Style Guides

Style Guide: Beaulieu Garden Feeling Blue

Posted Dec 14, 2011 by Gloria Atherstone

Photography by: Dorothy Hatchel Photography Ask the Expert There are literally thousands of wedding designers and coordinators. An extraordinary wedding designer evaluates every possible detail. Everything has a purpose and a reason – nothing is left to chance. That is what makes an event distinctive, memorable, and one-of-a-kind. When you hang out with a wedding designer, you’ll find we ask the oddest questions. To a wedding designer, an event is not just two or three dimensional, but four. We have to consider every angle, every sense, and possible light (not to mention, every possible back-up and contingency plan). We consider your [...]

Style Guide: Monte Verde Inn Lemon Yellow

Posted Dec 9, 2011 by Gloria Atherstone

Photography by: Stout Photography Ask the expert How wonderful is this cute and charming Sierra Foothill wedding that is the epitome of DIY perfection?! The Monte Verde Inn is the perfect place for the DIY bride because as we all know, “Do it yourself does not mean do it alone.” The Monte Verde Inn provides complete one stop shopping for brides who make it easy to take on those special projects that we all love. The sunny combination of sunshine Meyer lemon yellow paired with a chic Dove grey has been a popular combination for modern affairs and I love [...]

Style Guide: Carneros Inn An Apple A Day

Posted Nov 10, 2011 by Gloria Atherstone

Photography by: Meg Smith Photography Check out the slide show! Ask the expert If the idea of getting married in an organic and sustainable apple orchard is a-peel-ing, then consider using this apple theme at the Carneros Inn in Napa. The apple orchard is one of the most sought-after ceremony locations in Napa, and as you can see, this rustic apple theme will transition well into the rest of the reception elements. A great wedding designer can take a simple idea and create magic. This “core” wedding design is a great example of how to make your design element the focus [...]

Wedding Venue: Meadowood Dreams Really Do Come True

Posted Oct 7, 2011 by Gloria Atherstone

Photography by: Leah McCormick For more incredible images from this venue, click here! About the Venue The Grand Estate look of Meadowood in Napa with its endless rolling lawns and perfectly manicured flowers is the perfect setting for a romantic garden wedding styled with playful floral inspired details. The ceremony and reception spaces are ideal – there is a sense of elegance and high society refinement, yet there is still a bit of of “naturalist” feel that gives your guests a sense of ease and not pomp and circumstance. The outdoor ceremony site offers beautifully manicured lawns and soaring Redwood [...]

Wedding Venue: Clos LaChance Winery Choosing a Theme

Posted Sep 22, 2011 by Gloria Atherstone

Photography by: Carlie Statsky Photography About the Venue Clos LaChance Winery is the dream of dedicated winemakers. The winery started with a few rows of grapes planted in a backyard, partially as landscaping and in part to fulfill a life-long dream of being winemakers. This home-based vineyard started in 1987 and by 1992, they had their first vintage release. The couple soon realized that in order to continue to release wines for future vintages, they need to acquire more vineyards. With great creative spirit, the couple started CK Vines (named after their children). CK Vines is unlike any other service [...]

Wedding Venue: Relais du Soleil

Posted Aug 25, 2011 by Gabrielle

Photography by: Diane Askew Photography About the Venue Relais du Soleil is Sonoma County at its finest and perfect for couples who are seeking an alternative to a more typical winery setting. This turn-of-the-century farmhouse and guest ranch situated in the heart of Northern California Wine Country will make the perfect location for your dream wedding. Here, a rustic but classic ranch sits nestled in an Oak woodland – with a beautiful creek meandering nearby, and a stunning vista of horses grazing in the meadow. The owner is friendly and won’t be looking over anyone’s shoulder. Couples are free to [...]

Wedding Venue: Beaulieu Garden Inspired by Vintage

Posted Aug 22, 2011 by Gabrielle

Photography by: Jose Villa About the Venue This private, family-owned estate blends beauty, intimacy, and tradition in a stunning secluded and unforgettable setting. As you drive up the meandering half-mile drive underneath a canopy of Sycamore trees, you will be welcomed into these beautiful gardens sprinkled with old stone fountains, reflecting pools, and elegant statues. Exchange vows in the sunken garden with a stone pool of lilies and a cherub fountain before dining under an immense Sycamore arbor draped with crystal chandeliers. As the night falls, you and your guests can dance beneath the stars next to a sparkling pool [...]

Wedding Venue: Costanoa Picture Perfect

Posted Aug 18, 2011 by Gabrielle

Photography by: Zoom Photography About the Venue Nestled at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Costanoa offers the perfect setting to celebrate your marriage with family and friends. Surrounded by endless acres of untouched wilderness, rolling coastal hills, rugged bluffs, and secluded beaches, this eco-adventure resort inspires awe. Costanoa has two main locations to celebrate your union: the rustic mountain-style Lodge and the Cascade Restaurant. From the Restaurant, a winding path leads to the Coastal Bluff, a rustic meadow with a breathtaking vista of sea and sky. After the vows, stroll back to the Cascade [...]

Wedding Venue: Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa

Posted Aug 17, 2011 by Gabrielle

Photography by: Allyson Wiley Photography About the Venues As you meander through the small country towns that dot The Sonoma Highway, you’ll stumble upon a gorgeous adobe style structure. The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa is a delightful retreat with ten acres of trees, manicured lawns, and colorful gardens. As you walk into the hotel, a wandering path flanked by plush lawns leads you beneath elm and pine trees, past a circular tiered fountain, and into the inn’s signature Spanish-colonial buildings. An abundance of lawns are available for ceremonies, cocktail receptions, and seated alfresco dinners. Among them are the [...]

Wedding Venue: Evergreen Lodge A Yosemite Wedding

Posted Aug 15, 2011 by Gabrielle

Photography by: Tinywater Photography Take a look at the photo gallery! About the Venue Tucked away in the woods, Evergreen Lodge is the perfect place for couples wanting a memorable wedding day experience at one of the nation’s most beautiful national parks: Yosemite. With the historic lodge, beautiful cabins, new event hall, and serene setting among the majestic pines, the Evergreen Lodge is a truly special place for you and your husband to say, “I do.” Exchange vows in the lodge’s neighboring meadows surrounded by a canopy of trees and the song of birds. While your guests enjoy cocktails and [...]

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