Santa Barbara – Terra Bella 

Perched on top of a majestic bluff overlooking the beautiful Pacific in the tony residential area of Hope Ranch, Santa Barbara, this amazing gated 10 room 14,00 sq. ft  Tuscany designed villa is perfect for the couple who thinks elegance and Italy!

With its vegetable garden, small vineyard, train and children’s play area, this magnificent destination venue is perfect to host wedding events from your rehearsal dinner to a stunning ceremony and celebration around the azure blue tiled pool, to it’s many cozy hide  a ways, perfect for that romantic time alone-just the two of you! This is by far my favorite place for a couple to Tie the Knot.

Word of caution: be prepared to be amazed and breathless with this amazing Italian beauty along the Santa Barbara Riviera Coast.

Georis Winery – Carmel Valley

What a quaint and fun venue! After touring one of my favorite wedding sites, in the Carmel Valley, my husband and I stopped in at the Corkscrew restaurant to grab a bite to eat.  Although it was our first time there, there was something very familiar about it. Of course, it was the sister restaurant to the romantic Cassonova in Carmel by the Sea!  I knew at once we were going to have a great lunch.

While we waited for our pizza, the venue’s whimsical décor lured me down the brick-lined path where I encountered a cute adobe tasting room Georis Winery. As I looked around and explored more, I thought: this location has it all -perfect for a romantic Carmel wedding:

a wonderful restaurant,  a winery  that offers excellent wines, a spacious garden with exotic plants and flowers, a bubbling fountain and eclectic sculptured gates-that welcome your guests with flair.

My favorites? The old weathered doors. These shabby antiqued chic doors are a photographer’s dream backdrop for picture perfect wedding portraits.

What’s so special about Georis? It’s fun, whimsical peaceful and very romantic.

Does your wedding vision include elegance at an Italian Villa on the Santa Barbara Rivera or is it fun, whimsical and romantic in the Carmel Valley?

Bride at the Georis Art Center

Art Center Wedding Reception

]]> http://avsoevents.com/avsoeventsblog/from-santa-barbara-to-the-san-francisco-bay-area-my-favorite-venues-to-tie-the-knot/feed/ 2 http://avsoevents.com/avsoeventsblog/understanding-the-costs-of-your-wedding-flowers/ http://avsoevents.com/avsoeventsblog/understanding-the-costs-of-your-wedding-flowers/#comments Tue, 05 Jul 2011 19:04:37 +0000 avso http://avsoevents.com/avsoeventsblog/?p=855

It’s wedding season and besides thinking about the a bride’s budget, the venue, theme and all the details that go along with planning a

wedding, what immediately comes to mind are flowers for the wedding. Flowers bring joy, beauty and life to any event, especially a wedding

So what’s behind the costs of nature’s beauties that become exquisite works of art on a bride’s special day?

Speaking with Leila Simms of Half Moon Flowers in Princeton by the Sea, she shared with me some of the behind the scene details of creating beautiful bouquets and centerpieces for weddings and events.

Leila says there are several steps it takes in creating bridal bouquets and centerpieces.

After spending several hours at the San Francisco Flower Market, Leila processes the flowers by stripping and cleaning them of excess foliage and debris and placing them in florist pails of water for a few hours prior to designing her client’s flowers.

Depending on the size of the wedding and floral designs, creating beautiful floral arts varies in the time that it takes to create a bouquet, boutonnière, centerpiece or other theme or mood floral décor.

Consider, a simple hand tied bridal bouquet may take only 45 minutes; while a bouquet that has wire and florists’ tape could command 2 hours or more.

Depending on the design, each centerpiece could take 45 minutes or more. Leila and her assistants try to complete 3-4 centerpieces an hour.

Other factors that could increase the floral costs are the origin of the flowers; whether they are local or imported, and if they are seasonal.  For example, a winter bride requesting peonies in January may expect to spend $200 or more for her signature bouquet. While spring and summer brides maybe thrilled to find a variety of flowers in an abundance of colors that will compliment their vision.

And lastly, Leila notes that all personal flowers, centerpieces and additional floral arts that enhance the wedding or event are time and labor intensive.

Now that you have a glimpse of what it takes to create flowers for your wedding or event, you may want to check in with me as I share some tips that will help you get the look and feel you want with your flowers, while staying within your budget.

Sounds great? Well it can be. However, here are some important tips to planning your destination wedding. Keep these in mind along your way.

1. Decide the feel, look and location where you would like to share your union and celebration with other.
2. Determine what time of year and weather conditions is right for you. The time of year and weather could play an important part in planning a destination wedding. For example, August and September temperatures in Cabo San Lucas could reach above the 100 degree mark. You may meet sunny and rainy weather from late summer to fall in Costa Rica.
3. Determine Your Guest List.
4. Define a Budget and plan for every detail that will be a part of your wedding.
5. Enlist the services of a wedding planner, especially a planner who has knowledge about destination weddings.
6. Evaluate transportation: Your travel, and if you are paying for bridal party travel and accommodations.
7. If you are planning to bring your own photographer or other vendors, remember to consider their fees, travel and accommodations in your budget.
8. Remember, if you enlist the services of your own vendors, you may be charged additional fees for not using a venue’s approved vendors.
9. Plan your accommodations: Your own, family, friends and vendors.
10. Create a vision or Inspiration Board: Creating an Inspiration Board will help communicate your vision with your planner and all destination-wedding professionals.
11. Establish a wedding website and list your activities. Update it frequently with your wedding details. It will keep your guests in the loop as you progress with your wedding plans.
12. Design, mail or email  “Save the Dates” as soon as you can. This gives your guests the opportunity to plan ahead for travel and make necessary arrangements.
13. Honor your guests traveling from afar with a “Welcome” reception to give everyone a chance to get to know each other before the happy day.
14. If your wedding is in a remote area, plan to engage shuttle services to transport guests; remember to include the costs in your budget.
15. Plan bridal and bridal party transportation to and from venue, if your ceremony and reception is not at your hotel.
16. If you have found the perfect villa or location, make sure there is easy  is transportation accessibility for your guests.
17. Flowers, linens and rentals: Keep in mind that not all colors of flowers; decor and rental items are available at many destination venues.
18. Remember that there maybe a language and communication barrier. Although email is wonderful, be sure to communicate verbally by telephone. This will help avert any communication issues, and prevent or minimize wedding day mishaps and disappointments.
19. Enlist the services of a local, recommended wedding professional coordinator/planner to assist with all coordination. They will know who are the local wedding professionals and may act as a liaison with your wedding planner.
20. Get clear communication as to what services the destination coordinator provides.
21. Guests’ welcome baskets and favors: It maybe better to work with the onsite coordinator in creating  favors and welcome baskets that are indigenous to the area, interesting, fun and useful!  This is a wonderful way to welcome and honor your guests, who have traveled  a great distance to celebrate your special day!
22. Make sure there are activities that everyone will enjoy. This will make for a memorable wedding and mini-vacation for everyone.
23. If you are getting married outside of the United States, consult with the country’s local authorities regarding their legal requirements.
24. Remember life is not perfect and things do not always go as planned. So, even if the flowers are not the exact color of pink that you envisioned -enjoy your special day. Yes, it is your day, however you are also the hosts and your mood will determine whether your guests will have a wonderful time. Relax, enjoy and be happy!

So, now that you have tips that will help you plan a fabulous wedding? What’s your destination? Italy, Paris, Mexico, Jamaica?

With the myriad of bridal gowns vying for today’s bride, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for you, the excited bride- to -be, to easily select your wedding dress. There is so much to consider: style, haute couture, custom made, off the rack, and of course the most important-will it fit your budget! These factors play an important part in choosing that dream bridal gown for your wedding day.

Some brides-to-be fail to be more selective when it comes to choosing their bridal gown. On your weekend quest for the perfect dress, you may not always come away with that “wow” dress that makes you feel absolutely beautiful! This could be due to too many opinions, mom is bankrolling the purchase, or you might become enamored with a look and style, and not ask yourself whether the dress is the perfect style, fit and look for you. So many brides to be, leave with a dress that is just so, so. A bride-to-be should never have a just so, so dress. Your wedding gown should fit you; your vision and your budget. You should feel absolutely comfortable and beautiful as you walk down the aisle on your wedding day.

So how do you, the bride-to-be get the dress of your dreams, a dress that is perfect in every way: fit, style, comfort and budget?

• Determine the  dollar amount you are willing to spend.
• If you find the perfect dress, and it is not in your budget, is there a dollar amount that you feel comfortable spending beyond your budget?
• Check out magazines for the latest fashions.
• Determine your style.  Is it vintage, glamorous, contemporary or elegant?
• Be adventurous-try on several styles; not only the gowns you have in mind, but styles that you may have not considered. Don’t settle for the first dress you try on.
• Create an inspiration board: An inspiration board will help focus your total vision, and it will save you time and confusion in expressing your vision to friends, family and wedding professionals.
• Does your  dress match the  atmosphere of the ceremony and venue?
• Take photos when you are trying on bridal gowns.
• Have a family member or a few trusted friends accompany you on your search.
• Most of all- relax and have fun!

On March 24, 2011, Prodigy Motion Pictures, www.prodigymotionpictures.com hosted a fundraiser  to benefit Living Dream Arts, www.livingdreamarts.org, Performance Art Institute,www.theperformanceartinstitute.org and generate funding for the film “Don’t Shoot” I’m the Guitar Man, based on the book “Don’t Shoot” I’m the Guitar Man, by local bay area author, Buzzy Martin; buzzymartin.com/musician.html

With the efforts and donations of several bay area event specialists, www.apartyplace.com, http://www.ideas-events.com; www.cortevents.com; bistrovidamp.com; that-takes-the-cake.com, and several dedicated and passionate volunteers, the guests experienced an evening of contemporary art, wine and music by Sonoma’s blue’s band, Frobeck; www.frobeck.com, a live auction with  300 gift certificates donated by the  exclusive skin  spa, Skin Spirit; www.skinspirit.com  at the historical 550 Sutter Street location, formerly Hang Gallery and Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door elegant spa, www.reddoorspas.com.

With a keen eye for capturing each moment of the event, San Francisco photographer Frank Gaglione, www.frankgaglione.com, captured  the venue and the guests in all of their splendor and finest.

From the start of planning her wedding, Showa knew exactly the look and feel that she wanted to experience on her wedding day.  A traditional wedding motif was not her style. What she wanted was a ceremony and celebration that would incorporate her rich African culture with her Mediterrean travels and experiences.

What Showa envisioned: A bridal gown designed by Suzanne Hanley that would reflect her native earthy and rich Etrean colors; an Italian wedding cake from local San Mateo bakery- Dianda’s Italian Bakery, and the Palo Alto Garden Court Hotel, an Italian like boutique hotel that reflected her love of Italy for her venue.

With family and friends closely gathered, Half Moon Bay Celebrant, Fr. Miles Riley-It’s Your Wedding, Not Theirs, joyfully shared with the loving couple the beatitudes of marriage  prior to pronouncing them as husband and wife and introducing them as Mr. and Mrs.

A Breathtaking View

Starting with a breathtaking venue, Paul Masson Mt. Winery, in Saratoga, CA provided the perfect location for Shannon and Kerry to  exchange vows  and celebrate  their joyous union with family and friends.

Although everyone was concerned  about the unusual wet weather in May,(and preparations were in place in the event of rain), Shannon and Kerry’s wedding day was picture perfect!

With the wedding day activities starting at 9:00 a.m. with the talented Mina Drake, hair and make-up artist, Shannon’s mother and sisters lovingly assisted her in dressing for her special day.

While the bride and groom were getting ready, the staff  at the historic Mt. Winery, readied the venue and set the tables with Chivari chairs, and  specialty linens from A Party Place, in San Jose. CA. Leila Simms, of Half Moon Flowers, made the the purple pin tuck linens  pop with her contemporary floral centerpieces of pink tulips, calla lilies,orchids  and soft pink hydrangeas. And to add to the final touch was the simple, yet elegant  three -tiered  cake provided by Studio Cake of Menlo Park, Ca.

With all in place according to the time line, Sound in Motion set the stage for the ceremony. As the bridal party  descended the stairs and began their walk down the aisle, photographers Emma and Alfred Salom, and Oren Ariele of Awesomeshots quietly slipped among the guests and captured the romantic and loving ceremony, not missing the kiss, the rose petaled arbor and monarch butterflies.

Details, details captured by photographer Jasmine Wang

On Thursday, March 18, I met with Rhonda Giedt a wedding photographer. I’m always looking for vendors, who love what they do. When I see that they are passionate about what they do, I know that they have their client’s best interest at heart.

During our meeting, I found Rhonda to be very effervescent and  passionate about her work and clients. As we talked, somehow our conversation  gravitated  to the subject of successful weddings and events. Rhonda mentioned that her best weddings were the ones where the bride had a wedding planner.  She said that the difference was noticeable. Where there was a planner involved, the wedding was seamless. Where there wasn’t the guidance of a planner, there seemed to be a disconnect in the flow of the wedding activities.

Rhonda confirmed why it is so important to have a planner by your side. Yes, I know it’s the economy and many couples feel that the services of a planner isn’t in their budget, isn’t necessary, or they want to   plan their special day themselves, fearing that the planner may not respect their vision.

Whatever the reason, I highly recommend  the services of a planner or coordinator. Maybe your budget cannot accommodate the full services of a wedding professional; however there are options.  You may enlist the services of a coordinator to handle the details the month before the wedding, or think about

enlisting the services of a day of coordinator to handle all of the “day of wedding” details.  In any event, it is advantageous for you to have an advocate on your side to take care of the behind the scene activities and intercept mitigate  un-for seeable mishaps that could put a damper on your special day.

More Details.. Jasmine Wang Photography

]]> http://avsoevents.com/avsoeventsblog/photographer-touts-the-advantages-of-a-wedding-planner/feed/ 0 http://avsoevents.com/avsoeventsblog/teaching-what-i-know-and-love-to-do/ http://avsoevents.com/avsoeventsblog/teaching-what-i-know-and-love-to-do/#comments Fri, 17 Jul 2009 23:24:53 +0000 avso http://avsoevents.com/avsoeventsblog/?p=474 You never know how much you know until you teach and share your knowledge and experiences with a class of future wedding planners. This has been my fourth class experience teaching wedding planning to hopeful and talented students.  The biggest task in teaching is to calm fears about homework. Everyone who attends the first  class is shocked to learn that this is a real class with lots of homework!  it’s not all about the dress, the ring, the photographer and flowers. It’s about the nuts and bolts of building a solid wedding planning business. Don’t get me wrong, we do have fun; however we focus a lot of attention to the business side of the industry,  The intensive 8/10 week class covers research, mission statements, business plans, marketing/branding and of course fun!!  There is nothing more valuable than to have vendors share their experiences and knowledge with the class. Whether the vendors teach the class for an evening or having a class at the vendors place of business, meeting vendors allows them to gain first hand knowledge from talented  industry professionals.

This last class was my best class. They were the most gracious, sweet and talented group. I wish them lots of success!!

A few years ago, I planned to host an educational workshop that would give couples the necessary tools and information to plan their special day.

Whether they hired a planner, or elected to plan their celebration themselves, this workshop  would give them useful information.

However, due to the health of a family member, my plans were temporarily set-aside.

Well,  the idea  stayed with me and in October 2008, I started to share my ideas.  I didn’t even think about the economy. All I wanted to do was to educate and help engaged couples make their day special. And being that I’m a certified wedding planner and instructor, I thought this would be a piece of cake.

In November, I approached the wedding director at the Oceano Hotel and Spa in Half Moon Bay with my idea. They thought it was a great concept and said “yes” to hosting the event. However,  when we met a few weeks later, they had an even better idea. Why not a bridal faire?  What a project!! So, we set the date for March 1, 2009.

With the holidays and the flu, we didn’t get around to the planning the event until the first week in January. Normally to plan an event of this magnitude, one would have to start  10-12 months out. What was I thinking about: planning an event of this size in two months!! I must be nuts!! But with such great help and support from the Oceano Hotel things just started to happen. Bay Area wedding professionals such as Orna Maymon of Ornamento, Cecile Gady of Cakeworks were excited  about the event and easily said “yes” to participating in the faire.  Other event experts, such as photographer, Monica Michelle,  Kathy Goodman of Well Rehersed, Jasmine Wang of Jasmine Wang Photography,  Floramoor Studios, Hartman Studios and Blue Water Rentals all added to the success of the event.

It was a very rainy day, which we expected. However, we were unsure, if anyone would brave the wind, rain and Highway 92. However, they did! More than 300 guests moved along the hallways, guest rooms and grand ballroom of the hotel.

The day was filled with entertainment, education, fun and fashion. Guests were treated to chamapgne as they oohed and ah’d the latest bridal fashions from Maggie Sottero.

Wedding photographer, Brian Orlov made sure to capture the energy of this exciting and elegant event, thus allowing me to share it with you.

Thanks to the wedding and events director, Nancy Nehran and Jennifer Pickart and their great staff-the event was a  big success.