would love to help you find your perfect wedding location!

Happy venue searching!

Love, Lindsay

Love is in the Air: Part 2

2011-11-30T14:23:00.001-08:00

A huge thanks to Shanni from What Shanni Saw for these amazing photos. She captured all of the beautiful moments from the day!
Jet plane escort cards, of course!
Gorgeous florals from Amy Burke brought the overall design together.
A fitting cake for the bride and pilot groom from Studio Cake.
Congratulations Lauren and Rob!!!

Love is in the Air: Part 1

2011-11-30T13:36:00.000-08:00

Planning Rob's and Lauren's wedding was a complete thrill for me. This couple lives in Virginia and from the moment we met I felt blessed to be a part of their special day. Lauren is such a beautiful bride-- what a great smile!

Rob is a Navy pilot, so of course a sword arch was in order for the newlyweds' grand entrance!

Below is the list of the amazing vendors that helped make this day fantastic! Stay tuned for Part 2!!

Venue - Thomas Fogarty Winery
Caterer - Continental Caterers
Rentals - Hartmann Studio Rentals
Florist - Amy Burke Designs
Photographer - What Shanni Saw
Videographer - Aaron Kelly
Cake & Cupcakes - Studio Cake
DJ - Big Fun Disc Jockeys
Hair - Alli Dunnam, Envy Salon, Los Gatos
Shuttle Service - Destination Systems
Limousine Service - Lone Star Limousine
Hotels - Sheraton Palo Alto/Westin Palo Alto

Welcome Every Elegant Detail's New Associate!

2011-11-28T15:25:00.001-08:00

Meet Lindsay, Every Elegant Detail's new Associate Wedding Coordinator!

Lindsay earned her Bachelor’s degree in family psychology and soon after discovered her love of event planning. She began working alongside Janece as an intern in 2009 and now holds a prestigious Wedding Planning Certificate from CSU East Bay. After two awesome years of experience working with some of the most talented Bay Area events industry professionals, Lindsay is thrilled to be joining the Every Elegant Detail team and helping brides and grooms bring their wedding visions to life!

Hans and Lisa's wedding from Meg Perotti Photography

2011-11-07T14:09:00.001-08:00

Meg Perotti just posted the amazing photos from Hans and Lisa's wedding from June. They were such a great couple to work with and I think you can see from the photos their adorable personalities and the fun they had on their wedding day. Thank you Meg for sharing these in your blog. See Meg Perotti's photos here!

Sara and Eric's Nestldown Wedding Photos from Mill Cottage Photography

2011-10-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

Enjoy these fun photos from Eric and Sara's wedding at Nestldown from Mill Cottage Photography!

See the full vendor credit on the earlier post http://everyelegantdetail.blogspot.com/2011/06/sara-and-erics-magical-nestldown.html

New Logo for Every Elegant Detail!!

2011-10-14T14:45:00.000-07:00

So excited to launch my new logo! Thank you to Rachel Hanson Designs for creating this for me!

The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe

2011-10-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

Lake Tahoe is home to The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe and boasts of a wonderful experience for guests and makes a great destination for weddings. I was able to see this first hand this past weekend as they invited several wedding planners to the property for a few days. This is a one of a kind destination location for weddings. You and your guests will feel pampered and taken care of every step of the way.

As we toured the lake I was unable to stop taking photos as every angle of the lake and mountains in the background are so beautiful.

In case your idea of a vacation means a little relaxation, the spa at The Ritz-Carlton has many options available. This copper soaking tub is in one of the couple's rooms that allows for couples massage as well as a soak in this copper tub. Ahhhh, you can feel the stress melting away here.

This area is called the living room. A casual seating area in the hotel for meeting together with friends.

This was the view from my room. There is a lovely pool in the back as well as the ability to ski in and out of the Northstar ski resort from the hotel.

I can't wait to share more about this destination in another post. See you in Tahoe. A big thank you to all The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe employees for all of their warm hospitality!!!

Gwyneth & Stephen's Wedding at the Thomas Fogarty Winery

2011-09-06T11:17:00.001-07:00

Gwyneth and Stephen's wedding at the beautiful Thomas Fogarty Winery located in Woodside, CA was truly an intimate event. It was a perfect day for an outside affair as friends and family enjoyed a delicious dinner by Bella Terra, served family-style. Their florals by Amy Burke Designs, were just perfect for the long farm tables provided by Zephyr. One of the aspects that I loved most about this wedding was the bringing together of two families, one from California and the other from England. It was sweet to see these two families become one on this day. After dinner the festivities continued as the band, Pure Ecstasy played in the Hill House while guests enjoyed the many desserts as others danced the night away.

Cake: Satura Cakes

Catering: Bella Terra Catering

Hair & Make-Up: J Beautique

Farm Tables: Zephyr Tents
Florist: Amy Burke Designs

Music: Pure Ecstasy Entertainment

Officiant: Reverend John Sullivan
Photographer: Union Photography

Rentals: Hartmann Studios

Transportation: Destination Systems
Venue: Thomas Fogarty Winery

Wedding at the Bacara Resort in Santa Barbara

2011-09-06T11:13:00.000-07:00

M and E planned a wedding at the beautiful Bacara resort in Santa Barbara, CA. Family and friends travelled from all over the country and the world to celebrate their lives together. Thanks to all the vendors who made this such a wonderful day! Santa Barbara is so amazing and I can't wait to work at Bacara again.

The view of the Pacific Ocean at the ceremony site was breathtaking!!

Delicious desserts were served for guests to enjoy!

DJ: All The Above Events

Florist: Cody Floral
Hair & Make-Up: Luna Bella Make-Up Art
Lighting: Swank Audio Visuals
Linens: Napa Valley Linens & Hartmann Studios
Music: Classics IV String Quartet
Officiant: Saral Burdette
Paper: Creative Designs
Photographer: Heather Kincaid Photography
Venue: Bacara Resort & Spa
Videographer: Riviera Productions

Published on Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Daily Blog!

2011-08-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

After planning and designing this photoshoot a few months ago we are so proud to be featured in the Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Daily blog:

In Part I and Part II you can see more of this "California Mission" shoot with many of California's most fabulous vendors!! It is because of the collaboration with all these great folks that makes these projects a success.

Part I - see the amazing video by Andrew Hsu of Studio MSV here

Part II - see photos by the talented Gustavo Fernandez here

Thanks to the other vendors for making this beautiful photoshoot possible!

Linens: Napa Valley Linens
Design and Planning: Janece Shellooe of Every Elegant Detail
Floral Design: Amy Burke Designs
Rentals: Hartmann Design Studios
Lighting: Got Light!
Cake: Patisserie Angelica
Hair and Makeup: Maria Chang of PMA
Wedding Dress: Sarah Houston
Bridal Salon: Nouvelle Vogue
Female Model: Alex Abercrombie
Male Model: Jayce Basques
Location: The Adobe Mission at Cline Cellars

Erika and Sean - Pinkalicious at Cline Cellars!

2011-07-07T14:07:00.001-07:00

Erika and Sean wanted lots of pink - screaming, hot pink. So we gave it them! We knew the right floral designer for the job was Amy Burke Designs. We transformed the Adobe Mission area of Cline Cellars into a sea of hot pink and fuschia tones. Erika literally stopped in her tracks when she reached the aisle from amazement and happiness! Only pictures can describe how beautiful this wedding was.

Cake: Patisserie Angelica Catering: Elaine Bell Catering
Chair Covers: Wildflower Linens
Coordinator: Every Elegant Detail
Florist: Amy Burke Designs
Hair: Sarah Dean
Linens: Napa Valley Linens
Make-up: Jamie Zimmerman
Music: Wine Country Piano Music & Strings
Officiant: Minister Maggie Beretz
Paper Goods: Creative Designs by Mimi
Photographer: Shannon Stellmacher Photography
Venue: Cline Cellars

Lisa and Hans' wedding at Thomas Fogarty Winery

2011-07-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

Summer is finally here!

Lisa and Hans celebrated their wedding at Thomas Fogarty Winery. Their florals from the fabulous Amy Burke Designs consisted of an abundance of calla lilies. Check out the wall that Amy Burke constructed, with calla lilies hanging from them. What an ingenious design! Lisa and Hans are both Korean, so they had a paebaek, which is a traditional Korean ceremony that signifies the joining of both their families. Stay tuned for more photos from the amazing Meg Perotti, including the amazing Korean costumes worn by the family members. In his speech, Hans said that knew that Lisa was the one for him the moment he met her. This brought tears to my eyes. Hans and Lisa, here's wishing you many happy years ahead together!

Cake: Studio Cake
Catering: Thomas John Events
Coordinator: Every Elegant Detail
DJ/Band: Big Fun DJ
Florist: Amy Burke Designs
Make-up and Hair: Hair Day
Music: Nob Hill Strings
Officiant: John Sullivan
Paper Goods: Hello Lucky

Transportation: Destination Systems

Venue: Thomas Fogarty Winery

Engagement Session from Meg Perotti

2011-06-17T09:09:00.000-07:00

How adorable are these photos from Hans and Lisa's engagement session with Meg Perotti? I am looking forward to their upcoming wedding!!

Sara and Eric's Magical Nestldown Wedding

2011-06-14T23:24:00.001-07:00

Sara and Eric had a most wonderful wedding at Nestldown this past Saturday. The sun came out to play, together with Sara, Eric, and their beloved family and friends! Love was certainly in the air as everyone came out to celebrate. Check out the wonderful dessert station, with the wedding cake from Icing on the Cake, macarons from Patisserie Philippe, cupcakes from Kara's Cupcakes and cake pops from Sweet Lauren Cakes. Also very special were the smore favors, which Sara created. I am so happy for you, Sara and Eric! Thank you to the wonderful team from Nestldown and all the vendors for making this day so perfect! Professional photos from Mill Cottage Photograhy to come soon, but for now enjoy these.

The adorable vintage sodas and straws were a huge hit!

Kathleen Deery Designs did an amazing job pulling all the decor together.

Too gorgeous to even think about eating!!

Sara and Eric arriving to the reception by train!!

Other Vendors
Venue: Nestldown
Photography: Mill Cottage Photography
Music: Graceful Music & Big Fun DJ
Floral & Design: Kathleen Deery Designs
Coordinator: Every Elegant Detail
Catering: Thomas John Events
Transportation: Destination Systems
Videography: Blue Moon Productions

Sara and Eric's Engagement Photos

2011-06-08T13:26:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the engagement photos of Sara and Eric and their cute dog, Lucy, courtesy of Kim Sayre of Mill Cottage Photography. How adorable! I am so looking forward to their wedding this Saturday at Nestldown (see my post on Nestldown here)! It will be a beautiful sunny wedding!

Nestldown Weddings

2011-05-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

Last week I had a walk through at Nestldown in anticipation of a wedding there next month. I fell in love with this location all over again. The feeling you get as you walk onto the property is one of relaxation and wonder. Pictured below is a tree house, isn't it adorable?
This butterfly chair is a favorite amongst many brides and grooms to take a photo in!

If you are looking for a location like no other Nestldown is one wedding venue you should check out!

Rehearsal Dinner Planning

2011-04-01T08:29:00.000-07:00

My friend Kathy Goodman from Well Rehearsed is extending this great offer to all my 2011 brides and grooms!!

Friday Weddings!

2011-03-11T07:43:00.000-08:00

Photo by Meg Perotti

Since today happens to be Friday and I have been talking to a lot of wedding venue folks about dates that fill up fast for weddings, I decided to write a post about Friday weddings.

There are so many advantages to having your wedding on a Friday, here are a few.

1) Everyone is relaxed and ready to party because the weekend is here

2) Venues usually charge less for a Friday date

3) More of your favorite vendors are usually available on a Friday

4) Your guests will love taking a day off work and enjoying the long weekend, what better excuse for a day off than a wedding!

5) Enjoy the weekend with your family and friends who have travelled to see you and now you are able to enjoy them as a new couple!

Happy Planning!!

Janece

Children and Invitation Wording

2011-03-01T12:40:00.000-08:00

This question comes up quite a bit with my clients and I thought I should write about it. Many people just would not like to invite children to their wedding, and for good reason. I have seen many weddings that children have been un-supervised and that can lead to trouble. Not only dangerous but also costly. Here are three ways to let guests know in a polite way that children are not invited.

1) On the inner envelope write the name(s) of the guest that you are inviting ie: Mr and Mrs John Smith

2) At the bottom of the invitiation you can state "Respectfully, an adult occasion"

3) On the response card where guests are choosing their entree, word it this way...

"Please indicate guest name next to entree designation"

Halibut__________________________________

Beef____________________________________

Vegetarian________________________________

This way if you have invited Mr and Mrs John Smith and they write more than 2 names next to their entree choice then you know they are planning to bring an additional guest. Simply make a phone call and let them know that this is an adult occasion and unfortunately children are not invited. I have found that these three ways help your guests know whether or not they may bring their children.

I hope you have found this helpful!

Happy Planning,

Janece

Megan and Kevin's Wedding at Thomas Fogarty, the Film!!!

2011-02-15T11:08:00.000-08:00

I can not tell you how I have been anticipating this film. Megan and Kevin's wedding was one of the highlights of the year for me. Megan was so fun to work with because of her excitement about all the gorgeous details of her wedding and how in love she is with Kevin. This wedding was also featured in Style Me Pretty. Thank you Andrew Hsu of Studio MSV for this amazing film!!

Meg and Kevin at Fogarty Winery from andrew msv on Vimeo.

For full vendor credits see this past blog post.

Mix & Mingle at Fogarty Winery February 27, 2011

2011-02-02T10:45:00.000-08:00

The wedding season is nearly here, and I have great news about a fun event for couples in the midst of wedding planning!

Thomas Fogarty Winery will be hosting its ‘Mix & Mingle Fogarty Event’ this month on Sunday, February 27, 2011, from 1pm to 5pm. This glamorous event of mixing and mingling will be attended by some preferred Fogarty Wedding Professionals, and it will be a great way for brides and grooms-to-be to meet vendors, interact with other couples, and learn about the importance of hiring qualified professionals. We will also be showing how 3 different tables are designed for 3 different price points and explain how to budget for your tabletop designs. I strongly encourage your attendance, and I hope to meet you there!

For couples not currently booked to have their wedding at Thomas Fogarty Winery, there will be a $5 charge per person at the door. If you are one of the couples I am working with this year or would like to meet me at Fogarty Winery please let me know and I will pay your entrance.

If you have questions or would like additional information about the event, contact Fogarty Winery’s Events Manager Ellie Platis at (650) 851-6772 or ellie@fogartywinery.com.

Take a look at some photos from last year's Mix & Mingle event!

Photos courtesy of Janae Shields Photography.

Deb & Christian: Thomas Fogarty Winery Part 3

2011-01-11T16:23:00.001-08:00

A perfect end to the perfect wedding, with guests under the star-filled sky! Thank you Deb and Christian for the opportunity to be a part of your day.

Photos by the fabulous Janae Shields

Deb & Christian: Thomas Fogarty Winery Part 2

2011-01-11T16:09:00.000-08:00

Deb and Christian: Part 2 of more amazingness!!

Deb and Christian really wanted their personalities to shine through on their wedding day. From the vibrant colors to the incorporation of Christian's motorcycle, this day was truly a representation of them both.

See Part 1 for full vendor credits. Thanks again to Janae Shields for the gorgeous photos!

Deb and Christian: Thomas Fogarty Winery Part 1

2011-01-11T13:41:00.000-08:00

Deb and Christian were such a joy to work with. Both had such enthusiasm for all the fun details they wanted to bring to their wedding day. They truly thought about the guest experience as they had many friends and family joining them from far away. (Many of Christian's family and friends from Germany attended and they wanted them to experience the beauty of California and the Thomas Fogarty view!)

The weather was absolutely perfect!!

Stay tuned for Part 2!!!

A huge "thank you" to the fabulous vendors that made this wonderful day possible.

Venue: Thomas Fogarty Winery

Caterer: Componere Fine Catering

Photographer: Janae Shields

Floral: Amy Burke Designs

Cake: Cake Coquette

Harpist: Janice Ortega

DJ: Big Fun DJ

Linens: Napa Valley Linens

Lounge Furniture: Hartmann Studios

Hair and Make-Up: Armando from get your Do up!

Transportation: Destination Systems

Invitations and Paper Designs: Rachel Hanson Designs

Cindy & Dan: Kohl Mansion Part 2

2011-01-04T13:19:00.000-08:00

See Part 1 for full vendor credits. Thanks again to Augie Chang for the great images!

Happy New Year!!

2010-12-28T11:05:00.000-08:00

Photo by Janae Shields

Photos by Meg Perotti

As 2010 comes to a close, I can't help but think of how great 2010 was. There were so many wonderful couples that I had the pleasure of working with! I wish them all the very best for the coming year and look forward to meeting many new brides and grooms in the next few months. Planning a wedding is an amazing experience!!

All my best! Janece

Imperial Floor Unveiling at the Westin St. Francis, San Francisco

2010-12-16T10:17:00.000-08:00

I attended the unveiling of the refreshed Imperial Floor at the gorgeous Westin St. Francis hotel in San Francisco. I was greeted by the amazing Sugar Castle they put up each year as I walked through the entrance doors of the hotel - how pretty!

I met up with Ellie Platis, Events Manager at Thomas Fogarty Winery, and Kathy Goodman of Well Rehearsed.

Blue Print Studios provided the unique furniture rentals.

Napa Valley Linens provided the beautiful linens.

Look at the intricate details of this gorgeous turquoise and gold table!

The Westin St. Francis provided delectable hors d'oeuvres and food stations. New Delhi Restaurant also provided tasty Indian fare for all to sample.

I found Ellie seeking repose in one of the sleek, comfortable arm chairs.

We also got to mingle with Bill Hedgepath, Director of Catering and Convention Services at the Westin St. Francis, David Beahm, one of New York's top event designers, and Jean Marks of Jean Marks Weddings.

All these beautiful designs, just in time for the holiday season!

Cindy & Dan: Kohl Mansion Part 1

2010-11-23T22:37:00.000-08:00

Here is Part 1 of Cindy and Dan's beautiful wedding at the Kohl Mansion. It was such a beautiful day and we worked with such fun and talented wedding professionals!

Venue: Kohl Mansion

Caterer: Thomas John Events

Photographer: Augie Chang

Videographer: CineMatt

Floral: Asiel Designs

Cake: Copenhagen Bakery & Cafe

DJ: Stefano, Big Fun DJ

Rentals: Hartmann Studios

Transportation: Lone Star Transportation

Scrabble & Corgis for Susie & Ed, part 1

2010-10-29T15:00:00.001-07:00

Working with Susie and Ed was such a wonderful experience. Even more than their love of organic cuisine and their precious Corgi Amber, I was blown away by how much love this adorable couple has for each other. I hope you enjoy these photos of their fun and refined pink and pewter wedding at Thomas Fogarty Winery.

All of the couple's beautiful photos were taken by Jesse Leake.

Susie's sweetly elegant flowers were courtesy of Huckleberry Karen Designs.

The couple's beloved pup Amber joined them for the ceremony.

Scrabble & Corgis for Susie & Ed, Part 2

2010-10-29T14:34:00.000-07:00

Amusing yet adorable caricatures were drawn during the reception by
Zach Trenholm and Laura Gilmore.

Each table was designated a name spelled out with Scrabble tiles.

Even the gorgeous cake by Cake Coquette featured a topper of the bride and groom accompanied by their much-loved dog Amber. Tiny banners of congratulation flew from tasty mocktails provided by CoolEatz, and guests found their table assignments printed on escort cards from 4th & Folded, complete with pink Corgis, of course.

A beautiful wedding for an equally beautiful couple! Congratulations, Susie and Ed!

Venue: Thomas Fogarty Winery
Hotel: Rosewood Sand Hill
Hair & Makeup: WOWPRETTY Makeup & Hair
Photography: Jesse Leake Photography
Videography: Slava Basovich Weddings
Catering: CoolEatz
Flowers: Huckleberry Karen Designs
DJ: Big Fun
Cake: Cake Coquette
Paper: 4th & Folded
Ceremony Music: Corelli Strings
Caricatures: Zach Trenholm & Lara Gilmore
Rentals: Hartmann Studios

Cake Topper: Cake Topper Studio

Old St.Mary's Church and Bently Reserve, JP and Amy's Wedding

2010-09-04T10:09:00.001-07:00

Amy & JP - August 28, 2010 - Old St. Mary's & Bently Reserve

Last weekend Amy and JP were married in beautiful San Francisco. I met Amy for the first time 16 months ago and we began planning their wedding right away. Amy knew that she wanted to have her wedding in a Catholic church and have a very elegant reception. We picked Old St. Mary's church for it's beauty and close proximity to the Bently Reserve which had just the look and feel Amy and JP were looking for.

Shannon Stellmacher Photography captured all the fun and romantic moments.

Hartmann Studios supplied all the elegant and modern rentals.

Got Light gave the room a wonderful feel.

Amy Burke Designs created all the gorgeous floral pieces.

The adorable paper designs were done by Rachel Hanson Designs.

I also want to thank the rest of the amazing vendors that helped make their day perfect!

Componere Fine Catering

Mark Haggerty of Denon and Doyle

AVR Films

Fairmont Hotel

Omni Hotel

Le Meridien Hotel

Should a DIY Bride Hire a Planner

2010-08-19T12:33:00.000-07:00

A blog post is way overdue, but it has been a busy summer and there are still 6 weddings left for me in 2010!

I have titled this post "Should a DIY Bride Hire a Planner". Before I start I guess I should clarify what a DIY bride is. A DIY bride has a lot of great ideas and usually an amazing sense of style, they read a lot of blogs and are super creative and want to be very involved in the concept and design of their wedding. I would say about 25% of my brides fall into this category and the others, well they will admit that creativity is not their forte.

As we all know it takes a lot of time and effort to plan a wedding. You have a budget and big dreams. Recently I had the pleasure of working with a bride that is so talented in the area of design and she really inspired me. I know we had many converstations about her ideas and all the little ways she could be creative with her wedding day and sometimes there were too many ideas. Once I got to know her concept and style she had for her wedding it was so easy to point her in the right direction for which vendors to hire. I have to say that choosing the right vendors makes a wedding day go soooo smoothly. Choosing the wrong one can easily wreak havoc on one of the most important days of your life.

Here are a few examples: Megan wanted a really cool dessert station that went along with her design concept. She found a lot of items in antique shops, flea markets and vintage stores. Here is how it all came together. Weeks before the wedding I met with Megan to go over her design and how she wanted it to look, I took all the items so that I would have them in advance to set up on the day of the wedding. Well, all of the items on the dessert station were from a special shop that Megan loved and they did not deliver. Morning of the wedding,while Megan and her bridesmaids are getting hair and makeup done, we pick up the desserts and drive them up the mountain.

As I mentioned earlier choosing the right vendors is key! Megan never had to question whether of not she had hired the right vendors, she knew from the beginning that these were the right match for her. No time wasted there! The right floral designer that understands what you are trying to achieve and really gets your style is so important. A paper designer who will take your vintage fabrics and sew them on your menus and use them in your escort cards in an amazing way is a dream come true.

There are so many details to be thought about on your wedding day and if you truly are a DIY bride having a planner to assist you is so worth it.

Here is one last photo of the sparkler send off. We had everything set up so literally everyone got in line and we lit the sparklers and off go the happy bride and groom!!!!

Style Me Pretty publishes Megan and Kevin's Thomas Fogarty Winery Wedding

2010-08-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

We are so excited that Style Me Pretty has just published Megan and Kevin's wedding!

Photography: Meg Perotti
Wedding Planner: Janece Shellooe and Amelia Thomas of Every Elegant Detail
Venue: Thomas Fogarty Winery
Floral: Amy Burke Designs
Paper Designs: Rachel Hanson Designs
Catering: Componere Fine Catering
Linens and Rentals: Hartmann Studio Rentals
Farm Tables and Bar: Zephyr Tents
Cinematography: James Burkart for Studio MSV
Cake and Desserts: Icing on the Cake
Hair: Alli Dunnam from Envy Salon
Makeup: Denise Azzarello from Envy Salon
French Band: Duo Gadjo via Peter Rudolfi
DJ: Henry Kim from Big Fun DJ
Officiant: Maggie Beretz
Wedding Dress: Lea Ann Belter
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Megans dress accessories and hair accessories: Ashley Maxwell Designs
Bridesmaids dresses: Butter by Nadia
Bridesmaids accessories: Ashley Maxwell Designs
Groom and Groomsmen suits: Selix Formalwear

Lizzy & Cory, Twisted Oak Winery

2010-07-01T11:01:00.001-07:00

Lizzy & Cory - May 29, 2010 - Twisted Oak Winery

The Details

Lizzy and Cory both love the color green, so we brought it in as an accent color in multiple places; the guy's ties and the girl's dresses, Lizzy and Cory's shoes (Lizzy wore green Louboutin's for the ceremony, but couldn't skateboard in them) and the table linens. One of Cory's favorite hobbies is golfing, so during the cocktail hour a putting green was set up for the guests to enjoy. At their altar we hung lots of green ribbon and mini chandeliers to create a gorgeous space for the couple. All their fun details were captured by Shooting Gallery Photography.

The Wedding Day

After walking his daughter down the aisle on a beautiful, sunny day at Twisted Oak Winery, Lizzy's father stood in front of the couple to play the role as officiant. So when asked "Who gives this woman to marry this man?," he went back to the father role to say "Her mother and I do." Everyone giggled and it set the tone for the rest of the evening; lots of fun and laughter! After a personal and comical ceremony, their guests enjoyed the cocktail hour while Lizzy and Cory took a few photos off site. Some of which include Lizzy skateboarding down Main Street in the middle of Murphys, which caused a bit of a traffic jam! Lizzy, Cory and their guests had a great time throughout the rest of the evening, and just in case they don't recall every detail, some of the funny parts were caught at the candid photo booth!

Erin & Andy, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn

2010-06-10T14:34:00.001-07:00

Erin & Andy - June 5, 2010 - Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn

The Couple

Erin and Andy are not only an adorable couple, but they are also so great to work with! We met with Erin last year to begin planning a destination wedding for this southern california couple. Sonoma was the perfect location for them as they wanted to make a weekend of it for their out of town guests.

The Design

Erin and Andy knew exactly what themes they wanted to tie into their wedding day; romance and elegance with lots of books. Their beautiful linens, elegant chargers and incredible chandeliers from Hartmann Studios truly brought their vision to life. Since the two of them both love to read they spent the months before their big day perusing vintage shops and thrift stores for antique books. We arranged these fun finds throughout the gorgeous floral centerpieces that Amy Burke Designs created as well as using one particular book as their guest book. Another way they tied in their love for reading was to name all the tables after some of their favorite classics, the head table being A Tale of Two Cities. Erin has a great eye for design and created (with the help of moms and bridesmaids) her own place cards, escort cards, menus and table names which were all inspired by her invitations that were designed by Creative Designs by Mimi.

Another hobby that the bride and groom share is spending time at the beach, so we incorporated their love for sea, sand and sky into their rehearsal dinner. Since it would be a bit of drive to the nearest ocean, we brought the beach to Sonoma by covered the ocean colored linens with sea shells, sand dollars and starfish.

The Wedding Day

Although the weather report threatened rain the day before their wedding, Erin and Andy were blessed with perfect, sunny skies! After being beautifully styled by hair stylist Dean Roybal and makeup artist Stacie Miller, Erin walked down the aisle with her proud father to the awaiting (and handsome) Andy. They exchanged their vows, gave each other a kiss, then ran off to a nearby winery to take some photos as husband and wife with the fabulous Shannon Stellmacher Photography. During the bride and groom's photoshoot, guests were invited to enjoy drinks and hor's doeuvres in the courtyard. Guests then entered the elegant tent to be seated for dinner, which was catered by the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, followed by hitting the dance floor to some great tunes spun by DJ Ron Grandia. The night ended much too soon, but everyone had a blast, especially the bride and groom!

Mid-Week Inspiration

2010-05-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

Campground Wedding

Camp ground weddings can be so much fun! Gather your closest family and friends for a long weekend and create a wedding that no one will forget!

How a DJ can Make or Break Your Reception

2010-05-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

In an age when nearly everybody has an ipod, hiring a DJ for your wedding may seem unnecessary or even obsolete. And though the idea of a goofy man who also entertains in Hawaiian shirts at bar mitzvahs may seem unappealing, a professional DJ can effectively take your celebration to the next level with class.

Unpleasant as they may be, lets first discuss how an unprofessional or untrained DJ might be a detriment your reception.

1) A DJ who mispronounces the names of your family members or wedding party never makes a good impression. You've paid good money to have someone MC your reception, and you and each of your guests deserves the respect of having their names pronounced correctly!

2) Anyone with poor public speaking skills should steer clear of the microphone. A DJ who mumbles, can't string together an intelligent sentence, or mutters "ummm"s and "uhhh"s is not someone you or your guests will want to listen to all night!

3) A DJ who comes unprepared can ruin a reception. Sometimes multiple sound systems are needed in order to play music in multiple locations. If a DJ lacks the proper equipment, your guests may be nibbling hors d'eouvres sans background music or covering their ears as speakers screech! What a way to put a damper on your party!

4)DJs who play whatever music they would like to hear can be devestating to your reception! Different crowds will be more into different types of music, and it is the DJ's job to play what the people want to hear! A DJ who can't get the crowd going is a definite downer, especially on your big day when you want a swinging party!

5) Everyone has had a moment when they had their foot in their mouth, but a DJ who says inappropriate things at your reception is an absolute horror! A true professional will know exactly what is appropriate to say, avoiding humiliation for you and your guests and maintaining your dignity.

6) Possibly the worst offense any DJ could make would be to drink on the job. None of your wedding vendors should be taking a single alcoholic sip, especially your DJ who needs to be on the ball to MC your reception!

Even though there may be nightmare DJs out there who have committed the previous crimes, a true professional will have his act together and know exactly how to make your wedding reception a huge success. The following are ways in which DJs are extremely important to the success of the party on your big day. DJs like Ron Grandia can further turn your reception into the amazing celebration you've always dreamed of with his highly professional sophistication as well as the ability to get your guests on their feet!

1) With the help of your wedding planner and previously-determined timeline, your DJ is the one who sets pace for the reception. It is his job to keep everything on track, prompting speeches to be made and music to be played at the appropriate times.

2) A DJ is extremely beneficial as an agent who can get your guests excited and up on their feet to dance the night away. A great DJ can sense a crowd's enthusiasm and is able to get things rolling, keep energy levels high, and provide maximum enjoyment for your celebration.

3) A DJ who is practiced and professional will play your music must-haves while being sure to avoid any musical distastes or absolute no-nos. Part of a good DJ's role is to make sure he knows what his clients preferences are, including what specific songs they would love and hate to hear played at their wedding reception.

4) Another trait of an excellent DJ is his ability to understand your style and expectations both for his role in your reception as well as what your guests should be getting out of it. A good DJ will be able to meet and hopefully even exceed your expectations, helping give you the wedding celebration you've always dreamed of.

5) Maybe the most important trait of a great DJ is his ability to easily adapt and adjust to last minute changes. In the coordination and carrying-out of a large celebration like a wedding, many things can happen that may not have been planned for or expected. If the bridal party's introduction suddenly needs to take place before the cocktail hour instead of after, a good DJ will easily be able to navigate and handle the change to still seemlessly direct the reception.

So if you're tempted to just make a wedding playlist and plug in your ipod at the reception in order to save a few bucks, think again. Although you probably don't want to have your second cousin fill the roll of MC for your reception, hiring a professional DJ can really aide in keeping your celebration fun and on track timewise. In fact, hiring a DJ to MC your reception may be one of the best decisions you can make for your wedding day.

Mid-Week Inspiration

2010-05-05T16:22:00.000-07:00

Cinco de Mayo

Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone. Hope this inspiration board gets you in the mood for a margarita and some Mariachi music!

Laura and Manish, Thomas Fogarty Winery

2010-05-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

The Couple

The Details

The Wedding Day

Laura and Manish's wedding was so much fun and the best part about it, the weather was amazing and everyone had a blast. Laura just called me today to thank me and my assistant April for the way she was able to relax and enjoy the day. I really love it when a couple truly loves their wedding day and wouldn't have wanted it any other way!

Paper Designs: Jerdon

Catering: Thomas John Events

Photography: Lucie XYZ

Gown: Sarah Houston via Nouvelle Vogue

Hair: Alli Dunnam

Harpist: Krista Strader

Floral: Amy Burke Designs

Cupcakes: Sprinkles

Venue: Thomas Fogarty Winery

DJ: Big Fun DJ, Woody

La Tavola Rentals

2010-04-28T17:23:00.000-07:00

Amelia got the chance to view some of La Tavola's beautiful linens at their new warehouse in Napa. They created 14 different table scapes and they were absolutely gorgeous! So many options that look like so much fun. Here are some of her favorites!

This table was absolutely stunning, the floral arrangement by Louloudi Design down the middle made the table very glamorous.

This table was very fun and modern!

This deep purple makes the table very royal.

Simplicity with black and white.

This adorable pale pink table would be fun for a bridal shower!

All rentals were from Tableaux Event Rentals.

Every Elegant Detail Featured In...

2010-04-26T12:47:00.000-07:00

Junebug Weddings

We are so excited to announce that Junebug Weddings loved our "Starry Starry Night" Inspiration, so much so that they want to share it! This photo shoot was an absolute blast thanks to all the people that were involved!

Cake - Studio Cake Design
Dress - Sarah Houston via Nouvelle Vogue
Film - Studio MSV
Flowers - Amy Burke Designs
Hair & Make Up - get your DO up!
Paper Design - Rachel Hanson Designs
Photography - Meg Perotti
Tuxedo - Selix Formalwear
Venue - Radonich Ranch via Vignette Events

Bently Reserve Open House

2010-04-14T16:31:00.000-07:00

The Bently Reserve is having an open house for all Bay area brides-to-be who are interested in seeing what this fabulous venue has to offer. Be sure to check it out. Click here for more information.

Mid-Week Inspiration

2010-04-14T14:36:00.000-07:00

Billy Buttons & Mason Jars

We have a wedding coming up this summer that served as my inspiration for this one. They are an adorable couple with tons of great ideas; billy buttons in the napkin folds, mason jars filled with aqua fresca, and a delicious dessert buffet. Can't wait for this one!

Mid-Week Inspiration

2010-04-07T17:22:00.000-07:00

Spring Fever

I am so excited that the sun is coming out! So excited in fact, that I dedicated this inspiration board to Spring! I love Spring weddings; beautiful flowers, outdoor cocktail hours and dancing all night (since it stays lighter longer, ya know!) Can't wait for all the Spring time weddings coming up!

The Academy for Planner and Designers

2010-03-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

Vignette by Nancy Liu Chin Designs

Last, but certainly not least we have Nancy Liu Chin's modern vignette showcasing the products and expertise of Hartmann Studios, I Dream Of Cake, Mira Aster and Enhanced Lighting.

Clean lines and classy paper design makes this table setting very appealing.

Nancy creates some amazing arrangements!

I love this gorgeous, geometric cake!

The Academy for Planner and Designers

2010-03-23T13:04:00.001-07:00

Vignette by Tara Guerard

The wonderful Tara Guerard of Tara Guerard Soiree created this Western themed vignette with Classic Party Rentals, Studio Cake and Americana Florals.

Such a clever way to display escort cards.

I love that the guests names are etched into the glasses, no need for a place card here! And it's a fantastic favor!

Simple and gorgeous!

And a fabulous cake to top it all off!

The Academy for Planner and Designers

2010-03-23T13:01:00.001-07:00

Vignette by Asiel Design

The second vignette was created by Asiel Design with help from Marizette Paperie, Jen's Cakes, Enhanced Lighting, and Hartmann Studios. The use of metallic and succulents gave it a very modern feel.

This dandelion plate was absolutely great. Think I might go buy some for myself!

They brought in a fire place to cozy up the place a bit.

Hello! Isn't this cake AMAZING!?!

The Academy for Planner and Designers

2010-03-18T13:51:00.000-07:00

Vignette by Grant & Company

Grant & Company collaborated with Classic Party Rentals, Daniel Ripley Catering and Creative Lighting Design to create this awesome vignette. The combination of florals and candle light made this room extremely elegant and romantic.

This classy table featured beautiful floral arrangements, dark green glassware and some great chairs!

I love all the bulk floral arrangements.

Dessert...yummy!

After a delicious dinner and some dancing this lounge would be pretty welcoming!

Video from Emerald Underworld at Wedding360's Innagural Academy for Planners and Designers

2010-03-17T14:57:00.000-07:00

Over the last 3 days Amelia and I were fortunate enough to attend an amazing event for wedding planners and designers hosted by Jean Marks and Jubilee Lau of Wedding 360. Here is a glimpse of the first evening's "Emerald Underworld" party, thanks to Andrew Hsu of Studio MSV!

Mid-Week Inspiration

2010-03-17T14:08:00.000-07:00

Starry Night

This week's inspiration board is a bit of a sneak peek of something to come. We are working together with some of the bay area's best vendors to create a "Starry Night" tablescape. Stay tuned...

Site Visit

2010-03-12T09:48:00.001-08:00

Oceano
Half Moon Bay

Event Managers, Nancy and Jenn took us on a wonderful tour of the adorable Oceano Hotel & Spa in Half Moon Bay. It is located right by the water, hence the name, and features cozy rooms, a hip spa, and multiple locations for a great wedding.

This is their outdoor ceremony space, which has a beautiful view of the ocean. If the weather didn't cooperating on your special day, they do own a tent that can be constructed or your ceremony can be held in the ballroom pictured below.

This ballroom is very stunning, with it's gorgeous chandeliers and detailed carpet design.

Their rooms are absolutely adorable and they all feature a suite layout. A perfect place to stay with your honey on your wedding night.

And why not start your honeymoon with a relaxing couples massage? Doesn't this look romantic?

Mid-Week Inspiration

2010-03-10T15:54:00.000-08:00

Cocktail Time

Cocktail receptions are becoming more and more popular. Adorable dresses, delicious heavy hors d'oeuvres, flowing champagne and signature cocktails. The dance floor will stay packed and the lounge furniture will be perfect when those feet start to ache. And a bottle of your favorite wine makes the perfect favor!

Engagement Photos

2010-03-08T08:10:00.000-08:00

The fabulous Meg Perotti photographed one of our couples, Megan and Kevin, for an engagement session. Check out their adorable photos here!

Every Elegant Detail Featured In...

2010-03-03T12:16:00.000-08:00

San Francisco Style Unveiled

James and Audrey's wedding was featured in San Francisco Stlye Unveiled! We are so thrilled to share their story with the blogging community! Be sure to check it out!

Mid-Week Inspiration

2010-03-03T09:44:00.000-08:00

English Lace & Lavender

I absolutely love the photograph of the English lace doilies, they give such a classy, elegant feel. I picture this wedding being an intimate affair with detailed elements, like individual birds nests at each seat. The bride loves lavender, the color and the flower, which she plays out in her attire, decor and beverages. I wouldn't mind getting a birds-eye-view of this one!

Mid-Week Inspiration

2010-02-24T13:40:00.000-08:00

This weeks inspiration boards were created for the Mix & Mingle event we attended last Sunday at Thomas Fogarty Winery. One of the main aspects of the day were the three table designs we created for a low budget wedding, a mid range wedding and a high budget wedding. Below are the inspiration boards that we used for each. Enjoy!

This first inspiration board is for our low budget table, which was created around a winery theme.

The second table, which was the mid range budget, had a more modern feel.

The final table was the over the top table which was made with elegance and class in mind.

Mid-Week Inspiration

2010-02-17T13:55:00.000-08:00

Backyard BBQ

One of Amelia's closest childhood friends just got engaged, so this inspiration board was created for her and her fiance. Kelli and Alex are a very relaxed and outdoorsy couple (he proposed while they were on a hike!) so we can totally picture their wedding being an outdoor affair. Since Kelli enjoys reading in her spare time, the escort cards will double as bookmarks and since Alex is such a laid back kind of guy, he'll probably be rockin' some Vans or Converse on the wedding day. Kelli loves working in the garden, so potted plants for the guests to take home would make for a perfect centerpiece! Kelli has a major sweet tooth and Alex loves Funfetti cupcakes, so instead of cake, there will be a dessert station filled with candies and cupcakes. We are really looking forward to Kelli and Alex's big day!

Mid-Week Inspiration

2010-02-10T15:26:00.001-08:00

A Little Bit of Sunshine

Mix & Mingle with Thomas Fogarty's Finest

2010-02-08T11:16:00.000-08:00

Come join some of Thomas Fogarty Winery's favorite wedding professionals to sample what they have to offer.

Thomas Fogarty Winery will be showcasing table designs by Hartmann Studios, flowers by Amy Burke Designs, stationary by Rachel Hanson Designs, and wedding coordination by Janece Shellooe of Every Elegant Detail. Enjoy the beautiful "Cymbeline of Paris" wedding gowns from Nouvelle Vogue. Taste our award winning wines, savor delicious bites from Melons Catering and enjoy exceptional cake tasting from Studio Cakes. As you mingle, we will have enchanting harp music played by Krista Strader, along with Big Fun DJ's Henry and Woody. Brush up on your dancing skills with a quick lesson from Kimberly DelliSanti with SVD. Come meet the talented photographer Janae Shields, and event film maker Dave Ethridge. Speak with representatives from the Four Seasons Hotel as well as Lone Star Limousine.

Registration begins at 1 pm on Sunday, February 21 and festivities continue into the early evening. Please contact Ellie at ellie@fogartywinery.com, 650.851.6772 to purchase tickets for just $5. Be sure to follow these directions. I look forward to meeting you at this event! Photos by Todd Rafalovich

The Wedding University same day edit from Andrew Hsu of Studio MSV

2010-02-06T15:32:00.000-08:00

Wow! The Wedding University held last weekend was such a huge success! I am so excited to share this amazing video from Andrew Hsu from Studio MSV. At the end of the day at The Wedding University Andrew showed an example of a same day edit and got thunderous applause. I think you will see why.

Mid-Week Inspiration

2010-02-03T09:27:00.001-08:00

Green & Gold

The inspiration for this week's board came while planning for an event called Mix and Mingle to be held Sunday, February 21 at the Thomas Fogarty Winery in Woodside, California. While at Hartmann Studios choosing linens and table settings to display at the event, we imagined the kind of exorbitant luxury and opulence we wanted to be able to show off. This inspiration board brings together the beauty and elegance one can expect to be seen around the Thomas Fogarty Winery, an exceptional venue for weddings. Our theme of green and gold is drawn from the colors and warmth of the winery itself, and the table settings show off an air of elegance that only expensive taste can provide. To complete the tables fitted with earthy green linens and embossed with a velvety gold scroll, the gold encrusted chargers, gold-rimmed plates, and gleaming gilted accessories atop the table tied our subdued, elegant theme together perfectly. The addition of a floral centerpiece artfully crafted with the use of similar green hues and neutral-colored flowers only adds another dimension of understated elegance to this exceptionally romantic and timeless display. Who says the "Midas touch" has to be a bad thing?

Hartmann Open House, Welcome Lounge

2010-01-28T11:08:00.000-08:00

Hartmann Studios graciously invited us to their open house at their location in Richmond, and we were thrilled to be able to attend and experience all of the new rentals Hartmann has to offer! Upon entering into a large white tent, we stepped into a rustic-themed yet very stylish lounge space, adorned with the beauties of nature through leaves, sticks, fir trees, feathers, fur pillows and apholstery, and of course finished off perfectly with antler chandeliers!

The Hartmann Studios production team has the amazing ability to create any kind of theme or feel you could possibly desire for the decor of your space. In this picture they have created a beautiful faux stone fireplace complete with wood accent columns flanking both sides. The team has highlighted the fireplace's accents by using candles to cast warm light and create depth and drama to the stylish piece. If you look closely into the mirror, you can see a reflection of one of the lounge's many antler chandeliers.

A second lounge adjoining the cozy tent had a contemporary vibe to it, consisting of a black and white color scheme featuring furniture dressed up in new zebra-striped coverings and white screens for both walls and ceiling with a fun scroll pattern.

Hartmann Open House, Dinner Table Vignettes

2010-01-28T10:37:00.000-08:00

The second section of the Hartmann Studios open house was a series of table vignettes, complete with wonderful new linens, table settings, and floral designs. We loved the bright colors of the new linens and all of the eye-catching combinations of colors, shapes, and textures beautifully displayed atop each table!

Floral design by Floramor

The bright, bold, and funky vignette below was one of my personal favorites. This linen's bold print is the trademark and dead giveaway of the print's couture designer, Emilio Pucci.

Floral design by Branch Out Floral and Event Design

This vignette was very exciting to see on display, as one of our brides will be using its "Elizabeth Cream" linens for her June wedding in Sonoma! The table was beautifully composed to give its viewers a feeling of warmth, softness, and romance.

Hartmann Open House, Lounge & Tenting Vignettes

2010-01-27T22:39:00.000-08:00

In another area of one of Hartmann Studios' huge warehouses, small lounge vignettes in different styles were set up to give inspiration to viewers. These are two classic, romantic lounge set-ups that include some of Hartmann's new furniture and coverings in fun prints and luxurious velvet.

Hartmann offers a vast variety of props to create exactly the theme or feeling a client hopes to achieve. Just a few of the many props and decor available include faux fireplaces, lamps, lanterns, pillows, flowers and greenery. In addition to these staple, in-house decor items, Hartmann offers other themed props such as San Francisco landmarks like Coit Tower, the TransAmerica Pyramid, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Hartmann is also able to have custom pieces built upon request, as they have crews of their own talented carpenters and painters who work to create clients' desired items to a tee.

Enter another area of the warehouse where Hartmann's new tents were displayed in bright hues with coordinating table linens, settings, and beautiful flower arrangements.

Floral design by H Julien Designs

Floral design by Plan Decor

Hartmann Open House, Themed Backgrounds

2010-01-27T21:56:00.001-08:00

Step into another of Hartmann Studios' many warehouses and enter into another world! This vignette was set up to give the look and feel of a modern, upscale airport lounge, complete with a huge "window" backdrop in which you can see a plane being prepared for flight! Don't forget to put your tray table up and bring your seat-back to it's full upright position!

Take a few more steps and you'll find yourself in a hip, vibrant Bollywood club! Enjoy sitting on silky, jewel-toned floor cushions while gazing up at a beautiful backdrop of Indian scenery and breathing in the sweet scent of gorgeous orchids and bright florals presented by the fabulous Nancy Liu Chin Designs. Jai ho!

Last but certainly not least, drop into the London Underground at Baker Street Station and sing along to classic Beatles tracks. This vignette featured retro-modern furniture in leather and plexiglass and a tri-colored theme referencing the Union Jack. Love may be all you need, but we wanted to twist and shout all through this scene!

Mid-Week Inspiration

2010-01-27T17:21:00.000-08:00

Sea in the City

This couple loves to travel and spend a lot of their time at the beach, seeing that they live on the coast. But they wanted to tie in their city roots, so why not bring the beach to the city. The bridesmaids are in ocean colored dresses as they stand beside the bride who is adorned in abalone shell jewelry. The tables are covered in sea coral linens and in the center of each is a small aquarium filled with colorful jellyfish. After dinning on some of the finest seafood, guests are invited to remove their heels, slip on some flip-flops and enjoy some dancing underneath a ceiling filled with Chinese lanterns, resembling sea urchins. The evening closes with an exciting firework show to send the guests off with a bang.

Mid-Week Inspiration

2010-01-20T12:50:00.000-08:00

High Fashion

This high fashion couple subscribes to Vogue and GQ, which is where some of their wedding day ideas came from. As the bride walks down the aisle in her red Valentino's, the guests rise from their seats to admire her attire. During cocktail hour, guests munch on gourmet comfort foods; crispy french fries, kobe beef sliders with stilton and caramelized onions and spoonfuls of gruyere mac & cheese. Everyone is then invited to the grand ballroom adorned with lavish floral centerpieces and elegant chandeliers. As the Mr. & Mrs. are introduced, toasts are given and "Cheers!" is heard. After dinner, that was fit for a king (and his queen) , guests are invited to lounge by the fire to enjoy after dinner drinks and hand-rolled cigars.

The Wedding University, January 31st at The Four Seasons Silicon Valley for newly engaged couples!

2010-01-16T09:11:00.000-08:00

Planning the perfect wedding can be exciting and fun. But with so many details and decisions, it can be stressful, too. The Wedding University will help you evaluate options, make decisions and design a wedding celebration that truly expresses who you are.

The leadership team at The Wedding University is dedicated to making wedding planning more enjoyable for engaged couples, by educated and pampering them. Our teachers are among the most knowledgeable wedding professionals working today, brimming with fresh, creative ideas and ready to answer your questions about everything from wedding etiquette to choosing flowers, menus and music. Ideas are illustrated with examples that allow you to see how concepts can be brought to life or modified to meet your needs.

Along with all the helpful information you will receive, you will also be entered to win one of these amazing prizes!!!

3 night honeymoon stay at one of the Four Seasons tropical resorts
An Engagement Photo Session and Hair/Makeup styling
Wedding Gown Heirloom Preservation
A Save-the-Date Video
Hair/Makeup Styling for Engagement Session
A Bridal Veil
8G iPod Touch programmed with wedding tunes
Tea for Two & 10% off a bridal shower at Crown & Crumpet

The cost for The Wedding University is $55 per student or $100 per couple. To keep the event intimate and interactive, the space is limited to 150 participants. Registration will be automatically closed when our capacity has been reached.

Mid-Week Inspiration

2010-01-13T11:20:00.000-08:00

At Home, Down South

This couple loves the outdoors, family, friends and cooking. She is the owner of a stationary boutique in town and he is a hardworking craftsman; both very creative. Their evenings are spent on their wrap-around porch with a bottle of wine and crossword puzzles. Guests invited to this August wedding are greeted with cool lemonade. After the comical, emotional and personal ceremony is through guests are invited to enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres under the canopy of a large tree. Once dinner is over and dancing is underway, guest not only get the tasty delight of the antique inspired wedding cake, but also homemade apple pie (made by the Mr. and Mrs. themselves.)

Visit to Nouvelle Vogue

2010-01-06T13:44:00.000-08:00

In December we took a trip down to the peninsula to the Thomas Fogarty Winery to meet with Becky and Ellie, the venue coordinator's, to discuss our weddings we are planning there for 2010. We decided while we were in the area that we should visit Nouvelle Vogue, a high fashion bridal boutique in San Mateo. Owners and saleswomen Saida and Chantal greeted us warmly and were excited to share their passion of fashion with us. Nouvelle Vogue is geared toward a discerning bride who wants that something special and different that they maybe haven't been able to find at other bridal boutiques. With Nouvelle Vogue's philosophy that fashion is art and that each piece should be comfortable and fit a woman's body perfectly like a glove, brides are bound to discover how beatifully feminine and comfortable and yet highly fashionable and stylish their wedding dress can be!

Once inside the salon, Saida and Chantal welcome visitors with espresso, tea, or a glass of sparkling water and get to know them on a personal level. The space is charming and inviting, featuring comfortable, stylish seating, uniquely displayed accessories, and portraits of American beauty legends like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe hung on the walls.

Nouvelle Vogue not only offers beautifully crafted wedding gowns but also carries a variety of gorgeous shoes, hair and head pieces, veils, jewelry, and other accessories, all of which add to the feel or personal style each bride is looking for or attempting to create.

The salon has a lovely raised floor with two large mirrors for brides to view the dresses and accessories they try on from every angle.

Nouvelle Vogue has also recently begun carrying a new line of just corsets and underpinnings, all made individually in the European style to fit each woman's unique body like a glove! The corset pieces are light and comfortable since they are tailor-made on an individual basis, and they may be worn as undergarments or as fun, flirty pieces to enhance a wardrobe!

Be sure to call and schedule an appointment at Nouvelle Vogue to come in during their upcoming trunk shows!

Cymbeline of Paris, February 18 through 20

Maria Elena Headpieces, March 18 through 20

Jenny Packham, April 22 through 24

Mid-Week Inspiration

2010-01-06T13:36:00.001-08:00

If you're like me, when Wednesday rolls around you start feeling a bit sluggish and overwhelmed. So I decided to create a weekly blog posting to give you that little push you may need to finish out the week. And what better way to get inspiration than from some Inspiration Boards?! So here is my first installment of "Mid-Week Inspiration." Enjoy!

Fruits of Labor

I love incorporating things given to us from nature into weddings, one of which being fruit! They are so visually pleasing and can be tied into almost any aspect of the wedding. I absolutely love the kiwis in the floral centerpieces and the simplicity of the lined up lemons!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T14:08:00.000-08:00

As I anticipate a wonderful 2010, I can't help but remember weddings from the past. When I look at these pictures they bring a smile to my face. I hope they will bring a smile to yours as well!

Photo by: Vivian Photgraphy

Photo by: J P Langlands Photography

Photo by: Todd Rafalovich Photography

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2009-12-21T11:49:00.000-08:00

Wow! It is pretty amazing that 2009 is almost to an end and that 2010 is right around the corner. 2009 was a great year for me. I was able to hire my assistant Amelia earlier this year and also bring on several interns that helped out in so many capacities. I can't wait to see how all our 2010 weddings turn out. Hoping that you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Don't Miss Out! The Wedding University

2009-12-16T09:13:00.000-08:00

Newly engaged couples,

You do not want to miss out on this incredible, educational experience!

The Wedding University is designed to share important information with engaged couples to help them in the process of planning an amazing wedding.

This is an event that is not to be missed!

Please check out their blog and website and be sure to register!

Also keep in mind that I have two tickets to give away! Send me an email at janece@everyelegantdetail.com if you're interested.

Lynn and Ken, San Francisco, Ca

2009-12-09T17:07:00.000-08:00

Lynn and Ken were envisioning an elegant, traditional San Francisco wedding. They had many friends and family coming from all over the country and wanted their guests to get a glimpse of the beauty of San Francisco. Their breathtaking ceremony was held at Notre Dame des Victoires in San Francisco.

The adorable couple shared their first kiss in front of a grand venue and an excited audience!

How amazing is this picture; the ocean, the kiss and Alcatraz!

Lisa Boone from Atelier Joya did a fabulous job designing Lynn and Ken's wedding. She created their centerpieces and personal flowers as well as helping to design the wedding. Lisa is an awesome woman to work with!

These personalized gift tags, created by Unveiled, accompanied the delicious chocolates that Lynn and Ken shared with their guests.

Bala, from The Cakemaker made this gorgeous cake that featured beautiful details, like the airbrushed roses and the textured fondant.

Congratulations Lynn and Ken!!

Other Vendors...

Reception Location: Mariott Union Square

Photographer: Vivian Photography

DJ: Denon & Doyle

Twisted Oak Winery, Murphys, Ca

2009-12-09T16:33:00.000-08:00

I am really looking forward to an upcoming wedding we have at the Twisted Oak Winery in Murphys. It has a very rustic feel and they feature two separate locations for weddings.

Our May, 2010 bride will be getting married among the trees at their tasting room location.

The picture above showcases their other location for a ceremony.

This venue makes for a beautiful background at sunset!

Murphys is a great little town with quaint shops and delicious restaurants. Be sure to check out V Restaurant & Bar if you're ever in town.

Win Two Tickets to The Wedding University

2009-11-30T11:28:00.000-08:00

Every Elegant Detail will be giving away two free tickets to a recently engaged couple for The Wedding University to be held on January 31, 2010 at The Four Seasons, Silicon Valley. The contest begins on December 1st and the winner will be chosen on December 20th.

The Wedding University will help you evaluate options, make decisions and design a wedding celebration that truly expresses who you are. Some of the best bay area vendors will be gathering to educate you in all things wedding. Tickets for this event start at $75, but you can win two free tickets by simply emailing me at janece@everyelegantdetail.com.

The Wedding University, 2010

2009-11-30T10:07:00.001-08:00

Please join us for an Afternoon of Elegance and Education, for Engaged Couples, at the Four Seasons Silicon Valley!

If you are planning a wedding,

you do not want to miss The Wedding University...a full day of education, interaction with other engaged couples, and great food, where you can learn directly from top Bay Area wedding professionals.

SAVE THE DATE:
Sunday, January 31, 2010!
Four Seasons, Silicon Valley
2050 University Avenue, East Palo Alto, CA 94303
11am-5pm
beginning with Mimosas and Brunch

Here are some comments from a few of last year's students:

"The dance instructor was great with her tips, and offered information that applies to every couple in an entertaining an engaging way."

Cynthia Clinka escorting a groom onto the dance floor for a practice spin!

"This was so much better than any wedding fair; I appreciated the demonstrations, tips and tricks, and that the focus was about my wedding day, not sales....I was able to convince my fiance to attend, and he loved it!"

Nancy Liu Chin teaching the students about the "Love Letters" design display she created with Gloria Wong, as an example for the TWU students.

"The Decor and Design session was straight to the point and used great examples of how this specific part of wedding planning can be personalized and elegant."

One of the 5 vignettes created for The Wedding University Design and Decor Class.

Since Wedding University has spaces for only 150 students, and last year we were full, with a waiting list, register now!

Sara Goetz, Photographer

2009-11-24T14:22:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a talented, well-priced, fun-to-work-with photographer, be sure to check out Sara Goetz. She is located here in the East Bay, but is willing to travel and often goes down to San Diego. Be sure to check out her awesome work on her blog. We had the joy of working with her at Kendra and Nathaniel's wedding in October and we are looking forward to working with her again in December! And after the wedding be sure to keep her in mind for your family photos when the kids come along!

Classic Winter Inspiration Board

2009-11-20T15:04:00.001-08:00

I made this inspiration board while getting excited for the holiday season and imagining a classically beautiful and festive winter wedding. Even if there is a blanket of snow outside, a little fur, glowing candlelight, and spiced cider are sure to warm you heart and soul!

Credits: Carla Ten Eyck (3), James Christianson, Kevin Chin, Classic Party Rentals, Nancy Liu Chin, http://, Twin Lens, Adeline and Grace Photography, Jose Villa, Jose Villa Photography, Neysa Ruhl Photography, Viva Bella Events, Kristin Vining Photography, Docuvitae, Bella Figura, Dollface Studio

Fall Fashion Trends in Bridal

2009-11-16T15:19:00.001-08:00

Retro is IN! American bridal enthusiastically welcomes back the comfortable and accessible yet ultra-glamorous and chic, boyish styles pioneered by Coco Chanel in the 1920s. From dresses to accessories and even hats, bridal fashion this fall is taking cues from the past. With a strong trend toward vintage, one-of-a-kind looks, many flapper-esque and Art Deco style designs have resurfaced for the modern woman and become very popular, mimicking the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood's Golden Age of the 1920s. The retro-roots of other current trends don't reach back quite as far in American fashion history, but the simple, sweet, feminine frocks of the 1960s as well as the edgy, envelope-pushing styles of the 1970s influence this fall's popular trends as well.

Fashionable dress shapes and silhouettes continue to vary, as many popular gowns remain form-fitting and come in the mermaid or trumpet style. Ball gowns are currently less popular than other shapes and styles, but many A-lines are still seen. More popular are sheath silhouettes and shorter-length dresses including tea-length and even short, mini-length skirts.

This season you will see TONS of glamour, from dresses intricately adorned with beads and crystals to accessories made from fine French netting and feathers. Opulence and luxury are the name of the game this fall, so take a moment to visually explore the bridal trends for fall 2009 and take in their Every Elegant Detail.

Strapless dresses continue to remain very popular. The photographs below highlight other trends of the season-- some still shown in strapless styles-- in order to display the vast variety of other popular fall dress features.

One Shoulder

Ines Di Santo

Vineyard Collection

Color Diversity

"Addison," Amsale

"Odette," Vera Wang

Sottero and Midgley

Please continue onto the next section of this blog...

2009-11-16T15:13:00.000-08:00

Black and White

"Chaza," Cymbeline

Caronlina Herrera

"Puerto Rico," Ian Stuart

Ruffles and Layers

Demetrios

Simone Carvalli

Please continue onto the next section of this blog...

2009-11-16T15:06:00.000-08:00

Minis

Reem Acra

"Breeze," Claire Pettibone

Reverie by Melissa Sweet

Tea Length / 1950s and '60s

"Maya," Michelle Roth

Melissa Sweet

Please continue onto the next section of this blog...

2009-11-16T14:47:00.000-08:00

Floral Embellishments

"Indus," Pronovias

Romona Keveza

Floral Embroidery

Badgley Mischka

Lazaro

Please continue onto the next section of this blog...

2009-11-16T14:40:00.000-08:00

Grecian

Chris Kole, The Cotton Bride

Elizabeth Fillmore

Old Hollywood / 1920's

J. Mendel, Martha Stewart Weddings

"Muse," Amy Kuschel

Jenny Packham

Please continue onto the next section of this blog...

2009-11-16T14:17:00.000-08:00

Alternate Necklines

David's Bridal

St. Pucchi

Oscar de la Renta

Luxe Look
Sparkle, Embellishment, and Feathers

"Wallis," Monique Lhuillier

"Luxe," Selia Yang, Martha Stewart Weddings

Please continue onto the next section of this blog...

2009-11-16T13:59:00.000-08:00

Outer Wear

Boleros and Wraps

Lazaro

Lace bolero, James Clifford Collection

Tulle wrap, James Clifford Collection

Bolero with pearls, Monique Lhuillier

Please continue onto the next section of this blog...

2009-11-16T13:24:00.000-08:00

Fur

"Monaco," Jenny Packham

Linda Gorringe Couture

White Chocolate Label by Scott Corridan

Please continue onto the next section of this blog...

2009-11-16T13:09:00.000-08:00

Veils and Hats

Toni Federici

"Emily" Pout Blusher, Sara Gabriel

Pillbox Hat with Veil, Erica Koesler

"Astyn" Veil, Sara Gabriel

Cocktail Hat, Erica Koesler

Please continue onto the next section of this blog...

2009-11-16T12:53:00.000-08:00

Art Deco / 1920's Hollywood

Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz

"Bridget" vintage rhinestone hair combs, Sara Gabriel

Glitz and Glamour

Crystals, Pearls, and Gems

"Charlotte" comb, Sara Gabriel

Maria Elena

Mikimoto
Please continue onto the next section of this blog...

2009-11-16T12:43:00.000-08:00

Black Accents

"Reese" Hairpin, Sara Gabriel

Kwiat

Watters Jewelry Collection

Flowers

"Wendy," Sara Gabriel

"Wysteria," Toni Federici
Please continue onto the next section of this blog...

2009-11-16T12:36:00.000-08:00

Feathers

Mesh Feather Hairpiece, Sara Gabriel

"Sloan" Feather Headband, Sara Gabriel

Feather Flower, Sara Gabriel

Janae Shields Photography

2009-11-13T09:49:00.000-08:00

Janae and I have been good friends for a while and I am really looking forward to working with her at one of my weddings next year. She is a very sweet women and takes some amazing photographs! Check out her blog post featuring a few pictures of the couple I will be working with this year.