Sea Breeze Dreamy Wedding

A few of my favorite things:

-Sea Glass

-Floral Crowns

-Navy Blue

-Watercolor

-Bohemian Style

And that's why next week's wedding is going to be one of my favorites ever. Throw in a kick-ass bride and all of my favorite vendors...and I'm a super happy girl this week.

Cheers, my lovelies!

What Is Love?

This will be one of the most personal posts I'll probably ever write for my professional blog. However, my profession, my career, my business is so closely tied to my heart and this issue is one that speaks directly to said heart. If there ever were a reason for me to get really real with y'all, it's this. Be forewarned...

As some of you know, I was born in California but spent my most formative years in Mississippi. Those years spent in the Magnolia State taught me Southern hospitality, how to carry myself with grace, how to cook chicken and dumplin's, bake a mean blackberry cobbler and most importantly, I was introduced to my faith.

That faith has seen me through all of life's ups and downs. It's taught me what love truly is. Taught me that the most important thing in life is love. To show it, to be it. For that reason, I am finding myself having a very difficult time seeing the reaction I've seen from some people. God LOVES us, wants to give us the desires of our hearts, wants us to be fulfilled and to know for ourselves the love He has for us. I will never accept that He desires us to fall in love with someone and for that love to be a sin. That's not a loving God.

This post was prompted by seeing one too many posts about "Sodom and Gomorrah all over again" or "Jesus, take me now" or "End of days is here!" or "Time for another Civil War". I urge my friends whom I share this beautiful faith with to act with grace on social media. Hell, act with grace anyway, but PLEASE, especially on social media. You do so much harm to our faith by spewing comments like those above.

And because clearly I haven't used the word "love" enough in this post:
"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." - 1 Peter 4:8

Now let's plan some weddings!!

Kate Spade Inspires Wedding Deliciousness

It's officially summer! And you know what that means? It's WEDDING SEASON! In honor of all of those June weddings out there here is a little inspiration I gained from one too many Kate Spade drool sessions...

A black and white affair with pops of green apple, turquoise/teal, hot pink and blush. Details of gold sparkle, black and white polka dots and stripes. Overall feel should be fun and lighthearted

...just like the couple who would chose such a fun-loving theme!

Cheers, wedding goers! Hope it's a wonderful wedding season for you all!

Love List: Culinary Institute of America St. Helena

Hey lovelies! Ready for another amazing venue?

Every once in a while you have the honor of being able to work with one of your dear friends for one of the most important days in their lives. September 14th was one of those days for me. My lovely friend Tiffany married her long-time love Mike in the beautifully quaint town of St. Helena. And when I say quaint I mean two lane, tree lined streets, mom & pop boutiques, vineyards everywhere you look and a general small town feel. It's one of my happy places. You can't get much more picturesque than this place.

Mike & Tiffany's venue was the Culinary Institute of America or otherwise known as the CIA. The moment I saw this place I fell in love. Imagine a castle-like building rising out of the hills of wine country, surrounded by views of vineyards and those famous California hills strewn with oak trees. And there you have the CIA. The original building was a co-op winery built in the 1880's and since has been transformed to provide culinary education, from dining to demonstrations, professional courses and of course, hosting events.

The experience with the venue was over-the-top from the beginning. Our catering manager, Samantha Chavez was knowledgeable, gracious and professional. Mike & Tiffany came in to their menu tasting session with some basic ideas (likes, dislikes, etc.) and with that their culinary team made one of the best and most personalized menus I've ever seen! Uh, hello Bloody Mary Shrimp Shooters!

 

I'm going to let the rest of it speak for itself...

 

 

Culinary Institute of America, St. Helena

Max Capacity Inside: 350

Max Capacity Outside: 200

Contact: Samantha Chavez; s_chavez@culinary.edu; 707-967-2349

 

 

Oh, and because we worked with such wonderful vendors for this wedding let me sing their praises, too!

Florist: Connie Moore Floral

Hair: Atelier Salon

Photographer: Ken Pfeifer & Meghan Roberts

Rentals/Lighting: Blueprint Studios, Classic Party Rentals, Twilight Design

Videographer: Mark Peters

 

 Hope you all enjoy this foodie heaven as much as I did! xoxo

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things...

Winter weddings are not something I am lucky enough to plan living in coastal California as I do. A  cold, wet beach isn't the ideal. This fact does not keep me from dreaming of a white wedding though! So here are a few of my favorite things about a winter wedding...

1. Sparkle seems to be that much sparklier (yes, sparklier is a word!)

 

2. Feathers & fur are totally appropriate.

 

 

3. Texture, texture, texture. Cable knit, wool, cashmere and houndstooth...to name a few.

 

4. Winter brings warm feelings. Cozy up next to a fire, sip hot chocolate and get close to those you love most. It just makes sense to throw a wedding in with all these good feelings, right?

 

5. Snow. It's magical, pure and simple.

 

The vision: Nearest & dearest gathered in a cozy cabin-esque venue complete with wood burning fireplace and a view of the snow falling outside. Candles everywhere. A menu with comfort foods and decadent desserts. Can't forget after dinner drinks of Hot Toddys and Irish Coffee. Kissing under mistletoe. Romance through and through.

And have I mentioned...I travel??? Coastal California can't hold me back! So let's get on this snow covered, romance- filled wedding, shall we? Dare to be different, lovelies. Summer weddings are to be expected. Throw a fete to get your friends and family through a long, dreary winter! 

Oh, and be sure to follow my Winter Weddings board on Pinterest for more inspiration!

You're On My List, "Love" List: Tehama

Wedding season had a hold on me! Whoa. But I'm back, sanity still in hand (always a daunting task for a spring/summer/fall filled with wedding after wedding!) and I'm ready to show a little love to my blog.

Goal for this year? To share with you some of my favorite venues. There are so many dazzling jewels in California and I'm taking it upon myself to share a few of my favorites with all of you.

For my first "love list" location we have...

Tehama Golf Club

Now, let me just tell ya'll that I am biased. Typically you give me a choice between golden hills laden with oak trees or an oceanside deck and I'll choose the hills. Just something about being around those vistas that make my country girl's heart very happy. Tehama is extra special in this sense. Not only do you have those gorgeous golden hills and oak trees dripping with moss but you also have a view of the entire Monterey Bay that is just to die for. To. Die. For!

  

I have so many brides that are against a hotel-feel or a golf-course-feel and guys, this location is perfect for those of you who fit in that description. Yes, it is a golf club. But no, it does not feel like one. Your drive on to the property is magical. Winding roads through old oak trees, deer romping through the forest...you might even see a wild turkey or... ten. You then make your way up to the clubhouse where you immediately are greeted by the quintessential Spanish revival style that is so well known in California. The space is warm and welcoming while also perfectly executing a feeling of sophistication and luxury.

 

 

What sets a property aside from others, to me, is their staff. Tehama has what can sometimes be hard to find...true professionals. Staff that go above and beyond to make your day perfect. That right there is what makes me give my stamp of approval. Add the stunning views and delicious food...I'm sold.

 

 

So here are some of their specifics...

 

Maximum Capacity: 200 Guests (180 With Dance Floor); Capacity would be increased if tent rented for outside patio.

Available Times: 5:30pm - 12:00am (With Entertainment Ending at 11:30pm)

Maximum Event Time: 6 Hours

Included: Tables, Chairs, China, Glassware, Silverware and Votive Candles

Also: Four (gorgeous!) suites on-site that are available for an additional fee.

Contact: Cheryl Fournier, 831-622-2223, cheryl@tgcmail.net, www.tehamagolfclub.com

 

Tehama is a very special venue that you have to see to truly appreciate!

 

Stay tuned for more of my "love list"! xoxo...



What Is This? Barnum & Bailey's?

 

Let's have some real talk, shall we? This whole wedding thing can feel a bit like a circus, right? You meet the guy, fall in love, feel those butterflies and before you know it there is a beautiful ring on your finger and the promise of a wonderful life together. Bring on the wedding planning!

Enter the reality. Who knew your parents would invite so many people! And what's your future-mother-in-law's deal about insisting that you have a cake? You and your honey would rather do a tasty dessert bar! Where were all of these opinions when you were just dating?

I have a theory. Once that ring goes on your finger people go a little...crazy. Emotion does funny things and unfortunately, you and your fiance are the ones feeling the brunt of the crazy train. Add in the cost of a wedding and it's enough to make you want to throw in the towel.

Don't fret. Take a few deep breaths and read on...

A few golden rules for planning your perfect day:
1. It's Okay To Say "No". You don't want cake? Say no to the cake. You don't like the color bridesmaid dress your maid of honor picked? Say no to the dress. You don't know a majority of the guests your parents have added to the invite list? Say no. Now, I'm not endorsing bridezilla mode. I grew up in Mississippi and learned the fine art of southern hospitality. This means declining offers with grace. "No" and "Thank You" should always be paired together and topped off with a sweet smile. Take charge of your own wedding...with graciousness, of course.

2. Feeling Like A Three-Ring Circus? Take a step back. Prioritize. What is really important? Hopefully #1 on your list is making a very serious and life-long commitment to the one you love. After that I'm sure you want your family and friends to have the time of their lives. What about eloping? Get a gorgeous vacation rental and bring only the closest of your circle. Spend a week connecting and making memories. Circus feeling? Extinguished.

3. Shameless Plug...Hire Professionals! I read a horrible article recently that urged brides to use silk flowers and to lie to their vendors about what the event really was (don't say "wedding", say "party"). The real trick is to hire professionals who take pride in what they do! Who are pillars of integrity. Whose passion in life is to create a dream day for you. Yes, it's going to cost a little more. I say "a little" because really, DIY can cost just as much once all is said and done...not to mention the stress you put yourself through. "You get what you pay for" is, unfortunately, too true. And hiring someone to watch out for you, which is my job, is worth its weight in gold. We become your champion...which can be missing sometimes in this process.

Basically? Keep your eye on the prize, don't get trampled on by friends, family or vendors and hire professionals. Simple right? No? Well, that's what I'm here for.

Happy Monday, beauties!

Collage Creds: Carmel Valley Ranch guest room, Bouquet & Floral Crown by Connie Moore, Fondly Forever Photography, Carmel State Beach, Cypress Inn, Mike Steelman Photographers