Laura and Hunter are in Style Me Pretty!

We absolutely loved working with Laura and Hunter to plan their wedding at Solage Calistoga.

to see more photos at Style Me Pretty click on the link below.  

And warm hugs to the fabulous photographer, Sylvie Gil.

www.stylemepretty.com/2010/08/25/solage-calistoga-wedding-by-sylvie-gil/

Keeping it Casual the Night Before

Many couples coming to wine country want to keep the rehearsal party a bit more casual than the wedding day.  They might opt for a BBQ in a vineyard or a family style meal in an old barn or at a rustic winery with a bocce court and picnic tables with views overlooking vineyards.  The family in these photos held it at their apple farm with vintage touches and dining in the 100 year old apple barn.  They ended the night with 'make your own' ice cream sundaes.  Everyone had a wonderful time getting acquainted in a kick back, 'no pressure' atmosphere.

It's a Secret!

As a wedding planner, many of us have our exclusive wedding venues that may only be available through us.  The property owners are rather selective about hosting a wedding at their special spot in wine country.  Most of them will only want to host one or two weddings each year and definitely want a 'professional' to handle all of the management and answer the 100's of questions that come up in the planning.  These properties are not advertised or listed in any publication and are very private.  Many of them have stunning views of vineyards.  Do ask about one of those 'secret' and very select properties.  I'll send you a few photos and we can schedule a site visit to make your decision.

Style Me Pretty Features Kristine and Spencer

We absolutely adored Kristine and Spencer.  Coming all the way from Michigan for days of visiting wineries and dining at all the best restaurants in our Napa Valley.  THEN the fabulous wedding at Beaulieu Garden.  Read more of their story on "Style Me Pretty".

We'll Always Have Flowers

Just last year I had a mother of the bride tell me "Kathy, we are SO over flowers".  I don't think I or my brides will ever be over flowers.  But there are some very cool looks using branches, succulents, grasses, fruits and even vegetables in fabulous artistic presentations.  Many years ago I had seen Molly Chappellet of Chappellet Winery use vegetables in extraordinary tablescapes.  They were so striking and inventive.  Shown are a few shots from one of my favorite designers.  Something different to consider?

Blair and Keith are Published!

We are thrilled that Blair and Keith's San Francisco wedding has been published in the latest issue of Grace Ormonde Wedding Style.  It was terribly exciting to help in the planning of this fabulous wedding.  The ceremony taking place in the gorgeous and historic San Francisco City Hall with Gavin Newsom and Rabbi Ira Book performing the service.  Guests walked or rode the cable car across the plaza to the dramatic Asian Art Museum for dinner and dancing.  

The Dress

Oh my!!  So many styles to choose from but you want the one that makes you look absolutely fabulous.  You'll be in that dress for hours so think about comfort, too.  The most popular and, believe it or not, the most flattering is still the strapless.  Full, romantic skirts are coming back BUT do try on a few different styles whether sheath, trumpet, a-line or empire.  Some of my favorite designers are Monique Lhuillier and Carolina Herrera.  In San Francisco, Amy Kuschel and Jin Wang are a delight to work with.   When you head out for those appointments take one other person with you to give you 'honest' feedback and don't schedule more than 4 salons in a day.  This day can be great fun . . . take time for a bite to eat and maybe a glass of champagne, too.

Being a Francophile

So, I admit that I love all things French, whether it's perfume, fashion, cheese, champagne and, for heaven's sake, just being in France.  Well, one of my favorite photographers happens to be French.  Oui!  Sylvie

Gil is not only a fabulous photographer but absolutely a delight to work with.  Mon ami, do check out her website and wonderful, fun blog!

www.sylviegilphotography.com

Thinking of Cakes

Of course I love the absolutely wonderful Perfect Endings for yummy insides and gorgeous outsides

but last year I used Laurie Lucov Wedding Cakes a number of times and adore working with her and

the elegant simplicity of her designs. Her cakes taste darned good, too.  This one is called 'tie dye' a retro colorful 'hippie' style favored by Roberto Cavalli on Milan's runway this year.