Bridebound

Vendor Spotlight: Passiflora Designs, Wedding Florist

2011-03-01T12:30:00.000-08:00

Paige Benjamin has been in the floral industry for 15 years and you can tell by her work. She tells us she started Passiflora Designs 11 years ago, choosing to work with flowers as an art medium while studying sculpture in college. She appreciates flowers colors, texture and impermanence. Paige says she loves weddings “because every wedding is different and has its own character. I love the process of working hand in hand with a bride and groom to make their day more than they ever anticipated.”

As for inspirations, Paige says the Alameda Flea Market is inspirational: “I love going to soak in all the amazing décor and art. I am mostly inspired at the flower market, as the flowers cannot help but inspire!”

Should you book her for your wedding, Passiflora seamlessly blends contemporary style with traditional elegance. Working with Passiflora and Paige is not just placing an order, but they will walk you through the process. Their philosophy is that the process is just as important as the end product and they have the reputation to boot.

Vendor Spotlight: Batter Bakery, Wedding Desserts

2011-02-08T11:01:00.000-08:00

Batter Bakery was created out of a lifelong love of baking, and an even greater love of sharing baked goods with others. As the sole owner and founder, Jen Musty has been baking for as long as she can remember. Throughout high school and college she tinkered with recipes, teaching herself as much as possible and feeding friends and neighbors. After a year of a career of public accounting, there was no question that the future plan was to bake fulltime. As a transition into the food industry, Jen became one of the first members of the startup team for Blue Fog Market. After the main startup process was completed, she focused half of her time on providing baked goods for both locations and the rest to devising a startup business model. As the demand for Batter products became overwhelming and clients were secured, the transition to operating Batter Bakery full time was not just a dream-come-true, but also a necessity.

“I love working with couples as well as their friends and family to create wonderful wedding sweets. It is a time of such joy and excitement, and there is an amazing opportunity to create very personal, memorable treats,” she tells me. All of Batter’s baked goods are made locally in a shared commercial kitchen space, Mission Creek Kitchen. Treats are made in small batches to ensure quality and handmade integrity. They roll and cut their shortbread, shape their scones and scoop their cookies by hand. “The kitchen is a playground for me. I am constantly working on new recipe ideas, mixing up our flavor offerings and adding twists to the standard favorites. Cookies are my favorite thing to make, so I am constantly creating new cookie ideas.”

Batter Bakery is constantly searching for ways to support green and sustainable business operations. Their retail packaging includes compostable and recyclable boxes, bags and parchment. New vendor research is ongoing in an attempt to bring their sourcing even closer to home. Currently they use all organic flour from Central Milling, sugar from C&H, dairy from Clover, butter from Gilt Edge Creamery, and premium fair trade chocolate including El Rey, Callebaut, and Cacao Barry. Talk about sweets with a conscience.

Should you work with Jen for your wedding treats, you can expect individualized attention. She is not one to give you a list of flavors and frosting and say, “Pick!” She will work with you to create whatever your taste buds desire. And because she doesn’t create wedding cakes, Batter Bakery opens up a whole new realm of ideas for your wedding dessert table. “I am seeing more and more couples shy away from the traditional cake, but instead offer all sorts of treats: cupcakes, cookies, brownies, ice cream and candy,” she tells me. So whatever your heart desires, Jen can help you create the most delicious dessert table that will leave you and your guests wanting more! Don’t forget to visit her kiosk in downtown San Francisco on the corner of Kearny and California! Treat yourself.

Vendor Spotlight: Aurora Meneghello, Wedding Photographer

2011-02-02T08:30:00.000-08:00

Growing up in Vicenza, Italy, Aurora Meneghello was surrounded by art. Born with a creative eye and not much opportunity to nurture her photography and film interests, Aurora moved to the US after high school. She studied filmmaking in Los Angeles and later graduated with a degree in Fine Art Photography from the San Francisco Art Institute. Here she worked along side a wedding journalist and thus her own love for wedding photography was born.

Aside from having her own business for the past two and a half years, she is also the official photographer of Locally Grown Weddings and they are committed to our environment and our community. When you hire Aurora, you also get the option to tap into this amazing network of San Francisco based vendors who share an emphasis for green business practices.

Aurora tells me whole-heartedly how much she loves working with brides. The way ideas flow, how everyone is so beautiful on their wedding day and how unique couples are. She loves to give people beautiful portraits of themselves.

Her inspirations behind the lens include artists, painters, museums and small galleries. She has a post-it note on her computer screen that reads, “Connect the unconnected, see the relationships where there are none,” and says it’s a great way to sum up what she’s looking for in art: she wants to see something she hasn’t seen before and get a glimpse beyond her experience.

Should you book Aurora, you will not only be getting an award-winning photographer (exhibits in Los Angeles and San Francisco include Intersection for the Arts, the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts and Galeria de la Raza), you will be working with a collaborator. “It’s important that the couple feels happy and comfortable with me. In short, we need to be a match. I like to get to know the couple before the Big Day so we can be effortlessly in sync.” And with her warm personality, it won’t be hard to fall in love with Aurora and her beautiful work.

Spotted: 2 Hearts B 1 Designs, Invitation, Calligrapher & Event Design

2011-01-29T12:55:00.000-08:00

Just because 2 Hearts B 1 Designs is based in Beverly Hills, doesn’t mean you can’t use her beautiful designs for your wedding celebrations. One of our friends used Jillian Yee-Pham of 2 Hearts B 1 Designs and we couldn’t get enough of her work, so we decided to get in touch and profile her here.

Jillian graduated from Fresno State with a Bachelors of Science degree in Recreation Administration and Leisure Studies, specializing in event, design and coordinating. She then moved to LA to chase the Hollywood limelight first working at a graphic design and animation studio in Hollywood, where she learned the foundation of design. From there, she became a manager at a paper boutique and invitation studio in Beverly Hills where she learned all about the retail side of the business; the stepping stones that led her to open her very own business. 2 Hearts B 1 Designs was born!

She and her worker bees specialize in creative services whether it be floral and event design (including day-of decorating and coordinating), favors and tags, presentation and gift wrap, calligraphy, invitations and cards, and even scrapbooking. As you can see from her immense talent, Jillian takes pride in the work 2 Hearts B 1 Designs presents as if it were her own event or wedding.

“Being a part of a couple's wedding day is such an honor that I truly take to heart,” she says. “I enjoy being a part of the celebration where two hearts will join together to be one. I am thrilled to provide my talents of calligraphy, invitations and design, to be included on this very special day. Also every wedding is different and it's a joy to put that couple's vision that reflects the beauty of them onto paper.”

Jillian says she’s inspired through her consultations with brides and grooms about what they envision for their wedding day: the feeling, the colors, the location, the season, the date and the stories of what brought them together. She also credits magazines, books, art, fabrics, textiles, color, typography, photography, greeting cards and chit-chatting with other creative types as other inspirations.

Should you choose Jillian, you can expect a hands-on, worthwhile experience. She offers a complimentary consultation where she can present ideas and concepts. Rest assured, Jillian is not your run of the mill, pick-out-of-a-book invitation: what she creates is custom and picture-perfect to reflect you and the love of your life for your most special day. Our hearts belong to 2 Hearts B 1 Designs, totally and utterly Bridebound approved…!

Venue Spotlight: ESTATE, Sonoma

2011-01-24T20:41:00.001-08:00

We were so lucky to visit ESTATE during the 2010 holiday season and we got a fantastic tour of the place and even met Ms. Sondra Bernstein herself; she’s fantastic! As you may or may not know, Sandra is the Proprietor and CEO of the girl & the fig restaurant. ESTATE is her other masterpiece in town and is located just blocks from the plaza in Sonoma. The historic site and gardens provide a beautiful and charming backdrop.

Beautifully designed and decorated, we think ESTATE is a perfect spot to host a wedding celebration, rehearsal dinner or wedding shower in Sonoma wine country. With multiple rooms and two outdoor spaces to choose from, the options are endless with the space and its capabilities.

The Wine Room(above) is a warm and intimate dining area and seats 13-24 guests. It has glass doors that close to give your party privacy should you book it. Great for showers or small wedding celebrations.

The West Patio (above) is perfect for a summer nights and is covered by a grape arbor and surrounded by a wrap around porch and beautiful gardens. It seats 13-72 guests. Awesome outdoor space for an intimate, cozy and summertime wedding celebration.

ESTATE also offers a restaurant buy-out should you wish to have the entire space to yourself. This option gives you room to have 100 guests inside or 150 outside. No holds bar here: have the big wedding of your dreams where guests can have the freedom to wander the beautiful space, have a cocktail or dance on the patio dance floor.

Once you’ve booked your space at ESTATE, you have the freedom to choose from a family style menu, plated service or chef’s tasting menu. So many options! And with Sondra and her talented kitchen staff behind the wheel, you can rest assured your guests will leave with happy bellies. You’ll just have to visit ESTATE to believe how incredible it truly is. Tell 'em Bridebound sent you.

Vendor Spotlight: Paulina's Flowers, Napa Valley

2011-01-20T14:16:00.000-08:00

Napa Valley based florist Paulina Humeres-Greene has been working with flowers since 1990. Born in Santiago, Chile and raised both there and Buenos Aires, Argentina, Paulina moved to the US in her twenties. And as you’ll see in her work, she has a unique eye and talent. Raised in a very creative family, she stumbled into flower design quite unexpectedly. A friend who worked at a winery knew of her creative eye and passed on her info to a hospitality director who needed help with floral design. The work never stopped and eventually Paulina’s Flowers was born. But not before she studied Architecture and Design at CCAC (California College of Arts and Crafts) now known as CCA (California College of the Arts).

Paulina counts her maternal grandmother as one of her main inspirations. Living with her in Argentina and eventually in Chile, she spoke French and Italian in addition to Spanish, “Music to your ears when you heard her,” she says. Most of all, Paulina says she realizes now that she ran her home and later on her mother's home like a 5-Star Swiss Hotel. “She was an extraordinary manager of time and the help that worked for her. She was talented in everything she did, everything she touched was perfect. She cooked fabulously, sewed, embroidered, wrote beautifully, would go in the garden, come back with two or three branches and would make a beautiful arrangement for the foyer.” Paulina has been blessed to have inherited some of this talent from her.

As for weddings, Paulina says, “I love the whole process, creating the whole event. Starting with the venue: what is the style and the architecture of the site. How does the couple envision this special day? Why did they pick this site? How would the flowers achieve what they want and also compliment the venue? The simplest of events can also exude class. What props should we use, pedestals, containers? What style do they want? Formal, contemporary, modern, Tuscan or Napa Valley inspired?” Paulina takes it all into consideration explaining that the whole look is much more than just the flowers. The more she knows the better, even details like the look of the place card and napkin holders and even who the chef is and what they’re putting on the table.

Besides from her grandmother, Paulina credits nature and architecture as two elements that give her inspiration on a daily basis. “Living in the Napa Valley and being surrounded with beauty is a great thing. Daily walks up different streets and paths. Seasons dictate a lot of what is out there, in nature that can be brought inside in some shape or form.” She also says the La Tavola Fine Linen Rental showroom in Napa, the Ritz Carlton hotel lobby and the Campton Place hotel lobby and restaurant flowers in San Francisco are visual inspirations.

Should you book Paulina for your wedding day, you will not only be hiring a keen eye for detail, but a florist who is dedicated to you and only you: she only designs for one wedding per day. You will have her full attention and she will be onsite to make sure that everything is as perfect as possible. Her flowers are of the freshest available and if quality is compromised, she’ll choose something different but comparable. Paulina’s Flowers, by far, is totally, undeniably Bridebound approved.

Spotted: Steps on Toes, Dance Instruction, Oakland

2011-01-17T08:16:00.000-08:00

If you’re one of the many brides or grooms out there with two left feet, or perhaps not even sure where your feet are, consider a lesson or two with Laurie Ann of Steps on Toes. Laurie started teaching social dance about 30 years ago when her partner and her, after learning Foxtrot and Jitterbug, had no place to use them as there was no real partner dance scene in the 70s except Disco. So, they mashed what they knew into one dance and styled it to fit Disco so they could go dancing. “People thought we were doing some new partner disco dance they had never seen before and asked us if we offered classes. So we started teaching!” Laurie Ann tells me. She says she’s been a teacher all her life and loved teaching dance, but her partner didn't. Laurie Ann began private lessons in her home. She was doing couples counseling and mediations at the time and also teaching self-defense classes to people with physical disabilities. When she decided to make it more of a career, she started learning more and more dances. Ultimately, she decided to target the market of people who had difficulty learning and needed a lot of special attention, which is most of us! She loves working with people individually where she can tailor her teaching to the individual needs and particular learning styles of each student.

Off weddings, Laurie Ann says, “I love them. There is something magical about weddings, and of course it's lovely to be around people in love. I use my background to teach couples how to practice without getting on each other's nerves, and a lot of the dynamics that come up with the challenge of learning to dance together are metaphors for the rest of their relationship. Couples can expect to learn what THEY want, rather than my own agenda. They may want to spend a lot of time learning how leading and following really works so they can do it the right way, or they may want to just put together something that works and looks good once, but they can't be used later on a social floor. They may come with enough lead time to get comfortable with the dance so they are just dancing, and not practicing, on their wedding day. They may come at the last minute and get one or two basic steps and learn how to make it look good. Most importantly, they'll all get advice on how to have fun with it, and to have the right attitude. It's not a dance recital, it's a metaphor for their love. When they remember that, it's guaranteed to be wonderful. In fact, none of my students have ever had anything less than a magical dance they loved.” We love this! And we love Laurie Ann: we've met her personally and can say she's full of all the spunk and energy you'll need to learn the perfect moves while having a friend teach you along the way.

Vendor Spotlight: Crave Bakery, San Francisco

2011-01-14T07:40:00.000-08:00

These days, there are so many options for delicious baked goods and wedding cakes. Thank goodness for bakeries like Crave Bakery which caters to gluten-, casein- and wheat-free baked goods. Cameo Edwards, owner of Crave Bakery, opened the bakery after facing her own difficult health issues that were not easy to decipher by any doctor. It was during a trip to Thaliand that she realized she’d never felt better. She experimented with a gluten-free diet, alas it worked, and thus she was forced to learn a new way of cooking and baking. In 2003, she created an ideal wheat-free brownie which satisfied her craving for the sweets she’d been missing out on. That brownie was the turning point: Crave Bakery was born.

After 5 years of developing her wholesale business which now has a presence in 12 states, she brought in Allison Hobson to help form Crave's custom cake branch, creating delicious and beautiful allergen-free masterpieces. In these last 2 years, they've begun branching out from gluten-free to embrace combinations also of vegan, dairy-, cassein-, sugar-, and soy-free cakes and cupcakes. Allison received an advanced degree in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. Fully embracing this experience, she apprenticed for nearly five years with Cecile Gady, one of the top cake innovators, Cakework, in San Francisco. Her two years working with Elizabeth Faulkner at Citizen Cake also prepared her for her star role with Crave Bakery. Cameo says Allison is easy to work with, syncing clients’ visions and her creative drive to make the most special cake imaginable.

Crave Bakery focuses in on what they consider the centerpiece of the wedding reception, working with the bride and groom to create an ideal and yet healthy fit to the aesthetic of their plans for their most perfect day. “The planning and the care that goes into the cakes and cupcakes is a joyful process and there is a sense of teamwork,” says Cameo. As for their inspirations in the kitchen, Cameo says she personally is inspired by the continuing aspirations of branching out into a more allergen-free line of products; something sweet and elegant for every occasion. “Everyone deserves a celebratory sweet!” she exclaims.

So what can you expect from working with Crave Bakery? Besides a wedding cake or baked good that can satisfy just about any food-sensitive need, Crave has been working diligently to brining the sweet to the discerning and sensitive sweet tooth for seven years. Providing wedding and celebratory cakes and cupcakes to the gluten-intolerant and allergen-free community now for the last two years, Crave is deeply dedicated and doing their very best to support a growing need. Totally Bridebound approved!

Venue Spotlight: Franciscan Estate, St. Helena

2011-01-11T13:32:00.000-08:00

We were so lucky to take a private tour of Franciscan Estate in St. Helena last month. It’s breathtakingly beautiful and a wonderful fit for a wedding or wedding-related celebration, big or small. And just as perfect timing would have it, a bride and her maids were getting ready just as we strolled in. The separate rooms are classically decorated with dark woods and neutral tones and the tables set up were just fantastic.

Revolutionaries Raymond Duncan, Justin Meyer, and Agustin Huneeus shaped the winery’s beginnings, leading the winery to greatness through innovation and a commitment to small-lot winemaking. The winery can accommodate groups of up to 120 guests for lunch or dinner and up to 300 for a standing reception with Hors d’oeuvres.

Because of local permit restrictions, they are unable to accommodate wedding ceremonies, but they can help you find the perfect location nearby. Andrea Borchers, of Events in the Vines, handles all the event coordination for Franciscan Estate as well as four other beautiful properties in which we’ll profile in the coming weeks. Once you speak with her, you’ll know you’re in great hands. She knows the area and local vendors like the back of her hand and will help you plan the wedding of your dreams. Contact her directly at: andrea@eventsinthevines.com.

Julia's Fashion File: Tamra-Marie Artistry, Bay Area Makeup Artist

2010-12-30T08:00:00.000-08:00

Putting your best face forward takes on a whole new meaning when it comes to your wedding day. Your best is no longer “best” enough when you’re walking down the isle, bouquet in hand and train tumbling behind you. All eyes are on you; the most important woman in the room. You’re seeking perfection. Gorgeously coiffed hair is a big piece of the beauty puzzle but your makeup is the crowning glory. Your face is the first thing guests are going to lay their congratulatory eyes on and you can’t just blindly trust anyone to do it the way you envision. Tamra-Marie Artistry may be the inventive hands and long lashes you're looking to lean on.

Having been creatively inspired at a very young age, Tamra-Marie always knew she was artistically inclined. “I would color everything; my doll’s faces, the walls, coloring books – you name it.” However, it wasn’t until later in life that she realized her true passion lay behind glitter and the soft hair of a contoured shadow brush. “After growing completely bored with my cubicle life I leaped in to the creative art world where I could color beyond the lines. Makeup has no rules…it transforms us.”

Drawing inspiration from fashion, art, photography and cinema, Tamra-Marie strives to strike the perfect balance between natural and over-the-top; it can be challenging to find a pallet that stands out without looking heavy. “Makeup should be clean and add fresh elegance to the bride. My signature is to give her an understated look with a pop!” This motto is exactly why so many brides are turning to her; they know they’re going to walk away looking exactly like they dreamed of as a little girl. While we all know that striving for bridal perfection involves much more than the eye shadow swept across your lid, it’s important to recognize its significance. When your big day finally arrives and everyone’s attention is on you, there’s no better feeling than knowing their gaze has fallen on perfectly lined lips, luscious lashes and high cheekbones brushed with rouge. Your 10 year-old self would be tickled pink.

To read another fun article Tamra-Marie was featured in recently, click here.

Vendor Spotlight: Anne Appleman, Sonoma Wedding Florist

2010-12-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sonoma florist Anne Appleman has a wonderful history, starting with designing for corporate lobbies, of all places. Event work soon followed. She was living in a small apartment in San Francisco and designing out of the back of her '54 Chevy Suburban and business began to outgrow her surroundings. She moved to Sonoma with the hopes of establishing a name there, but continued to commute to pay the rent. She moved into her current space in Sonoma about 15 years ago. Reluctant to commit to retail, it seemed the only way to establish herself in a new place. She also saw her shop as a place where people could see and touch all of the amazing floral materials she has that are being produced locally and abroad. Her abilities in design increased tremendously as a result.

We asked Anne what she likes about designing for weddings. “I really like meeting brides. They're so excited and they usually have great ideas about what they want or how they want their big day to feel. Interpreting that and ‘getting it’ is a great feeling.” Anne says her ideas come from others, mostly. She looks at all kinds of things and in all kinds of places to see what other people are doing. Sometimes she copies design ideas and sometimes she improves on ones she’s seen. She explains that certain clients truly challenge her. For example, themes like cartoons or places are always a fun challenge for her. She also tells us her sales floor is great for inspiration: she can choose from a vast array of materials to create all kinds of wonderful designs on the spot.

What can you expect when working with Anne? “Once I've met with a bride and I've had the opportunity to think about their wedding and go through any swatches, photos of materials and designs, I invite them back to the shop to approve the designs. I don't like people to be surprised unless they want to be. I have the advantage of having a store full of flowers.” Essentially, you get a wonderful test run early on with Anne: she’ll pull a bouquet for you to see on the spot. And you get a veteran floral designer who’ll be by your side much like a friend throughout the planning and creative process. Anne is absolutely, positively Bridebound approved.

Vendor Spotlight: Oui Cater, Sonoma Wedding Caterer

2010-12-26T10:00:00.000-08:00

We spoke with Randi Kauppi Oui Cater in Sonoma and she’s pretty fabulous. Hailing from family of foodies, Randi was raised around a big table where every night was spent at home at the dinner table. She remembers her first job at her favorite Italian restaurant in Philidelphia where she washed spinach, made gelato and other tricks of the trade for no money- but it paid off. Ironically, Oui Cater was started by her mom and sister in 1978. Together, her sister, a chef from the Culinary Academy and San Francisco and protégé of renowned French chef, Yvonne Boulleray, and mom, an old fashion home economist, opened Oui Cater. They rented a kitchen at Rodney Strong winery and Yvonne served as their consultant for many years. Dinners were commonly French themed and held in the barrel room. With a background in art design and education, Randi joined in 1981, excited to share her equal passion for food and wine with her family. Eventually, her mom began restoring Victorians in Geyserville as bed-n-breakfasts full-time and her sister moved on so Randi took over the business. 10 years ago, her husband Randall, a produce industry expert, joined her.

Randi tells us she loves creating menus and food for weddings. Doing about 20 weddings a year, she only does on per day, which means you get her all to yourself. You also get her for the duration of your planning and her experience makes her more than just a caterer, but a mentor, too. You’ll also get delicious food cooked with total love. She says her true rewards, besides watching people enjoy her food, is the letters that come after the weddings.

As for creative inspirations, Randi says, “My husband says I should have been a chemist!” Because they have no single working recipe, she and Randall customize and tailer all menus using seasonal and local foods. She calls her cuisine straightforward and fresh. Not a fan of heavy sauces and arranged plates, Oui Cater's food is meant for enjoying. This lovely husband and wife team love experimenting with ethnic cuisine and welcome any challenges thrown their way, saying they often do renditions of ethnic dishes. The response? "Always positive!" We love it. Totally Bridebound approved.

Vendor Spotlight: Michelle Walker, San Francisco Wedding Photographer

2010-12-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

Ever since Michelle Walker was a little girl bouncing on her Papa’s knee looking at his beautiful photography, she knew she wanted to follow in his footsteps. So many years later, she enrolled in San Francisco’s Academy of Art school for photography and in her final semester, assisted a wedding photojournalist. It was love at first snap for her. While Michelle feels fortunate to do travel photography on her time off from weddings, weddings are the real icing on the cake for her.

“I love the raw emotion,” she tells us, “and I get to spend the BEST day with people—brides are excited, nervous, stressed...it's awesome to capture those real emotions.” We asked her what inspires her and keeps her fresh and she tells us she just started a photo project called The 100andOne Project, created to keep her photography just that. It’s a pure, simple, elegant way to photograph portraits. 100 days only, one set, one prop and one light. Her goal is to get 100 different sessions and potentially turning it into a book.

So why do we love Michelle and her images? Beyond the fact that she’s delightful and witty, you can expect gorgeous, relaxed and fun photography of your Big Day. Her goal is to capture the emotions of the day rather than just a record of who was there and what events took place—she photographs in an unobtrusive style giving you the feeling that she wasn’t even there. And that’s kina what you want when you have a room full of guests swarming around you in awe.

Visit michellewalker.com to view her entire portfolio.

Scene & Heard: Fleur De Lisa Cakes on TV!

2010-12-19T14:25:00.000-08:00

One of our favorite Wine Country cake designers, Lisa Kincaid of Fleur de Lisa Cakes , will be featured tomorrow evening on a show called Fabulous Cakes featured on The Learning Channel. Set your DVRs or sit down and oogle at 7pm PST (HD) or 10pm PST (SD). Yum, we can't WAIT. And we will be featuring Fleur de Lisa in the coming weeks so watch out!

Vendor Spotlight: Butter Love Bakeshop, San Francisco

2010-12-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

Baking is in the blood of San Francisco based baker Esa Yonn-Brown of Butter Love Bakeshop. Formerly a pastry chef, she took a low-demanding but well-paying job as a data processor so she could spend time with her newborn daughter. While the benefits couldn’t be beat, her soul craved to be in the kitchen, not in a computer chair, so she began to feed her soul through baking cakes and treats on the side. Eventually, she began baking pies. Esa grew up eating pie; her mother has mastered it. Her parents were transplants to the city; they met while working in a restaurant and were both inspired by the food movement taking place in the '70's. Everything in their house was made from scratch, their walls decorated with cookbooks high and low. Food was literally family.

So a question remained: why couldn’t she find the perfect pie in San Francisco? “Every time I ordered pie I compared it to my mother's and I was never satisfied, so I started practicing making it myself. My mom showed me her tricks and I ran with it. It took a few years to really master it. Butter Love Bakeshop was born as a full-time adventure once Esa was eventually laid off. She’s gained a bit of a following over the past four years and she now participates in the Homegrown Marin Market. Recently, she was featured in this NY Times article.

We asked her, besides the obvious, why pies for weddings? “Many times you go to a wedding and the cake is amazing looking but really not that interesting to eat,” she explains. “Not bad but maybe uninspired. I have also had amazing cakes, but some people, like me, just prefer pie. The thing about pie is it is usually a comfort food for those of us who grew up with parents who were really skilled at making it. It is simple in both its ingredients and appearance. Unassuming but so hard to get just right. A marriage can be similar. You are comforted by it. It is not exciting or fancy most of the time, but it is valuable and hard to get just right. It takes love as well as commitment to make a quality marriage or pie. Plus, it is something unique for a wedding for those people who want something that speaks more to their lifestyle then a fancy cake.” We love this thought…!

Esa tells us her family keeps her inspired. “I am one of those people who is always looking for something new to work on. It drives my husband crazy that I have several projects scattered around the house at any given moment. I am inspired by people who have passion and drive. I am inspired by natural, fresh and local produce. I find the most beautiful things in the world are sometimes the most simple and there is a peaceful kind of elegance in that.” A romantic at heart, Esa truly loves to please and being challenged to bake something new. “I made lolly pies for my husband last year for Valentines day,” she says, always trying to think of ways of utilizing things for both practical uses as well as festive ones. You can assure yourself that if you work with Esa to bake pies for your wedding day, she’ll bake it all by hand using all butter, which is challenging. But she does it with love, and we can’t think of a better ingredient for your wedding day. And note, with a charitable heart, if you order three pies or spend $75 this December, she’ll donate a teddy bear hat or scarf to Cubs for Kids.

All photography by San Francisco based photographer, Michelle Walker, who we’ll be proudly featuring next week right here on Bridebound Blog.

Venue Spotlight: The Temescal Beach House, East Bay

2010-12-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

Think: rustic elegance. The Temescal Beach House overlooks Lake Temescal in Temescal Regional Recreation Area in the East Bay. A perfect small venue for a more intimate wedding, The Temescal Beach House is part of a select few and beautiful venues of the East Bay Regional Park District. It was built by the Works Project Administration in 1940 and features cut stone foundation and wood logs and was also the first headquarters of the East Bay Regional Park District. Both the Fireside Room and the Lakeview Room boast beautiful views of the lake and together can seat 80 guests. At the entrance to the facility is a stone patio that is surrounded by a terraced garden, perfect for your wedding ceremony.

The venue also offers an approved catering list or you may choose the non-catering option in which is detailed on their website. The Temescal Beach House can be viewed during their monthly Open House on the first Tuesday of the month: October – May (1:00 to 3:00 pm) and June – September (1:00 – 8:00 pm). For viewing on another day and time, call the wonderfully friendly Michael McNally at the Facility Office at 510-544-3164. Tell him Bridebound sent you!

Venue Spotlight: The Lyford House, Tiburon

2010-12-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

If you’re looking for a truly unique wedding venue with history and views, the Lyford House may be just the perfect place. Built in 1878 and barged in 1957 to its current location on the Richardson Bay Audubon Center bird sanctuary, it’s set on a bluff overlooking Richardson Bay. A Victorian Registered Historical Landmark, it offers stunning views of San Francisco, Sausalito and Mount Tamalpais.

Gretchen Grani, Office Manager for Lyford House, tell us the space hosts a maximum of 150 people on their terrace and meadow surrounding the actual house. “It’s ideal for couples looking for an outdoor wedding location with a stunning view, or couples planning a green wedding,” she says. And for those nature lovers, Lyford House is on an Audubon Sanctuary, so you shouldn't be surprised to see hawks, ducks, sandpipers and the occasional heron. How cool is that?

When working with the Lyford House event planning staff, you can expect prompt, accurate, and courteous replies. Having just gotten married herself, Gretchen is very in tune and empathetic with what couples are going through. She allows couples to bring in their own vendors, except for caterers, and she is happy to help recommend vendors, should you need that.

Vendor Spotlight: Hannah's Edible Art, Vegan Wedding Cake Design

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

When Hannah Tai was growing up, she had a fascination with food and an appreciation of all things beautiful. She was lucky to travel the world alongside her folks, who were travel and food writers, so she was exposed early on to some amazing desserts. She remembers swooning at the stunning cakes sparkling in the windows of Paris Patisseries on a trip there. A vegetarian, Hannah knew her focus would naturally be on the sweeter side of the culinary coin.

She tells us that, ironically, her focus in the early days of her career was on plated desserts because she loved the complexity and beauty of a composed dessert. A Chinese language major in college, Hannah soon realized that baking was her true calling. She went through a pastry and baking course at a local community college and was itching to get real baking experience. She wound up as the pastry chef at a high-end restaurant in Lafayette called Tourelle, and after that worked as lead pastry chef at Jeremiah Tower's Santa Fe Bar and Grill in Berkeley. After the closing of Santa Fe, she took some time off, studied at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley and launched Hannah's Edible Art in 2000. Her commitment? To bring high-end, organic vegan wedding and special occasion cakes to her customers. She also creates gluten-free cakes.

Hannah truly enjoys working collaboratively with couples, explaining, “A cake is definitely a blank canvas that ultimately takes on the character of those two people getting married. I take quite a bit of time to get to know the couple, and how best to represent them to their guests through their cake. A cake, though temporary, is an art piece which is an important part of pulling the wedding together visually and gastronomically, so I take my job very seriously! If a couple trusts me enough to be part of their special day, then my goal is for them to feel 100% confident in my abilities. My philosophy has always been to give it my all. I take great pride in the uniqueness of my designs, and my clients seem to gravitate towards me for that reason.” Take a look at them and it’s not hard to understand this. Hannah is a true cake artist, in our opinion.

We asked her about any favorite cakes she’s created, wedding or not. “One of my favorite cakes to create was a special birthday cake for one of my best friends, a bird lover. She purposely gave me no direction because she didn't want to stifle my creativity. It wound up being one of my prettiest cakes, with handmade chocolate birds, black flowers with a gold patina, and a beautiful bird design that I stenciled on the sides in black. Another cake that stands out on my mind was for an event commemorating the anniversary of the first same-sex marriages in San Francisco. The cake was an enormous six tier monolith, hand painted and featuring edible jewels, gold bows and sugar roses, along with edible images of the first couples to wed, with a delicate handcrafted sugar vase with hundreds of tiny sugar pearls as the topper. The cake took a full week to make!”

As for her inspirations under her baker’s hat, she tells us they come from all corners, from nature, architecture, art, or simply a beautiful design or color that calls to be translated into sugar. Because her cakes are all vegan, she explains there’s an ethical aspect to her cakes. “The great thing is that when clients and guests taste my cakes, they are universally in awe that vegan can taste so good. I have been told that not only are my cakes the best vegan cakes they’ve ever had, but the best, period. Who can ask for a better comment than that?” Agreed.

So what can you expect from working with Hannah? For one, she aspires to make the experience of working with her as seamless and wonderful as the cake she promises to make for you. You’ll sit down with her for a tasting and consultation where she’ll go over every nick and cranny of details with you. Then she’ll sit and let the info sink in so she can sketch her ideas out so you have a visual mark to go by. On your wedding day, you’ll have a beautiful piece of art that will be created personally by Hannah from start to finish. View her beautiful cakes on her website here at Hannah's Edible Art.

Scene & Heard: Designer Sample Sale at Bridal Galleria

2010-12-07T10:29:00.000-08:00

Bridal Galleria is one of our favorite picks for wedding dress retailers in San Francisco. They always seem to have something worthy going on and the service is top-notch. Well, this Saturday they're hosting one massive sample sale where their fall and winter 2010 designer gowns will have their price tags knocked down 50-75%. It's one day only, so hop to it and get there early for the best luck.

Bridal Galleria
3 Embarcadero Center
Lobby Level
San Francisco, CA

Julia's Fashion File: Shiny Orb, Virtual Dressing Room

2010-12-06T10:00:00.000-08:00

If you find your attention perpetually divided, you might find shopping online particularly challenging. You’re browsing one site but then you think of something else and go to another… and then another and another. Before you know it, you’ve viewed 30 pages and you’re not any closer to finding the perfect purchase or even anything remotely resembling what you had in mind.

At the end of the day, no harm is done; you’ve burned through a couple more hours than you originally intended but when you’re shopping for a wedding, time is of the essence! After all, that looming date on the invitations you sent out isn’t going anywhere, even when you frantically tell it you can’t find a dress.

Jennifer Chin and Elizabeth Yin, the founders of the website, Shiny Orb, have your busy brain in mind when it comes to just this issue. Their comprehensive site gives brides a huge selection of bridal, reception, bridesmaid, mother of the bride and flower girl dresses all in one, easy-to-navigate place. You can literally knock out all of your wedding attire in one fell swoop.

To make the experience even more resourceful, they’ve added in a social networking dynamic. Yin explains that, “Bridal parties can come together virtually in an online dressing room to browse and shop dresses for the big day.” This is particularly useful for long distance bridal parties; it essentially eliminates the distance and alleviates pressure for extra travel. That paired with their ample selection of dresses creates the perfect bridal storm of efficiency.

As Chin and Yin gear up for the busy wedding season, they’re working hard to maintain their increasingly bustling business and generous stock. They’re buffing out their Shiny Orb, making it even shinier and brighter for brides that have yet to come across its guiding luminosity. Which leaves us to the age-old question: Your dressing room or mine?

Vendor Spotlight: AV Consultants, Wedding & Events Videographer

2010-12-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

Excited to feature our first videographer, we met Stu Sweetow of AV Consultants and figured he’d be a great first for us. We asked Stu all about his career and got some great responses. During his college years, he experimented with making movies as abstract art. He also took courses in filmmaking and even won first prize at his university’s film festival. He began working as an AV tech and video producer and went off on his own 25 years ago. AV Consultants was born.

Of all the events Stu enjoys shooting, he tells us, “The bride's procession is frequently emotional; we like to show expressions on family's faces. The minister sometimes has wise words to help couples navigate the rough seas ahead. Sometimes the bride and groom have loving messages to one another, and I love it when the groom gets teary. After the recessional, family and friends all share their joy with the couple. At the reception, I like when grandma and grandpa dance together and I ask them to speak on camera about what they wish for the couple.” Sounds like he’s seen it all!

View two sample videos here.

If you have Stu by your side on your Big Day, you can actually bet he won’t be exactly by your side. Stu says he and his team remain unobtrusive and avoid getting too close. He insists they show shots of their guests rather than only shots of the couple. They get reaction shots from parents during the first dance and father-daughter dance. And obviously, they pay careful attention to audio, during the ceremony and reception, so you can assure all the witty and beautiful sentiments will come through for years of enjoyment (and laughs!).

Stu is constantly learning and improving all he’s learned throughout his career. As a member of the Wedding and Event Videographers Association (WEVA), he screens some amazing wedding videos at conventions and online. Once he gets his main shots during the reception, he says he tries different things, such as tilting the camera unusual ways, holding it way up high over peoples' heads, fooling with the controls to create blur, and other effects. You can count on creativity and utmost professionalism should you book Stu and AV Consultants.

Kudos to his fantastic blog as well. Be sure to check it out. And should you have any concerns, questions or confusions about anything videography-related for your big day, Stu authored this incredibly helpful article. Totally Bridebound approved.

Venue Spotlight: The Burritt Room, Crescent Hotel San Francisco

2010-12-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

If you haven’t already visited the The Burritt Room in San Francisco, then we think you should step to it, sit at the bar and enjoy one of their many exceptional cocktails right before you tour the space. The Burritt Room is located in the Crescent Hotel San Francisco, just steps away from Union Square. Perfect for out-of-town guests as some of the best shopping, sightseeing, theaters and restaurants are just a hop, skip and a jump off the property. Room blocks can be accommodated as well as local suggestions for your guests.

Originally opened in the Speakeasy era, The Burritt Room is a rare find in San Francisco as it imbues a historic ambiance with an urban edge, not found in typical wedding or engagement party venues. The façade, molding, wainscoting and hardwood floors tie in with vintage tiles and exposed original brick to showcase the historical bones of the property. The interior design team sprinkled luxurious chandeliers and vintage mirrors throughout the main floors for a touch of old-world grandeur, while offsetting these elements with a modern, clean color scheme of black, white and red.

Talking with Matthew Medinger, General Manager of The Burritt Room, he tells us the large back room is ideal for parties from 50 - 300 guests and features wainscoting detail and large windows bringing in natural light – which is not typical for “wedding ballrooms” around town. The open space can be modified to suit any design need, from a lounge feel to a table set-up for dinner. You can think of this backspace as a blank canvas to create your special day. The staff is happy assist with ideas for other special touches. For smaller celebrations of 50 or under, consider the spacious open room just off the bar area which can be blocked off. It’s perfect for an engagement party: we know because we’ve celebrated in this very space and can attest for it’s awesomeness (picture above).

Hosting your wedding celebration or engagement party at The Burritt Room means letting your imagination run wild to create the exact experience you want in its space. Their amazing cocktail program includes punch bowl recipes that are sure to provide a twist to the typical wedding experience, as well as classic cocktails. Matthew says they’re happy to work with local caterers and can offer DJ and live band suggestions – some of the best in the business. Simply put, you’re in great hands with the staff and space at The Burritt Room and Crescent Hotel San Francisco. Now it’s time to start planning with them.

Vendor Spotlight: the girl & the fig CATERS! Sonoma Catering

2010-11-29T10:00:00.000-08:00

As the the girl & the fig restaurant has always been a Bridebound favorite for weekend jaunts up to Sonoma, it’s natural that we’d insist on blogging about the girl & the fig CATERS! We connected with the fabulous Andrea Koweek, Director of Catering, and we had a slew of newlyweds-to-be common questions for her about their catering services. She tells us their catering offering was a natural progression of the girl & the fig brand. For years guests like us had been asking them to create the girl & the fig experience at offsite locations and so they simply did! Andrea tells us their catering menus are an extension of their restaurant cooking philosophy; seasonal, local and country food with a French passion. Their ultimate goal is to deliver the same warm hospitality in any location that guests receive at the restaurants. Um yeah, we’re hooked.

As for weddings, Andrea says, “We are so lucky to work with people on the happiest days of their life. Whether it is a wedding, anniversary, birthday, graduation or reunion we love helping people celebrate with food and wine in a way that suits them. The best part for us is that most of our clients have already had the girl & the fig experience at one of our restaurants and they truly want what we have to offer. We love when clients have new ideas that we can incorporate into our menus so they can feel a personal connection to the food.” One of the girl & the fig CATERS! favorite trends is tasting menus at weddings. This past year Andrea tells us she saw a lot of small and large weddings where the focus was on the guests sitting down to enjoy a multi-course meal paired with wines. Clients today have had these great experiences in restaurants and want to re-create that for their special occasions. So it’s really a perfect fit with the wine country locations and it’s a lot of fun for them to work on these types of creative menus with the couples. We so dig it.

If you haven’t been up to the girl & the fig restaurant you’re probably wondering what you’ll experience. Andrea tells us that Sonoma inspires her staff – they continue to expand on the products that they’re making in-house and picking from their very own gardens. Their house made charcuterie, vinegars and the produce they grow all encourage them to think creatively about how to incorporate these into new dishes and make existing menu items better. The vineyards that they partner with us also inspire them to figure out new and interesting dishes that complement their wines.

You can expect to have a great experience from start to finish when you begin the process with the girl & the fig CATERS! “Many people are hiring a caterer for the first time and don’t realize how much beyond food we do,” Andrea tells us. “We assist with venue selection, vendor recommendations, design, timelines, rentals, wine pairing selections and rehearsal dinners for those who need or want those services from us. Most importantly, we listen to our clients and help them create a beautiful day that reflects them as a couple.” Well said, from one of our absolute favorite vendors in all of the Bay Area.

Scene & Heard: Jim Hjelm Trunk Show

2010-11-28T10:32:00.000-08:00

Always of a fan of Jim Hjelm (we've worn him twice as a Bridesmaid,) The Jim Hjelm Bridal collection, designed by Francesca Pitera, will be shown at the Bridal Galleria in San Francisco starting this Thursday. You'll even be able to meet Ms. Pitera in person! What a delight to actually meet a potential could-be designer for your dress. From the event description, "Her talent for combining luxurious fabrics and delicate embroidery on prêt-a-porter silhouettes give the collection a unique feel of being traditional with a modern edge." Sounds like a fantastic preview to all we know about her craft.

Hop to it!
Where: Bridal Galleria, Embarcadero 3, San Francisco
When: December 2-5
More: http://www.bridalgalleria.com/Events.htm

Vendor Spotlight: Pat Gibbons, San Francisco Bay Area Wedding Floral Designer

2010-11-26T10:00:00.001-08:00

A true seasoned professional, Pat Gibbons moved to the Bay Area from Cambridge in 1981 where she’d been working in the Events Department at the Museum of Science in Boston. Her career in floral design began when she walked into a flower shop in Berkeley and was hired on the spot. It was an easy transition that combined many of her interests: flowers, art and gardening. From the moment she started, she tells us she loved designing with flowers and it’s never stopped. All you have to do is look at her work to understand why! She’s even been invited to participate in the prestigious Bouquets to Art, held at the De Young Museum in San Francisco for the past 22 years.

“It’s my love of color, texture and bringing interesting elements together that keeps everything fresh,” she tells us. “Every season brings a whole new flower palette. I enjoy meeting people for consultations and hearing about their ideas and find it a fun process to develop innovative designs. Because I limit the number of weddings I do to one per weekend day, I offer personalized and detailed service and great value. On the day of the wedding, I’m always on-site for the delivery and setting up of the flowers.”

While everything starts with service and quality, Pat strives to bring ‘style-design-beauty’ to everything she does. She has a great reputation with both her clients and peers and is known for her artistry, service and the expertise that comes from designing for 29 years. And true to the Bay Area, Pat strives to be a green as possible; recycling, using local vendors and products. We think she’s divine and so will you. Stop by at: http://www.patgibbonsfloral.com

Spotted: Suzanne Yee, Bay Area Portrait Artist

2010-11-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

Suzanne Yee is a lifelong artist. She tells us, “People have been my favorite subject since I was 6 years old, when I padded my stick figures, trying to make them look more realistic. Since then I’ve learned a lot more about anatomy, which is still one of my favorite subjects.” She is always studying and learning. In 2009, she took a portrait painting intensive because she wanted to learn from the teacher, Carl Dobsky. “His portraits were different from others I had seen,” she says and continuing, “More emotional and powerful, yet quiet. I had done portraits of friends and family before, but it was only after taking that painting intensive that I considered painting portraits professionally.” And so she began focusing part of her art on painting couples.

Suzanne says she enjoys working with couples because she’s a romantic at heart. In her work she tries her best to bring out the body language that expresses the trust, playfulness and affection between two people. We love this and think her art is a great idea for a gift for your honey or perhaps even a wedding gift for a couple. Should you do a sitting with Suzanne, you can expect a low-key, relaxed setting for the photo and modeling session. And she’s happy to show you the portrait’s progress with photos throughout the process it takes for the final piece of art to be completed. She says many couples enjoy watching the portrait evolve as it moves toward the finish. “Seeing yourself in a painting or drawing is like hearing your name in another language, exotic and familiar at the same time,” she says. “I like to create that moment of recognition, and make it a pleasant surprise.” We couldn’t agree more. We adore Suzanne’s work.

Scene & Heard: Marina Morrison Black Friday Sample Sale

2010-11-23T10:48:00.001-08:00

Come this Friday, Marina Morrison will be holding a 1-Day Sample Sale. If you haven't been there yet, it's one of the more beautiful Bay Area bridal boutiques and they will absolutely treat you like a princess. Word on the street is that many of their sample gowns will be significantly discounted: a fantastic time to get a designer gown for a bargain.

More from their event listing:

First come, first served. No appointments will be taken.

Doors will open for the sale at 2pm. Shared dressing rooms will be provided to try on gowns.

No hold policy. Cash and credit card only; No checks.

All gowns sold must be taken at time of purchase.

Hop to it! Marina Morrison, 30 Maiden Ln., San Francisco. www.marinamorrison.com

Venue Spotlight: The Brazilian Room, Berkeley

2010-11-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

Intimate, rustic, and classic are all words that come to mind when we think of this spectacular and “very Bay Area" wedding venue option. The Brazilian Room is in Wildcat Canyon in Tilden Regional Park in the Berkeley Hills and seats 150 banquet-style. It’s one of the most popular wedding sites in California, hosting over 200 weddings a year. Think lodge meets elegance. Its historic hall features the original interior hardwood paneling from the Brazilian Pavilion at the 1939 Golden Gate Exposition on Treasure Island. The paneling was donated to the East Bay Regional Park District, who then built a building of local rock and timber to house the paneling and the hall became known as the Brazilian Room. The inside is Old English Tudor style with floor-to-ceiling leaded glass windows, while the outside features a flagstone patio that overlooks the expansive lawn and the beautiful trees of Tilden Park. Perfect place for an outdoor ceremony.

When you inquire about the facilities, you will connect with Michael McNally, who couldn’t be more friendly and passionate about the Brazilian Room, along with the other beautiful venues offered through the East Bay Regional Park District. Michael tells us they host an Open House at the Brazilian Room every Tuesday from 1 pm to 8 pm, except for the 4^th Tuesday of the month. The other facilities are available for viewing by appointment, and we’ll be sure to feature them in the coming weeks and months here on Bridebound Blog.

Lucky for you, Michael tells us they have a list of 13 Approved Caterers who are some of the top caterers in the San Francisco Bay Area. He assures us they know the facilities well and can act as a wedding coordinator as well. Michael is also happy to provide you with other vendors like photographers and florists, though you’re free to bring in your own. The Brazilian Room allows a non-catered option (at an additional fee) where you can provide your own food, however, you cannot bring in a Caterer that is not on their Approved List. Should you bring in your own food, you’d then be responsible for table and chair set up, tear down and the initial clean up. The non-catered option is restricted and can only be used on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Brazilian Room. Note beer, wine and champagne are allowed at the Brazilian Room, but no hard liquor.

The Brazilian Room stands out for so many reasons: price, beauty, location and the attention-to-detail, which you can’t miss as you take a tour of the property. It’s totally Bridebound approved and we think you should hop to it come your next free Tuesday. www.brazilianroom.org

Madeleine Tilin, San Francisco Bay Area Wedding Photography

2010-11-19T09:15:00.000-08:00

We had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Madeleine quite recently and how could we not blog about her? Madeleine Tilin is a photojournalistic wedding and portrait photographer in the San Francisco Bay area. Her love of photography stems from a favorite childhood memory: her grandmother playing family slides for her on a projector. “I knew some of the people, not all,” she says, “But the images gave me a sense of history and community. I was hooked.” Graduating with a degree in journalism, she worked as an art director, graphic designer and photo editor in the magazine publishing industry for many years. In 1996, during extended travels in Asia, she realized that photography was her true calling. She has been shooting weddings, events and portraits in the Bay Area for four years.

Because of her background in graphic design and art direction, she tells us she really enjoys experimenting with filters and effects when the situation calls for it. “I try not to overuse them,” she explains, “But I find they can enhance a mood or transform the energy in an image. My custom work on images can be included in certain packages if the client is interested in this option.” Madeleine also tells us she loves love. “Who wouldn't enjoy being around that energy? It's an honor to be invited into this day to document all of the energy, love, emotion, crazy, fun moments and sacred, quiet moments that encompass a wedding day. My radar is wide and very pointed at the same time. I'm so ‘in the moment’ with the person I am shooting, but at a wedding you have to be really aware of everything going on around you. One thing you can't learn is great timing: I have it. Otherwise, you just have pictures of people with no story.” Looking at her work, you can see what she means.

She tells us her influences behind the lens are music, nature, yoga, and her own history. Photographically, Annie Leibowitz, Richard Avedon and Dorthea Lange are her portraiture heroes. “Staying fresh as an artist means being open to these influences around you all the time,” she says, “It means constantly looking at other photographers' work to see what works, what doesn't. It means going to museums and galleries and taking in other mediums of art and reflecting on what the connections are between what I'm looking at and what I do. It means being curious and understanding nuance.”

Should you choose to have Madeleine with you on your Big Day, you will no doubt have an artist and friend by your side. “When I meet a couple for the first time, I'm really trying to get a sense of who they are as people. Before we take another step together, I tell them it is important that we feel comfortable around each other because I will be following them around for 8 hours, and that's just the wedding!” http://www.madeleinetilin.com/ for more insanely beautiful images, totally Bridebound approved.

Vendor Spotlight: Verde Flowers, Santa Rosa Floral Design

2010-11-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

Photographer: Joy Marie

Sara Mcconneloug of Verde Flowers stumbled upon floral design quite uniquely. After a BA in English and History, she worked on a biointensive farm in Southern Yosemite. She instantly fell in love with design and companion planting. Discovering that farming was hard work, she returned to work cleaning buckets at the local florist shop, determined to glean more about design. Floristry classes at San Francisco City College and hands-on experience in several event studios led her to a full-time career as a floral designer.

Photographer: Susan Adler

People find Sara largely due to her positive word-of-mouth reputation which she says gives her working relationship a great starting place. She works closely with couples to come up with a look they love for a price that works. “Making a wedding celebration a personal reflection of my clients make my work interesting and every event unique,” she says.

She tells us her mother’s garden has been a huge inspiration. “The sacredness of making and keeping a home and kitchen garden takes skill, determination and love. My siblings and I had the best playground: an undeveloped parcel of land in Fairfax with a meadow edged by bay trees and blackberries. The natural beauty of Marin continues to shape my designs. Hiking with my husband and shopping at the Farmers Markets keep me going. There are so many independent-minded, small farms in Santa Rosa where we live.” She says the change of seasons also keeps her fresh: as the weather changes, so do the flowers, fruit and foliage. “Hard to say goodbye to the juicy dahlias, hydrangea, garden roses and late summer apples and lingering sunlight. Snowberries, narcisssus, peonies and citrus and rain that we all need are ahead,” she says, thoughtfully.

Photographer: Richard Wood

We love Sara’s work. Totally Mother Nature inspired and you can see it in every aspect of her designs. Verde Flowers is hands down Bridebound approved.

Vendor Spotlight: Global Gourmet Catering, San Francisco

2010-11-15T10:00:00.000-08:00

Global Gourmet Catering opened its kitchen doors in 1999 by co-founders Laura Lyons, Mark Walker and David Ashley. With backgrounds in the restaurant industry, the three teamed up to bring restaurant-caliber service and cuisine to the Bay Area catering world. Their combined history enabled them to think outside of the “catering box,” leading to the development of catering firsts like large scale multi-ethnic stations menus. Also the first certified green catering company in all of Northern California, GGC prides themselves on using local, seasonal, organic ingredients and sustainably-farmed produce, meats and seafood.

The GGC team of highly-trained chefs extend their expertise by cooking food on-site at events in order to ensure the perfect execution of the menu. So this means what you try at your tasting will be exactly what you’ll devour at your wedding. A site-manager will be assigned to your wedding, available to address any pressing needs and flawless execution. And their top-notch service staff will make your Big Day shine, using the most experienced and professionally-trained wait staff and bartenders. In addition, should you need custom lighting, beverage services, photographers, planners, transportation or any other vendor, GGC has a name or place to refer. You may also plan a design meeting that allows you to see a mock version of your slated wedding in their showroom.

GGC tells us they absolutely love creating ethnic menus for weddings. “Being global, GGC loves challenges and customizing menus. Over the years, we have accumulated fantastic Indian, Asian, Mediterranean, Latin and other international menus, but continue to customize and create new items for each client,” says Lauren Entner, Catering & Events Sales Manager. They even say if a bride or groom were to list a few restaurant favorite menu items, their chefs have been known to recreate it with a twist in their honor!

“As a chef in such a diverse market as San Francisco, it’s easy to look around and see the wealth of cultures that have come to call the Bay Area home. I love to experience small-neighborhood restaurants that put emphasis on bringing their country's food and culture to the U.S.,” says Executive Chef, Eric Magnani, of his kitchen’s inspirations. A veteran chef with over 25 years cooking abroad, he’s a trendsetter and is constantly pushing the envelope on flavors, textures, aesthetics and menu design. Exactly what you want to awe your guests.

Bottom line: Bridebound approved. GGC absolutely loves what they do and it truly shows. From their food presentation, to the quality of food, to the level of professional, genuine staff members and beyond, this is a passionate catering team you want on your side for your Big Day.

Venue Spotlight: Epic Roasthouse, San Francisco

2010-11-12T10:00:00.000-08:00

If you’re looking for an absolutely breathtaking seaside venue for a smaller, more intimate wedding or engagement party, consider Epic Roasthouse on the Embarcadero. We’re calling urban chic on this one. Located on the waterfront and featuring panoramic views of the Bay Bridge, Treasure Island and our beautiful city skyline, Epic seats up to 60 in their elegant Bay Room, on their second floor, purposely set on its own for private events.

Beyond your traditional steak house, Epic offers a gorgeous space and a unique menu that combines the traditional and the contemporary. Chef Jan Birnbaum has packed his menu with fish, fowl, and of course, a fantastic selection of meats and steaks. The wine menu lists over 400, impressive, even considering where we are in the world of wine production. Should you call to take a tour, you will meet Nita Howard, Director of Sales and Business Development and Kevin Biggerstaff, Private Dining Room Director. Both consummate professionals, you will be treated like royalty and they will provide you with personalized, friendly service. They can help with your every need for your Big Day, from on-site planning to vendor referrals.

Besides from Epic being a special venue in San Francisco, Nita tells us about some of the recent events that they’ve been a part of. Rich Bride / Poor Bride just wrapped up taping there and will air in 2011 and Chef Birnbaum recently created a steak tartare birthday cake for Ron Owens at his celebrity studded birthday held there.

Epic is beyond worth visiting; the space is gorgeous and is the perfect place to host a celebration around your Big Day.

Spotted: SusieCakes, San Francisco Bakery & Wedding Cakes

2010-11-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

Stumbling down Chestnut Street in San Francisco a few months back, my mouth dropped. The most beautiful, enticing storefront adorned with a glass case full of absolutely precious cupcakes, cakes and cake slices to-go stood before my eyes. Then the Daily Candy posting followed. Then the press; all as delightful as her work. I became hooked and connected with her soon after after hoping, praying she did wedding and shower cakes. Of course she does(!) and her story is just as sweet as her bakery.

Susan of SusieCakes just opened her doors in SF after being in LA for many years. Having lived in SF before moving to LA, she tells us it’s always been in her master plan to bring her delicious and beautiful cakes back to SF. The bakery is a tribute to her grandmothers who baked every day back in Chicago where she’s from.

Susan says designing custom cakes is one of the best part of her job. “We do wedding cakes as well as groom's cakes and sweet tables for showers and rehearsal dinners. We recently created a whole event around a Candyland theme - we added retro candy elements to our desserts - cupcakes with crushed malted milk balls in the frosting, sugar cookies shaped like lollipops, almond joy layer cake. Every day is inspiring - we never make the same custom cake twice.”

So, why SusieCakes? Well Besides from her beautiful, mouthwatering bakery on Chestnut Street in the Marina, couples can expect a personalized tasting and old-fashioned goodness in their wedding cake. And they bake entirely from scratch with natural ingredients (no mixes, no shortening, no preservatives), specializing in American buttercream. Our personal fave? Oh, treat yourself to a piece of her confetti cake topped with dreamy mint-colored frosting.

Run, don’t walk to either of her Bay Area storefronts:

2109 Chestnut Street, San Francisco

310 Bon Air Ctr, Bon Air Shopping Center, Greenbrae

Spotted: Awesome Wedding Proposal

2010-11-09T20:50:00.000-08:00

If this is real, this has got to be one of the most creative, most romantic proposals. Bridebound approved!

Vendor Spotlight, Gilliflower, San Francisco Wedding Florist

2010-11-08T11:46:00.000-08:00

We stumbled upon Madeline Trait of GilliFlower and couldn’t resist writing about her. And funny, she stumbled upon floral design in a most unique way. A past roommate admired Madeline’s love for fresh flowers and how she’d fill their apartment with them (dreamy roommate, right?). Upon the roommate’s engagement, she asked Madeline if she’d do the honor of designing her floral arrangements for her Big Day. Madeline tells us the wedding turned out great and a new career was born. She began part-time while she worked at a residential interior design firm as an architect and designer. Eventually, GilliFlower was born and Madeline was able to design for events full time. She continues to educate herself in floral design and horticulture.

“I like collaborating where I can offer guidance on colors, seasonal flowers, and how flowers will work as a composition with everything else like the wedding dress, bridesmaids dresses, the venue and table settings,” she explains about her love of working with brides. “My design philosophy is that there should be balance between all visual elements and this is where my architecture, art and design background come into play. I am extremely detail oriented and like to ensure all details have been thought out to make a seamless design.”

Besides from coffee, Madeline says what keeps her fresh and creative is the idea of having a different creative endeavor on the horizon each day. “Of course nature has always had a big influence in my life,” she says, adding, “I love street art and the Mission, where I live, and it offers that: the bright colors contrasting with the surrounding buildings always inspires me to try new things. The bight bold patterns of Josef Frank; they’re interesting and can work for many different styles. On the other end of the spectrum I really love the interiors of Piet Boon, they are subtle, serene yet interesting at the same time.”

Aside from excellence in design and helping make her clients vision a reality, Madeline brings a high level of organization and professionalism to the job. With a background in project management with construction and interiors, she knows these characteristics are essential to a successful event and bringing dreams to life. View her beautiful work to see what we mean. Bridebound says breathtaking...!

Venue Spotlight: Greens Restaurant, San Francisco

2010-11-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

Greens Restaurant is a San Francisco favorite for foodies and event planners alike. Built by San Francisco Zen Center carpenters and opening its doors in 1979, the restaurant incorporates 12 types of wood, much of it recycled or reclaimed. Greens also features floor-to-ceiling windows and beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marina and the scenic Marin Headlands.

Ashley Pier, Greens’ Special Events Coordinator, tells us that five years ago Greens converted their storage room into a Private Dining Room with the same floor-to-ceiling windows and views as the main room. The room accommodates up to 50 guests for a sit down and 65 for a standing reception. The main room can accommodate 140 guests for a sit down and 200 standing.

The food is another fantastic perk. Led by nationally-acclaimed chef and author, Annie Somerville, Greens has become one of the most celebrated vegetarian restaurants in the world. Chef Somerville is the pioneer and standard-bearer for the practice of shopping directly with local, organic farmers, selecting the freshest seasonal products. Using produce, herbs, cheeses and veggies from local farms, Greens prides itself in using seasonal and fresh ingredients. Green Gulch Farm in the Marin Headlands provides the restaurant with a variety of organic produce year round. You can expect outstanding dishes created with a balance of colors, a contrast of textures, and flavors from places like the Mediterranean, Mexico and American Southwest.

“Each couple is unique in so many ways which brings such a charm to each event,” Ashley tells us. “We enjoy making all occasions as special and personal as it can be. I make available any extra touch to make it extraordinary, including individual floor plans, décor, photography, music and dancing.” Upon contacting Ashley, you will sit down for a tasting with her and Chef Somerville and then discuss everything about your Big Day. And rest assured. Ashley will be there every step of the way after the initial meeting, helping to ease your stress and worries, right up until the party is officially over.

Having 31 years to perfect itself, Greens is perhaps the perfect waterfront venue in SF to host the wedding of your dreams. Expect nothing but perfection. Just the way Bridebound likes it!

Vendor Spotlight: Morgen Benoit, Wedding Photographer

2010-11-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

A 7-month Europe backpacking trip provided all the inspiration Morgen Benoit needed to follow her passion in photography. She had been currently working in the corporate world armed with a BS in Business Management and Finance. Morgen's father gave her her first camera at age 15 and she says she knew it was the perfect medium to balance logic and creativity. Immediately upon returning from Europe she pursued a position as a photo lab technician and learned the nuances of exposure and light. One of her mentors studied directly with Ansel Adams; Morgen feels beyond fortunate to have made that connection still to this day.

When we ask her about shooting weddings, she says, “Weddings provide me with a structure that is both challenging and rewarding. The limited amount of time available on the wedding day challenges me to get it right the first time, every time. The framework of the wedding day is similar from one to the next but within that framework I try to provide something special and unique for each client.”

Of what keeps her fresh behind the lens, she says the fact that there is only one chance to capture wedding images. She admits to us that she still gets as nervous as the bride when she walks down the aisle! We love that. Morgen’s work is unique and it shows. She’s been shooting weddings for nearly 20 years and has made the digital transition through education and careful planning. Couples will benefit from her background of shooting film and her extensive training in lighting and posing. “Only through the knowledge of the basics can one successfully break the rules: that is my biggest advantage,” she tells us. We think she’s right on the mark. To see what we mean, click here.

Vendor Spotlight: Krumbs Cakes, San Francisco

2010-11-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

Christian Röder of Krumbs Cakes has an extensive background as an Executive Chef and Pastry Chef. Born and raised in Austria, a country renowned for delicious pastries, he discovered his love for cooking (and eating) at a young age. He used to help his grandmother make strudels and cakes and it was in the kitchen where he began to take a special interest in the sweeter things in life.

Later on, he fulfilled his dreams and trained all over Austria, learning from some of the top pastry chefs such as three-time world champion, Dietmar Patzl. Once he finished his apprenticeship, he worked in five-star hotels and award-winning restaurants throughout Austria. With a strong desire to broaden his experience and skills in other cuisines, he took a position on a five-star luxury cruise line, Windstar, traveling the world and feeding international cruise patrons. His travels led him to San Francisco, where he met his future wife, Taira. After several glasses of wine, and a shot of Jägermeister or two, he decided to stay in San Francisco to be with her. He is now doing what he’s always loved to do since he was a young boy wearing Lederhosen and licking the bowl at his grandmother’s house: making cakes and sharing his passion and talents with others. And that’s how Krumbs Cakes was born.As for meeting with couples he says, “I believe ordering your wedding cake is an experience. I always try to get the point across that we want to bake their dreams come true, no restrictions. It is then when the creative juices begin to flow. Sometimes that process is very long and takes many hours, but it is always fun, and at the end we create something beautiful.” No doubt by the looks of his beautifully designed wedding and grooms’ cakes.
Chrstian says his brain is always on. “Just going for a walk I catch myself looking at dresses and thinking what a nice cake that design would make or how could you use that in a cake. I tell my customers to challenge me.” So, why Krumbs Cakes? It’s simple. His creativity, willingness to go the extra step, and the quality of their craftsmanship make his cakes truly stand out. A true artist in our eyes!

Vendor Spotlight: LS Blooms, Wedding Floral Designers

2010-10-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

LS Blooms is the creative collaboration of two best friends, Laura and Stephanie. With a love of entertaining and a passion for decorating, LS Blooms was born. After buying every floral design book there was and enrolling in floral classes, Laura headed to Los Angeles to train with the award-winning and highly-respected floral designer, Phil Rullada, at the Southern California School of Floral Design and then continued her floriculture education at the College of San Mateo. She also worked as an apprentice for a high-end wedding floral designer learning the ins-and-outs of the industry. Stephanie studied at the Floral Design Institute where she became an expert in all things flowers.

Laura says about weddings, “For most of us, our wedding is the biggest, most important party we’ll ever throw and we love that we can help create that special feeling. We enjoy meeting with the couple and learning how they met and about family traditions. However, the best part of doing flowers for a wedding is handing the bouquet to the bride and seeing her face.”

As for their inspirations, Laura tells us they’re inspired by things they encounter in their daily lives like a tropical summer drink, a beautiful throw blanket or a wonderful story of how a couple met and fell in love. They feel they are constantly evolving and growing as designers. Not only is it important to keep up with current trends, they also say it’s important to create them.

So besides their beautiful work, why LS Blooms? They have heart. They truly love what they do and have a deep desire to make people happy, and doesn’t it show? They give 100% and treat every wedding as if it was their own. They also feel that every bride can use a good girlfriend to talk “wedding stuff” with and you’ll get that with Laura and Stephanie. And of course, their flowers are fresh, creative and beautiful: they go to great lengths to make each event different and unique. Just the way Bridebound likes it. View more of their work and their blog at www.lsblooms.com

Julia's Fashion File: Anthropologie Going Bridal in '11

2010-10-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

There are few boutiques on the face of this vast planet that have the ability to stop me dead in my tracks for an immediate and epic fit of drooling. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a shopping addict; I wouldn’t need convincing to drop a wad of cash at Office Max if it meant getting something pretty, shiny and new. A store that leaves you breathless, however, is hard to come by. A store like Anthropologie, is a diamond in the rough.

Speaking of diamonds, the newly engaged will now have an excuse to join in on my obsession. Anthropologie has just announced that they’re going to be launching wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and accessories online in Spring 2011. A store that’s focused mainly on delicate and feminine inspired day-wear, it comes not only as a huge surprise but with explosive excitement to learn about such a revelation.

The gowns will cost anywhere from an affordable, $750, to a more extravagant, $5000. Bridesmaid dresses are being sold for as low as $200. Whether you’re looking to spend a prolific amount of money for the perfect dress or have a tighter budget in mind, it appears that there will be something for every variety of bride.

Brides, mark your calendars. Come Spring you’re going to have a whole new set of gorgeous bridal options to weigh in on. Find your very own diamond in the rough; you’ve got the perfect engagement ring, now it’s time for the dress.

Venue Spotlight: Servino Ristorante, Tiburon

2010-10-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

As if the location isn’t enough for you (waterfront in Tiburon), Servino is perhaps one of our favorite spaces to hold a Bay Area wedding, engagement party or wedding shower. Servino offers breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline, Angel Island and the Belvedere Marina. The menu reflects chef-owner Angelo Servino’s love for his homeland’s southern Italian cooking, specializing in homemade pastas, fresh seafood, and locally inspired traditional Italian favorites. We’ve eaten there and can vouch for it being one of the best restaurants in the area.

The second-floor Bellavista Room is a charming private event space with its own bar and lounge area, as well as a waterfront deck overlooking the bay. It can hold 25 to 135 for a sit-down or buffet meal and up to 200 for a cocktail reception. You may also have an intimate ceremony on their private patio and move the reception into their main banquet room. No wedding celebration is too small, too formal, too simple or too complicated for Servino to handle. The space is versatile, classic and absolutely quintessential Tiburon.
Photography courtesy of Gary Ferber Photography http://www.garyferberphotography.com/

Vendor Spotlight: Jere Visalli, Wedding Photographer

2010-10-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

It was a chance experience 20 years ago. Jere Visalli accompanied his brother, a Huntington Beach based wedding photographer, along on a wedding shoot. Something clicked, not just the camera. So, Jere came back that weekend and made a bold move and began small: by charging a rate that would be impossible for clients to turn down. It worked. And still to this day, Jere promises an affordable rate for his quality product.

Of weddings, he tells us, “They’re a joy. People are looking their best and the locations are typically conducive to creating scenic backgrounds. One of the best compliments I can get is that they say they never knew I was there.” We agree. There’s nothing worse than a buzzing-bee photographer!To keep his creative juices flowing, Jere tells us he looks at all of the journalistic style magazines and photo books as well as collaborates with other wedding photographers. “It’s great to take an image you've seen or an idea you have thought of and then work it into your own creation.”
After 20 years in the business, Jere says he’s seen it all. He explains if the artistic shots can be incorporated into spontaneous images, then you have the ultimate shot, an image that is totally candid but artistically composed. 80% of his photography is the artistic, candid style—just the kind you wish for on your big day.

Scene & Heard: Gilt Wedding Shop starts today

2010-10-20T12:14:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned a couple weeks ago, Gilt's Wedding Shop officially opened its wires today. Featuring a very impressive load of bridal must-haves like couture dresses at non-couture prices, high-end accessories, bridal lingerie, jewelry and more, there's also a section just for grooms.

Visit/Sign up at www.gilt.com and take a peek of their extraordinary collection.

Spotted: Pacific Puffs, San Francisco

2010-10-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Walking around the Marina and Cow Hollow, you’ll find a plethora of great wedding vendors and treat ideas. We spotted Pacific Puffs recently and couldn’t resist writing about them and their delicious and adorable cream puffs—a great idea for weddings or wedding showers. Brothers Trent and Rhys Carvolth were born and raised in Santa Rosa and developed a taste for desserts at an early age, which they attribute directly to their mother, Noreen. She had perfected her recipe for cream puffs before they were born. Growing up, those puffs were the favorite dessert and always the one that was requested for birthdays and special occasions. Over time, they had achieved a legendary status amongst family and friends. Everyone said she needed to open a shop and bring the puffs to the public. Pacific Puffs pays homage to this family dream and opened its doors on Union Street in October 2009.

About working with brides and grooms for their wedding day, they tell us, “We love doing cream puffs for weddings. Growing up, our Mom's cream puffs were always the sign of a special occasion. For us, serving puffs at a wedding is only natural! Cream puffs are great for weddings as they are a fabulous and decadent dessert, can be prominently displayed in a croquembouch or french wedding cake, and also because they are very unique. It is always fun to have someone come into the shop that has never had a puff before, and we see this happen quite a bit at weddings as well.”

Taking customer service to the next level, they tell us the most inspiring thing for them are their customers. Whether they are seeing someone for the first time, or greeting one of our regular customers, serving people the best possible puff we can make is their true inspiration. Another source of inspiration comes from their kitchen. Trying new things, experiencing new flavors and employing new techniques always keeps them fresh and inspired explaining, “Research and development is definitely our favorite part of the baking process!” If you step in to Pacific Puffs or meet with them about creating desserts for your Big Day, you can expect a friendly smile and a commitment to excellence both in service and product. Oh, and you can also expect that those little cream puffs will be the talk of your reception. Try their signature cream puff, The Classic, a freshly-baked pâte à choux pastry puff filled with a light and sweet mixture of vanilla custard and whipped cream, topped with a thick chocolate glaze. Are you drooling yet…?

Run, don’t walk:

Pacific Puffs

2201 Union Street

San Francisco CA

(415)440-PUFF

www.pacificpuffs.com

Vendor Spotlight: Spiral Hand, Floral Designers

2010-10-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

Leah Gagne and Rafael Campos of Spiral Hand joined forces in 2004 and haven’t looked back since. It was their mutual love of events, design and flowers that brought them together and weddings seem to mesh these elements perfectly to a T. They enjoy working intimately with couples, finding out who they are, their favorite things, colors, music, hobbies, etc. and attempt to create a totally unique event for them. And they pride themselves in not being a "cookie cutter" florist and by taking this approach, they’re able to expand their creativity to come up with unique floral designs and settings for each wedding.

One look at their work, we had to ask them what their inspirations are. Their list is long and you can see it. “Inspirations come from nature, taking walks on the beach, in the woods, urban settings. Fashion, music, and friends are all inspirations to us,” Leah tells us. “I think staying fresh comes from even walking through the flower market on a regular basis and seeing all the new stuff that comes through. Succulents, branches, fruits + vegetables and mosses…we love texture!” We have the best flower market in the States!” Indeed. The beauty of the Bay Area…

Why Spiral Hand? Besides the visually obvious, Leah and Rafael have a different perspective to design approach, wanting to create floral designs and weddings that are an extension of their perspective clients. It’s not just about the flowers per say: they look at the overall design of an event and enhance it with their magic spiral hands. We think they're pretty fab.

Vendor Spotlight: Tiffany Schoepp, Wedding Photographer

2010-10-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

Tiffany Schoepp became a photographer by doing coincidental groundwork before actually picking up a camera. “I was studying drawing and painting while working in a black and white dark room as printer for a portrait photographer before I ever learned how to shoot,” she tells us. Midway into her drawing studies, she delved deep into painting, becoming influenced by David Park and Elmer Bischoff. It was during this time she picked up a camera with the intention of using it as a tool to create images to paint from and discovered the immediacy the camera gave her. Her love of photography was born. And her love of art and painting is evident in her work, as they are clear inspirations for the way she shoots and records moments.

“People endlessly fascinate me,” she tells us when we ask what she enjoys about shooting weddings. “I have always been in tune with people’s emotions and body language and after ten years of being a professional photographer, the camera has become an extension of my body for recording these observations. To be a good wedding photographer you have to expend huge amounts of energy opening yourself up to what everyone around you is experiencing and capture these expressions as they are happening. When I put myself in this emotionally–visually reactive state, I find myself framing and composing images whose narratives I can only comprehend when I take them home and study them as still photographs. It’s a very personal process for which I am committed to.” And that pretty much sums up why we think Tiffany is worth sharing with the Bridebound world.

To view more of her beautiful work, visit http://www.tiffphoto.com/

Newsflash: 10/10/10

2010-10-10T10:54:00.000-07:00

Newsflash: We've been hearing for weeks now about the impending nuptuals scheduled for today. CNN, The Wedding Channel and The Knot have reported that anywhere from 32,000 and 33,000 weddings are occurring today. That makes these couples extremely lucky but not especially unique in their choice of day. Would you want to have your wedding day on a day with the most scheduled weddings?! That's a lot of anniversary dinners ahead. We see a fun marketing idea for OpenTable...

Spotted: Red Tulip Jewelry, Wedding Jewelry

2010-10-07T10:32:00.000-07:00

While cruising down Union Street one day, we stumbled in to Mingle and discovered Red Tulip Jewelry and found it hard not to inquire about the artists behind the line. Friends Yvonne Henry and Claudia Lee began designing jewelry as a creative outlet, designing pieces for the friends and family (lucky!). Encouragement came left and right about them starting a business and without looking back, Red Tulip Jewelry was born.

Soon later, friends began getting married and asking the duo to create unique pieces for their wedding day. Yvonne tells us she was overwhelmed with joy at these offers and now finds herself doing more and more wedding day pieces. “Knowing that the jewelry is providing beauty and joy for the lucky bride’s special day is like I am part of the wedding, a great honor,” she says. Just by looking at her work you can see her inspirations shine through: music, fashion, nature and of course, her loved ones. Yvonne is a designer who truly stands behind her work, custom-designing and creating each piece by hand with her heart chock full of love. Just the way it’s supposed to be, especially for your Big Day. Visit Mingle at 1815 Union Street in San Francisco for a peek of their versatile, every-day pieces or their website at http://www.redtulipjewelry.com/.

Scene & Heard: Gilt Wedding Shop

2010-10-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

Just in today, the high fashion discount website, Gilt Groupe, has announced yet another plan for their ingenious website. You can read all about it here. Ladies, set your e-calendars for October 20 and surf this wave like there’s tomorrow. Who knows what you’ll find? We can only imagine as the baubles, denim and accessories we've found there just can't be beat.

Venue Spotlight: Hornblower Cruises & Events

2010-09-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

Hornblower is perhaps one of the most quintessential and unique venue ideas for a Bay Area wedding. A 30-year-old charter yacht company, Hornblower started with just two small yachts in Berkeley and now have over 30 yachts in seven ports up and down California. Since they have a variety of yachts, they can handle from the most intimate of weddings to the hugest ones. And they take weddings very seriously. From the moment they get a phone call from an excited couple, to the second they step off the vessel at the end of their special day, they ensure that every detail is taken care and every couple remembers their wedding for a lifetime.

Tegan Firth, Corporate Public Relations Manager, tells us that couples can expect personalized coordinating and many options in terms of food, decor, music, etc. They prepare wedding day cuisine on-board that day, so everything you and your guests will eat will be fresh and delicious. Tegan also tells us that their culinary team has created several catering packages ranging in price. We love that, especially in today’s times!

Scene & Heard: International Wedding Festival & A City Club Affair

2010-09-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

Ladies, next Sunday, October 3, you have two wedding planning fairs for your choosing.

First, the International Wedding Festival will be held at the Westin St. Francis and will feature a bridal fashion show, live entertainment and the chance to meet a variety of Bay Area wedding professionals. Bonus: take advantage of the valet parking OR the limo service from the Yuerba Buena Garage at 5th/Mission, both included in your $42 admission price.

Deets:
The Westin St. Francis
Sunday, 10/3, 11am-4pm
335 Powell Street
Register: www.internationalweddingfestival.com or 1-877-700-BRIDE

If this sounds too big and grand, head over to the City Club of San Francisco’s Wedding & Event Show. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and champagne mimosas will be flowing as you enjoy a full day of live entertainment. Tasty treats from their dessert partners will also be passed around and you'll get the opportunity to meet with all of their premier partners at the event. Bonus: the event is free and you'll get a complimentary copy of San Francisco Brides Magazine.

Deets:
The City Club of San Francisco
The Stock Exchange Tower
Sunday, 10/3, 11am-2pm
155 Sansome, 10th floor
San Francisco, CA 94101
Register: www.cityclubsf.com

Spotted: Gary Ferber's Photography

2010-09-23T22:31:00.000-07:00

We couldn't resist posting Gary's leave-behinds. As we've been hunting around for the best venues in the Bay Area, we caught a few of Gary's marketing materials place after place. He's a seasoned wedding and events photographer who knows the lay of the land here and has worked with many of our favorite venues. And of course, his reputation is fantastic. Take a peek at his website at www.garyferberphotography.com

Creative Corner: In Memory

2010-09-18T22:05:00.000-07:00

There are some beautiful ways to honor those who can't be with us on our wedding day. We couldn't resist posting Denise Y.'s bouquet for her Big Day on Oahu. She tells us, "Before we got married, I was trying to find ways to remember and honor my husband's father who'd passed. I was looking through a bridal magazine and saw these little picture frames. They had several suggestions for how you could use them, one being to attach them to your bouquet. I took a picture of my mom and dad as well as his parents on their wedding days, resized the pics, glued them into the little frames and sent them to our florist. She attached them to my bouquet. It was super special to me, and I thought a really unique way to think of our parents on their wedding days, too." We couldn't agree more.

Vendor Spotlight: Pinon Design, Wedding Florist

2010-09-17T10:33:00.000-07:00

Jun Pinon began Pinon Design a decade ago from the back of his pick-up truck and has since successfully established a reputable floral and event design business in San Francisco and Los Angeles. One look at Jun’s designs, you can tell that his pieces truly add to any occasion. In fact, that’s what he enjoys about creating pieces for weddings, “Because they can create a powerful ambiance for everyone to enjoy.”

And about his craft and business: “I believe flowers are meant to be shared and I have had the opportunity to showcase my work in many places but my main goal has been to inspire others with my live floral design presentations and hands-on floral design courses for various charities, venues, corporations and exclusive resorts throughout Hawaii and California.”

When you meet and consult with Jun, you won’t only be signing up with a passionate floral expert, but a friend as well. His warm personality is sure to reel you in, along with his gorgeous samples. Take a look at his beautiful designs at http://www.pinondesign.com/

Vendor Spotlight, Fat Bottom Bakery

2010-09-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

Vegan wedding desserts, anyone? Well we have a bakery for you. Fat Bottom Bakery was started by friends, Carolynn and Ashley, as an outlet for their love of baking and their combined commitment to veganism and delicious, sustainable foods. All of their treats are vegan, which means they don’t use any dairy, egg or other animal products. They use as many organic ingredients as possible and make every effort to source ingredients locally, making their goods fresher, tastier and ecologically sustainable.

We asked Ashley and Carolynn what they like about baking for weddings: “It’s always lovely to deliver and set up for a wedding, since we often get a little glimpse of the celebration! It’s also a unique situation for us as bakers to have our products play such a starring role at the party. We get the satisfaction of knowing we’ve created exactly what the couple wants as their centerpiece.”

The ladies tell us they’re always working on expanding and changing their menu, on hunt for the very best ingredients. “We’re fans of ‘veganizing’ classic flavors and dishes, which is a fun challenge and can result in some relatively rare and exciting items. We also like to get out there and talk to people about what types of items they’d like to see. There are lots of desserts that are hard to find when you a conscious consumer or one with a food allergy and we hope to fill in some of the gaps.”

Why else should you consider Fat Bottom Bakery? They’re eager to work with couples to find the perfect combination of flavors, colors and textures for your wedding. They're also extremely excited about the repeal of Prop. 8 and are happy to be able to take part in celebrations of love in its many forms. They focus on cupcake displays which afford couples the luxury of picking several different flavors of cake to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. With Fat Bottom Bakery, it's all about taking your needs and desires into account and turning out a totally fun, unique and delicious wedding dessert. Just the way we like it.

Venue Spotlight, Falkirk Cultural Center

2010-09-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

Looking for a venue with some history in the Bay Area? the Falkilk Cultural Center may just be your cup a tea. A 19th century country estate listed on the National Historic Register, and owned and operated by the City of San Rafael, this beautiful venue has served the community for more than 35 years in the areas of art, history and gardening.

The 17-room mansion features an outside verandah, rolling grounds, a wedding lawn, multiple gardens and a greenhouse. It sits on 11 acres and rentals include four downstairs rooms, two bathrooms, the verandah, the wedding lawn and gardens, a kitchen, a butler’s pantry and an upstairs dressing room. Bonus? The majority of the rooms are wheelchair accessible. The property fits up to 100 guests in the winter months and up to 125 in the spring and summer. There are tables and chairs for use, as well as a baby grand piano, and the stairway with stained glass windows and the entry stairway outside are favorite places for memorable photos.

When it comes to weddings, Cory Bytof, the Falkirk Culural Center Program Coordinator, tells us: “You’ll find us friendly, affordable and reasonable in accommodating your needs. Falkirk is a charming, elegant facility with small rooms ideal for weddings where a couple wants to have multiple environments for different aspects of the wedding. Our room layout affords guests to enjoy easy access to all areas of the house and gardens, with the ability to mingle in smaller groups closer to or further away from the music and entertainments.”

The Falkirk staff goes out of their way to make you feel comfortable and is equally at home responding to your needs or staying out of your way. And get this: While many of Marin’s finest caterers have worked at Falkirk, they have no restrictions on use of caterers. You can create your wedding as you see fit, using whichever caterer you choose at any level of food service. “It’s like having your wedding in your very own grand Victorian home,” Cory says. We think that sounds divine.

Visit today at http://www.falkirkculturalcenter.org/

Spotted: Fair Trade Diamonds

2010-09-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

We spotted this via DailyCandy's Smart Small Go Big contest and couldn't resist giving them a mention. The Clarity Project is dedicated to sourcing fair trade diamonds, gems and metals and invests their profits in mining communities. A diamond with a heart, if you will. Learn about their beautiful pieces, story and more at: http://www.the-clarity-project.com/

Vendor Spotlight: Pat Gibbons, Floral Designer

2010-09-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

A true seasoned professional, Pat Gibbons moved to the Bay Area from Cambridge, Mass in 1981 where she’d been working in the Events Department at the Museum of Science in Boston. Floral design was an easy career transition that combined many of her interests: flowers, art and gardening. All you have to do is look at her work to understand why! She’s even been invited to participate in the prestigious Bouquets to Art, held at the De Young Museum in San Francisco for the past 22 years.

“It’s my love of color, texture and bringing interesting elements together that keeps everything fresh,” she tells us. “Every season brings a whole new flower palette. I enjoy meeting people for consultations and hearing about their ideas and find it a fun process to develop innovative designs. Because I limit the number of weddings I do to one per weekend day, I offer personalized and detailed service and great value. On the day of the wedding, I’m always on-site for the delivery and setting up of the flowers.”

While everything starts with service and quality, Pat strives to bring ‘style-design-beauty’ to everything she does. She has a great reputation with both her clients and peers and is known for her artistry, service and the expertise that comes from designing for 29 years. And true to the Bay Area, Pat strives to be a green as possible; recycling, using local vendors and products. We think she’s divine and so will you.

View more of her beautiful work at: http://www.patgibbonsfloral.com/

Vendor Spotlight: Sonoma Caterers

2010-08-31T10:05:00.000-07:00

Amber Belshaw of Sonoma Caterers is fascinating. A formally US- and European-trained chef she also has people skills down to a science. It’s probably why Sonoma Caterers is such a success. While Amber serves as Executive Chef, she still insists on meeting every couple face-to-face and minimizes her number of commitments to devote the utmost attention to each event. She prides herself on making sure that she delivers exactly what couples want on the menu for their Big Day. “We are not platinum or over the top, I specialize in real events for real couples,” she says humbly.

Amber tells us that unique venues can help to spark unique experiences. “If I have power and water I am happy,” she says. “It’s not uncommon to be on a dirt road in a vineyard or on a mountain top. I have twice cracked the oil pan in my car on the roads that we cater. Yes, a four course wine dinner with no water, no power and you have to bring in all of the equipment.” Clearly she has to think of the location when creating a menu, as there are some things that cannot be made without an oven. “I can do a great menu on a BBQ and you would never know it” she admits.

So beyond the fact that you will have fantastic, fresh food at your wedding, Sonoma Caterers are friendly and warm. “We are a company with a green-certified and moral conscience; my staff has options for medical, health and retirement. Happy staff to me equals happy guests. When you work with us you will feel that you planned it yourself. We sit down and talk about the guests wants, likes, dislikes and put those in the event. I really listen. Our style is ‘good food done well’. We are in Sonoma County and do business in that style. I am blessed that I get to spend everyday doing what I love.”

Spotted: FMN Design

2010-08-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

Laura Reoch of Forget Me Not Design has a super unique business: making custom wedding albums. With a double emphasis major in graphic design and photography, Laura tells us she is thrilled that she’s found a way to incorporate both studies in her line of work.

So what does she enjoy the most about her work? “What I love about working with my clients, is that I get to put together photographs from one of the happiest days of their lives. I have the honor to sort through their images and I get to pick and choose my favorites to tell their unique story from their day.” Taking a graphic or logo from invitations and using it is something she loves to do and it seems to set her books apart from her competitors and cookie-cutter templates.

So what can you expect if you work with Laura on creating the album of your wedding dreams? With photography as her background, the quality of the printed work is important to her as well as the binding and overall quality of the book. “I said before starting this business that I only wanted to do it if what I provided my clients was quality. I wanted to hand over a book that was exquisite inside and out. Not only am I confident in the storytelling of my design but the books themselves are simply gorgeous.”

Contact Laura at:

Laura Reoch
Forget Me Not Design

Web: http://www.fmndesign.com/

Vendor Spotlight: Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

2010-08-25T09:50:00.000-07:00

Just hearing the name, Ritz-Carlton, evokes imagery of grand, classic proportions. And the Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is nothing short of this. Perhaps the ideal venue for your dream wedding? The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco as we know it today was completed after a four-year renovation in 1991. Since then, this Neo-Classical Nob Hill landmark has been impressing tourists, business travelers, celebrities and couples in their 336 luxury guest room hotel. So what it’s like to plan your wedding here?

Bonnie Crail, President of Crail Communications and press representative for The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, tells us that while they host only about 30 weddings a year, they take weddings very seriously saying, “It’s a seamless service experience”. You will also have your own Ritz-Carlton Wedding Specialist who'll coordinate your every need from floral arrangements, china, chairs and entertainment. Food is catered by their infamous kitchen lead by Chef Patrick Callarec, and you will no doubt receive five-star service in every area from staff to the linens you choose. Sound dreamy? It gets better.

Don’t think just because you’re on a budget or hosting a small, intimate wedding that you can’t host your wedding at a grand place like the Ritz-Carlton. Bonnie details us the many options you have here and we love options:

* The Terrace Courtyard works for up to 250 guests, complete with a white tent and palladium-style windows. And the Terrace Room can host a reception up to 120 with dancing and windows that look out onto its courtyard.

* The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom can host anywhere from 50 to 500. All it takes is the magic that the staff makes to move things around decorate accordingly.

* And for truly smaller, intimate ceremonies and receptions, the Consulate and Colonnade rooms host up to 50 while the Plaza and Diplomat rooms host up to 25.

Still thinking these options will break the bank? They might or they might not. Consider a Thursday, Friday or Sunday affair where pricing can be better negotiated. Bonnie tells us they often do Sunday luncheon weddings or Sunday ceremonies followed by a tea party. Get creative!

Vendor Spotlight: Sift Cupcakery, Wine Country

2010-08-19T05:11:00.000-07:00

No doubt, cupcakes are all the rage these days. Sift Cupcakery was born in 2008 after the owners weren’t able to find their dream cupcakes for their Sonoma wedding. Was delicious and whimsical looking too much to ask? With so many weddings planned in wine country, they opened their doors and voila! They now have 3 locations: Cotati, Napa and Santa Rosa.

Jordan, Wedding Coordinator for Sift, tells us that weddings are truly the reason they exist: “There isn’t any celebration we love more. We love working with the couples from start to finish, learning about their ideas to seeing the final product."

As for their creative inspirations, Jordan says Sift just loves to create. New flavors, new themes, custom artwork on cupcakes-you name it, they will create it. They've been inspired by movies, Martha Stewart, magic and more.

What can you expect from Sift? Fun, whimsical flavored cupcakes perfectly made for your special day. They can match any décor, theme or monogram for your wedding. They
deliver, set ‘em up, and will just love being a part of your special day.

Julia's Fashion File: These Shoes are Made for Walking

2010-08-16T09:54:00.000-07:00

Shoes are important. They protect and provide comfort for our feet from the wear and tear of our daily grind, they keep our tootsies warm in the winter months, they showcase our colorful nails in the summer after an expensive pedicure and most importantly, they're an avenue of self expression. From stilettos to sneakers and every size heel in between, there's something for everyone out there...but is there something for every bride?

Being a woman who has exceptionally finicky feet, I've found myself on one too many occasions breaking in to a cold sweat at the thought of having to pick out shoes for any occasion let alone for my hypothetical big day. I'd like to believe that I'm not the only one out there who can't wear a 5 inch heel but regardless of what you desire out of your bridal shoes, I've found the perfect site for all tastes and sizes.

Bridalshoes.com offers a huge assortment of quality and fashionable choices for a wide variety of brides out there. I've come across quite a few cheesy and cheap looking bridal shoes so it was refreshing to come across an abundance of awesome finds on one site, most of which I'd recommend to a friend. The prices are reasonable as well so you won't feel guilty buying your favorite pair and then kicking them off when the dancing starts.

Speaking of recommendations, I picked out a few awesome pairs of heels that if I could sport, I would wear in a heartbeat. Nina Ambert offers a stunning white satin, strappy open-toe sandal with a 3 1/2 heel for brides who want a classy yet look-at-me style.

Chinese Laundry offers a sassy ivory sandal adorned with a classic bow and a few flashy touches for the bride who wants the wow factor.

Alternatively, for those that can't or don't want to walk down the isle in treacherously high heels, they offer flats as well! This was the biggest selling point for me; elegant and flat don't typically belong together in the same sentence but bridalshoes.com offers a huge variety of small heels to flats. It's a dream come true for sensitive feet.

My favorite pair is the kitten heel with crossed toe straps by Coloriffics.

Your dress is the centerpiece but your shoes are going to take you to the alter. Choose wisely, fashionably and comfortably; you shouldn't have to sacrifice one over the other.

xoxo
Jules

Spotted: Glamour Closet, San Francisco

2010-08-13T09:53:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love designer clothes at a good bargain. Why can’t it be like that for wedding dresses? It is - at Glamour Closet! Rick Wee, Co-Founder, explains: “We felt that if you could buy designer goods from the likes of Gucci, Prada, and Coach at designer outlets across the country, why couldn’t you get a similar offering from Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Reem Acra, Amsale and other luxury bridal designers?”

Glamour Closet is an elegant, boutique-like environment with outlet store price tags. They offer an incredible selection of unique, sophisticated and elegant gowns - all off the rack - including couture and well-known designers at 25 - 75% off retail prices. They work closely with designers and salons across the country and receive showroom floor and runway samples and excess inventory on an ongoing basis. So what this means for you is if you go once and don’t quite your dream dress, plan to go a few other times. No appointments are necessary, they provide one-on-one expert consultation with their style consultants, and luckily, photos are allowed!

So in between those 4am wake-up-calls to those one-day-only sample sales, visit Glamour Closet. It's one of the only ways to save money on your wedding without sacrificing designer quality or the shopping experience itself. They even like to say, “It’s a sample sale everyday!”

Glamour Closet

114 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco

Tel. (415) 391-1515

http://www.glamourcloset.com/

Vendor Spotlight: Todd Parsons, Photographer

2010-08-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

Todd Parsons tells us about getting his head start to becoming a photographer: “When I was a kid, my family moved around a lot. To make friends, I learned quickly to get a handle on any situation, read people and make them feel relaxed and comfortable. I've studied how to allow people to be themselves my whole life. It was the perfect apprenticeship on the way to becoming a photographer."

When we asked him ‘why weddings?’ he tells us, “I remember when the lightening bolt struck. I was at a friend's wedding, the ‘I want to do this’ moment. The energy, the family, the love. Weddings bring out so many emotions and they are a fascinating experience. I have been behind the camera many times with a tear streaking down; I can't help but sometimes getting wrapped up in it all.”

Todd tells us he looks at work from other photographers whom he respects and admires for inspiration. He loves the outdoors and is equally fascinated with urban landscape. He also stresses that constant education is critical explaining, “Technology is changing so fast, and photographers have to stay ahead of the curve. I attend several workshops a year, sometimes wedding related, but most of the time not. Yet I find applying knowledge learned from photographing landscapes or action sports leads to wonderful wedding images.”

Why Todd? “My clients can expect 100% satisfaction, professionalism and a good-natured human being. Style is important but so is a personal connection with each other. I let my brides know that, ‘Hey, I've got it covered. Of all the things you're going to worry about, photography isn't one of them.’ Grooms? Just buy them a beer and they're good.”
To view more of Todd’s beautiful work, visit:
http://www.toddparsons.net/

Scene & Heard: Modern Bridal Faire at the Ritz-Carlton

2010-08-08T10:59:00.000-07:00

Ladies, for inspiration and to perhaps meet a couple of your dream vendors face-to-face, head down to the Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco for Modern Bridal's Modern Luxury Weddings bridal faire a week from today. Yes, it will be over the top (Monique Lhullier and Vera Wang dresses will be on the bridal runway), but these luxury-type bridal faires are a great way to see things you like and even get creative ideas for your Big Day. Bring a note pad!

For more information, visit www.modernluxuryweddings.com or, if you've made up your pretty li'l mind already and just needed a reminder, RSVP at attending@modernbridal.com.

Modern Bridal Fair
Tickets: $20 (a steal for such an event)
Sunday, August 15
11am-4pm
Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
600 Stockton Street

Scene & Heard: Vera Wang Trunk Show at Bridal Galleria

2010-08-06T11:23:00.001-07:00

No doubt, Bridal Galleria is fabulously known for their trunk shows and this weekend begs a mention. Beginning yesterday, Vera Wang dresses are adorning their racks beginning at $2500. Of course, not all of us can afford such a price tag, but if you can, head down there stat. Or heck, go and oogle and get ideas for styles and trends as Vera clearly reigns. Call first for an appointment or book online at http://www.bridalgalleria.com/Contact.htm.

Bridal Galleria
3 Embarcadero Ctr.
Lobby Level
San Francisco, CA 94111
415.362.2227
Friday, 10-6
Saturday, 10-5
Sunday, 11-5

Vendor Spotlight: Sarah Lindsay Cakes

2010-08-03T09:55:00.000-07:00

Ever since she began baking sugar cookies with her Grandma for Christmas, Sarah's love of baking only grew. After a semester abroad exploring all things culinary and pastry, she attended Tante Marie’s Professional Culinary Program and stayed on to tackle their infamous Professional Baking and Pastry Program. And it was after stints at Restaurant Lulu and Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Restaurant, where she honed in on her dessert making skills, that Sarah Lindsay Cakes was born.

About weddings Sarah says, “I enjoy creating whimsical, unusual requests. I have fun exploring ideas with brides and grooms and coming up with sketches. I call it “cakestorming”. I also appreciate the creative aspect of baking; my favorite – carving the cakes.” Her style: elegant and classic cakes, as well as cakes full of imagination.

Her inspiration? “Nature all around me inspires me. I also love reading cake books by such amazing cake artists such as Collette Peters, Debbie Brown, Margaret Braun and Toba Garrett. The zoo and aquariums; and I am an avid snorkeler and aquatic or ocean themed cakes excite me.”

Why Sarah for the cake of your dreams? Besides excellent customer service and attention to detail, Sarah uses only high-quality ingredients: Belgian and Valhrona cocoa, Madagascar vanilla beans, and Swiss fondant. Plus, Sarah will personally bake and design your cake as well as make sure every ounce of butter cream is whipped and smoothed on your cake to perfection.

Contact her at http://www.sarahlindsaycakes.com/

Planner on Patrol: Ring on Fire

2010-08-02T10:57:00.000-07:00

While many prefer to go the tried-and-true route of a traditional engagement ring, there’s also the demand for more avant-garde designs. Refinery 29 has assembled twenty beautiful rings that go beyond the usual expectations for some stunningly unique results. Perfect for engagements, weddings and commitment ceremonies that wander off the beaten path: http://www.refinery29.com/engagement-rings-youll-love-wedding-bands.php

Planner on Patrol: Dancing on the Ceiling

2010-07-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

Viral wedding dance videos: instructional tools or cautionary tales? You be the judge!

If planning your wedding is stressing you out, spare a few minutes for a smile checking some of the best out, thanks to the Jezebel crew: http://jezebel.com/5558383/the-evolution-of-the-viral-video-wedding-dance

Vendor Spotlight: Paulding & Company

2010-07-22T11:48:00.000-07:00

Although Tracy and Terry Paulding of Paulding & Company cater the occasional wedding, their focus is the night before. Terry and her staff do incredible hands-on cooking events for rehearsal dinners. Of her unique business model: “Most of my business is in-house cooking events, including team building, birthday parties, etc., but I hold the rehearsal dinner as a special favorite. The dynamic is lovely as two families get to know each other with their hands involved in a cooperative effort.”

She began working in restaurants during her teen years but ended her restaurant career in the mid ‘70’s to have a family. Years later, the Piedmont Adult School invited her to teach. She taught their Basic Cooking classes and they were always sold out. Eventually she went to CCA and got her degree in ’94. Terry speaks so highly of her teaching experiences and it’s clearly what drives her business today. “As a teacher, I introduced so many people to healthy, flavorful and fresh food, that I began getting requests to cater. So, a dozen years ago, I rented space in a commercial kitchen and started catering. I moved my teaching to that kitchen as well, as there was a dining area.”

Eventually she built a place of her own. Open since January 2004, her Emeryville kitchen is built specially for group work—it’s a fully inspected, 2400-square-foot, large, catering kitchen; and it's set up for teaching and activities with prep stations for large groups. It seats 56 people comfortably for dining, or she can accommodate up to 100 guests next door at Periscope Cellars winery.

So if you’re looking for a truly unique idea for how and where to host your rehearsal dinner, consider calling Terry. Your families and friends will get the chance to mingle while achieving something you can’t quite do any place else: eating a delicious meal that you each had a hand in making. The alchemy of creating food together extends itself in many ways and this is perfect for foodies or families that just love being around a warm, cozy kitchen. This is a great way to bring families together before the craziness to ensue the next day. There is truly magic in Terry’s kitchen: we’ve experienced it and you should, too. Learn more about them at: http://www.pauldingandco.com/

Planner on Patrol: The Wedding Dish

2010-07-21T10:53:00.000-07:00

“Couture tabletop”? Umm, come again? Well a “couture tabletop collection” is the gorgeous result of a new collaboration between fashion house Marchesa and the Lenox Corporation with Lenox releasing eight new patterns inspired by Marchesa wedding gowns in their bone china collections.

If you’re a fan of Marchesa’s design aesthetic, or just an admirer of artistry in china and stemware, you’ll definitely want to check it out here: http://fashionista.com/2010/04/marchesas-making-plates/