Catherine Hall, Photographer Extraordinaire

Catherine Hall takes extraordinary photographs. We recently went to see the Robert Franks exhibit of 'The Americans' at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Catherine Hall's images of Appalachia are even more powerful. Yes, she's that good. Here's where you can see more of her editorial work and here is some of her wedding work.

Catherine and I have had an ongoing dialogue about the unique characteristics of the still and moving image.

A still image, which reflects a single moment, allows you to fill in the blanks and project your past experiences and future hopes onto the picture - when it is done well. As it always is when Catherine Hall is behind the lens. 

The moving image which can include voice, ambient sound and music, is excellent for telling a complete story, and for showing motion and emotion. The movie is the narrator that explains what went on, who these people really are and what the times they lived in were like. For example, when your grandchildren see your wedding movie, they will come to know you exactly as you are today - vibrant, young, happy, in love. 

They will see the full range of emotions as your husband jokes with the groomsmen and then nervously glances at his watch moments before the doors open and you appear. How he strains to catch the first glimpse of you. How he audibly catches his breath and utters "Wow!", then wipes a tear away as you and your father approach. How he accepts your hand and folds it into his own. How he whispers at the altar, "You are so beautiful".

Each medium provides a unique interpretation of an event or a person. They go hand-in-hand and together can provide the whole picture.

5 Whimsical Wedding Cakes

We've seen our fair share of wedding cakes. They've ranged from very simple white fondant icing with a wide ribbon  of the groom's family tartan at the base of each layer to Shinmin Li's I Dream of Cake and Sam Godfrey's Perfect Endings fantasy creations.

But honestly we haven't seen much whimsy or tasteful humor. So today...here come the whimsical cakes.

The first two create a fresh contemporary happy feeling. The last three take a turn for, well, for wedding hell.

For more unique cakes, visit the Austin Wedding Blog.

Mini Portrait Session

Riddle me this: What's beautiful, is great fun while you're doing it, lasts forever and is a great bargain?

Answer: A mini portrait session with the fantastic and lovely photographer Jessamyn Harris.

Details:

When:   

Sat, April 25, 

10AM - 6PM

Where: 

Cast Away Yarn Shop

111 Fourth Street

Santa Rosa, CA 95401

707-546-9276

What:    

--Mini Portrait Session (20 minutes), $40

--Includes a 5x7 print credit and online proofing

--Day-of 10% in-store credit at Cast Away Yarn

--Open to couples, families, children, pets, babies 

--Fun backgrounds and knitting props (if you like)

Now What: 

To book your session, contact the ever-lovely Jessamyn at

j@jessamynharris.com

707-235-8953

Sessions are available on the half-hour. Prefer a special time? Please book in advance.

For More Info: www.jessamynharris.blogspot.com

Oh and one more thing...we KNOW Jessamyn and she is a real pleasure and a very talented photographer (take a look at her portfolios online). If she wasn't your photographer, you'd want her as your friend.

Style Me Pretty Features Savadelis Films

We're so happy to be featured today in Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book blog! You may recall seeing our post about Emily and Danny's amazing wedding at the Ritz Carlton at Half Moon Bay entitled Let's Make a Movie. They are so personable and we loved all the details they so carefully planned, so we sent Style Me Pretty the 3-minute movie trailer and an inspiration board of still images. 

We could not create beautiful movies without the participation and cooperation of our esteemed colleagues. Jubilee Lau did an outstanding job of designing and coordinating the wedding. The weather threatened rain until 12 noon. She was thoroughly prepared for an outdoor or an indoor wedding. That's the mark of a true professional - going beyond what is expected to what is required.

Tony White at the Ritz Carlton and his superb staff pulled out all the stops to give top notch service and create a smooth day despite the international women's golf tournament that was held that day on the golf links. Peculiar Pair's graphics were so luscious that we animated their logo to start the movie. Nancy Liu Chin did a great job with the flowers. John and Megan Woods at Enhanced Lighting are lighting geniuses, Classic Party Rentals' linens and tableware were unique and festive and Susan Morgan's Elegant Cheesecakes were beautifully styled and tasty. And so it went for every professional.

Here's the article.

Savadelis Films Presents...Tango at the Ritz

March 31st, 2009 • Related • Filed Under

Chuck and Jewel Savadelis sent us such a FUN film clip from Emily and Danny’s October wedding. It’s just fascinating to see how they totally captured the essence of the day with their unique style of filming and production!

Here are a few quick screen shots from the film…

First, a little bit from Jewel Savadelis …

Emily and Danny, a well traveled couple that share a passion for great food and company, held their nuptuals at the beautiful Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Half Moon Bay on October 7, 2008. Emily celebrated her independence by choosing to walk down the aisle by herself, before exchanging personalized vows with Danny on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Emily’s favorite uncle sketched the ceremony as it was happening and presented the newlyweds the finished drawing during the reception. Their wedding featured a modern Asian Zen garden theme with details such as Taiwanese mung beans creatively incorporated into the floral arrangements that represented their culture and heritage. The ballroom at the Ritz-Carlton was transformed into a warm and inviting setting, with champagne colored drapery, Asian lanterns hung above the dance floor, and a mixture of kings, queens, and round tables topped by orchids, hydrangeas, roses, and river rocks. The 260 guests were treated to an elaborate 4-course dinner consisting of unique choices like Lobster Salad, Crispy Suckling Pig with Cassoulet, Baby Lamb Chops and Seared Sea Bass. After dinner, the guests took to the dance floor, piled into the photo booth, and enjoyed the elaborate dessert buffet which featured 17 specialty items such as green tea panna cotta, coconut tapioca, and passion mango gel.

So now … be prepared to grin for three straight minutes as you watch their movie! {make sure the sound is on}

Tango at the Ritz from Savadelis Films on Vimeo.

How fantastic was that! SO fun.

If you go over to Savadelis Films’ website, you’ll see that one primary concern of Chuck and Jewel’s is that they want to get to know you before your wedding day. They’re not just there to take a video of the events … they’re there to capture the emotions, the expressions, the feelings … of the entire celebration! But that is a mere fraction of the art of their movie-making … after all is recorded on film, the real artistry begins. Putting it all together in a fashion that is unique and suited to each couple’s personalities is when the real skill comes in.  And that is where the Savadelis’ shine. A huge thanks to Chuck and Jewel for sharing Emily & Danny’s movie with us!

Vendor Credits: The Cheeseballs, Jubilee Lau Events, Taylor Pham, Enhanced Lighting, Classic Party Rentals, Heron Freed Toor, Lisa Leigh Photography

Little Black Book Members - Elegant Cheesecakes, Nancy Liu Chin Designs and Peculiar Pair Press.Fantastic Work!!

50 Fabulous Babes on the Barbary Coast

When Linda Hylen issues an invitation to the 50 Most Fabulous Babes in the Wedding Industry in the San Francisco Bay Area, you better heed the call! And I'm so glad I did. To be considered one of the movers and shakers by THE wellspring of all knowledge in the wedding industry...well, that really made my day. We had an outrageously fabulous time at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. 

My favorite playmates came out to play:

Alicia Slater, Global Gourmet - diverse cuisine; can work with (almost) any budget

Anna Williams, McCall Catering - the most popular choice of scrumptious morsels for brides

Barbara Lewis, University Club - best kept secret for city views and incredible prices

Brooke Greene, Nestldown - enchanted, secluded wooded place for a wedding; magical

Dianne Devin, Kohl Mansion - gracious mansion in Burlingame

Karen Baba, Plan Decor - fresh, fun, creative, warm-hearted

Kathleen Deery, Kathleen Deery Designs - fantastic, over-the-top floral designs

Kathleen Kirkpatrick, Montalvo Arts Center - the most beautiful mansion in the Bay Area

Michelle Walker, Michelle Walker Photography - makes everyone feel comfortable in front of the lens; one of the nicest photographers in the Bay Area

Natasha Merritt, Paula Le Duc - finest cuisine and service in the Bay Area

Stacie Tamaki, The Flirty Guide - must-have resource guide for every bride in the Bay Area

Viola Sutanto, Chewing the Cud (invitations, not catering) - creative designs, incredible lady

And we were "served" by 13 gentlemen who are colleagues in the wedding industry. Of course Tom (a caterer) had an advantage over the others

Dennis Menendez, Dennis M Photography

Jim Avila, Jim Avila Image and Style Consultant

John Woods, Enhanced Lighting

Kevin Chin, Kevin Chin Photography

Michael Daigian, Michael Daigian Design (floral designer)

Ron Grandia, A Different Kind of DJ

Tom Henderson, Thomas John Events (caterer)

Linda Hylen is one of the most gracious people in the wedding industry and incredibly generous. She assembled us to celebrate three outstanding achievements.

Johanna Kaestner, Founder of By Recommendation Only is retiring after 20 years. She elevated the standard for products, services, ethics and integrity in the wedding industry and deserves a lot of praise and thanks. We have been a proud member of bRo for 5 years.

Joyce Scardina Becker founded the Wedding Industry Professionals Association (WIPA) last year in order to raise the standards of the wedding industry nationwide.

It was my pleasure and privilege to present the third tribute to good friends Jubilee Lau of Jubilee Lau Events and Jean Marks of Jean Marks Weddings. These ladies were the founders of The Wedding University  held on February 8 at the Four Seasons in Palo Alto, which was an outrageous success. It benefitted brides who all said they learned something new and their time had been well-spent. It benefitted everyone in the wedding industry.

As we went our separate ways, we were all given our "correct color" boas by Jim Avila. turquoise seems to be my color!

What a great luncheon!

Northern CA Brides Mag: Jewel's Top Venue Picks

I was asked by the editor of Northern California Brides which venues make a great backdrop for producing a beautiful wedding movie. You can see the answers in the latest Spring/Summer 2009 issue on page 142. But let me not hold you in suspense.

Jewel's Pick for the Best Resort: 

Cordevalle, San Martin

This little-known gem is surrounded by picturesque meadowlands, tree-covered hills and a vineyard. The villas are spacious and the entire resort is luxuriously casual. Kristi Hogue is just so nice and she and her staff really know how to serve and pamper their brides. 

Can I let you in on a little secret?  The latest and a simply wonderful new property will be opening in April, 2009 on the Peninsula, the Rosewood Sand Hill. As part of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts which includes Cordevalle and The Carlyle in New York City, this property will place the emphasis on superb service.  Todd Outhouse is the Director of Catering and is one of the most gracious and courtly people in the wedding industry. If the name is familiar it is because he worked at the St Regis in San Francisco, which is also very well known for its superb service. 

Other great resorts in wine country: 

Meadowood, Lori Wickersham

The Carneros Inn, Brooke Baglietto

Calistoga Ranch, Jennifer Beranek

Solage Calistoga, 

Jewel's Pick for Best Mansion:

Ralston Hall Mansion

It's tough to choose among the Montalvo Arts Center, Kohl Mansion, Flood Mansion and other beautiful mansions in the Bay Area. 

We chose Ralston Hall Mansion because of its affordability. And because of Karen Boquist-Gelineau and Denise Winkelstein who are so gracious. They make you and your guests feel so welcome. They encourage you to put out framed family pictures on the several mantles and side tables throughout the lovely mansion.

Jewel's Pick for Best Hotel:

The Palace Hotel

San Francisco offers brides so many great options of luxury hotels. including the St. Regis, Ritz Carlton, the Westin St Francis, the new Intercontinental, Four Seasons, Fairmont, Mandarin Oriental, and Mark Hopkins.  We chose the Palace for its opulent appointments such as the stained glass ceiling and beautiful crystal chandeliers. 

50% to 80% Off Wedding Gown Sale for a Good Cause

Riddle Me This: What do you get when you put two of my very good friends Amy Kuschel and Bridget Brown (the brilliant brain behind Bella Bridesmaid) in a room? You get a fantastic sale that also supports two great causes.

Sunday, March 29, 12 PM - 4 PM

Amy Kuschel Bridal Design Studio

23 Grant Avenue, 5th Floor

San Francisco

RSVP strongly recommended at 415.956.5657

Amy Kuschel and Bella Bridesmaid have joined together with a sample sale of 50% off - YES that's right! - 50% off to benefit The Breast Cancer Fund and Marriage Equality, two causes which we strongly support.

Enjoy 50% off Amy Kuschel wedding gowns in designer sizes 6 to 18. Take 10% more off your gown purchase when you donate $20 to either The Breast Cancer Fund or Marriage Equality. 

When was the last time you saw gorgeous wedding accessories on sale. NEVER~ until now. Veils, designer brooches, earrings, necklaces, appliqued ribbons and beaded sashes are also 50% off.

So now you're riding high - you've got an original Amy Kuschel gown. Now, pick up a darling little Bella Bridesmaid dress for your rehearsal dinner just for your next party. Originally priced at $250, these lovely creations are now offered at $50! (checks and cash only). If I'm doing the math correctly, that's 80% off! Choose from designers like Melissa Sweet, Amsale, Simple Silhouettes and Vera Wang. A sale like this makes me wish I was a bride again.

Bouquets to Art: Postscript

You never know what someone else has had to endure to create and present their art. 

I contacted my good friend Karen at Plan Decor to congratulate her on the floral art she created for Bouquets to Art. She told me her art was originally supposed to be in front of one of the Andy Warhol images that was currently on display at the DeYoung Museum.

Oooooh...so it was supposed to be standing up, not lying down and it was supposed to be in front of a Warhol image known for its repetition and color. Now it all makes sense. Context is everything! 

As fellow artists, we completely understand when art is taken out of context. It may be beautiful all by itself, but you miss a lot of the meaning, the whimsy, the intelligence, and the fun with which it was created. I'm glad that we could fully appreciate Karen's masterpiece  by viewing this photo which a friend of Karen's shot when her arrangement was correctly placed in the exhibit.

This slight change of location has elevated Karen's piece from just something lovely to being one of my favorites in the whole exhibit.  Bravo Karen!

Bouquets to Art Part III: Best of Show

Here is the most spectacular work of art in the Bouquets to Art 2009 flower show. In fact, it's the most incredible installation I've ever seen at a Bouquets to Art exhibit in the five years I've attended.

It was designed and created by Natasha Lisitsa of Waterlily Pond. Look at the scale of this piece! It was an interpretation of the smallest sub-atomic particles in the universe and the largest. Very thought provoking and beautiful from every angle.

 

Above is a side view and to the left is a view looking straight up from the bottom. It was spectacular! I'm sorry a photograph cannot do it justice. People definitely stood there for a long time, in awe.

Below is a close-up view of a few of the hundreds and humdreds of anthuriums Natasha used in the artwork.

Bouquets to Art Part II: Our Favorites

Here are our favorites at the Bouquets to Art 2009 show.

We found this pairing of painting and flowers in a quiet corner of the exhibit. This floral design brilliantly picked up the style and color of the maid's apron in the basket. With judicious restraint, the artist carefully selected just a few blossoms to represent the color of the maid's salmon shawl, and the items in her basket. Creating a simple work of art can be as difficult as or even more so than a large piece. Maybe the more personal scale that would fit into anyone's home touches us more deeply. It invites us to get up close and really observe every element the artist considered.

Neil Hunt of Hunt Littlefield took a whimsical approach to his art and cut out a door in the same shape and size as the goose in the painting that inspired his artwork. The white phaelanopsis orchids cascading downward represent the goose. Brilliant interpretation and one of the most creative in the entire show!

Phyllis Brady of Twig & Ivy took a big chance. This floral work of art on a dressmaker's form uses muted colors and is very subtle. In a roomful of arrangements that screamed "Look at me!", you would have to seek this one out. But if you did, you were in for a treat. 

In addition to bringing in the same colors as in the painting which inspired her, the texture and composition of the flowers perfectly represents the impressionist's way of using points of light and color to create a harmonious whole. It was not so obvious up close, but when you stood back, you could see you were in the presence of a brilliant piece of art.

Karen Baba of Plan Decor created a simple floral art design that 100% perfectly reflected Andy Warhol's style. Warhol was well known for his 1960's pop art style of repeating an image in bright colors. 

Brilliant interpretation, Karen!

Pico Design's Pico Soriano's hands must hurt. He pulled the soft buds off of countless pussy willow branches to create this cute 3-D dog which relates to the boy and dog in the painting. It was different. It was creative. It was charming.

These two colorful creations capture the spirit of the gumball dispensers and the abstract splatter of bright colors, respectively. They succeed by combining a minimum number of flowers with some wrapped wires or white-washed vases to make everything appear to be floating on air. 

Bouquets to Art 2009 Part I

Yesterday we had a marvelous time feeding our souls at the DeYoung Museum's Bouquets to Art. There's one day left to see the exhibit of floral designs which interpret works of art. Here are some photos of floral artwork of wedding professionals we know and admire.

Isabella Sikaffy, Florabella

Isabella used pastel colored flowers to respresent the airiness of the impressionistic painting, and topped it off with orange flowers to highlight the girl's red-hair.

Pat Gibbons of Pat Gibbons Florals created this refreshing arrangement of white phaelanopsis orchids with bleached white curly willow as both an element of the arrangement and an element of the container. It was one of the most restful works of art we saw.  You can definitely imagine this arrangement at a stylish wedding!

Here is the inspiration for Rhonda Stoffel of Grace Street Floral and Event Design. Now see how she interpreted the grace and cool elegance of the marble statue with white anthuriums and various greens. You can feel the same flowing texture in the skirt symbolized by the rings of bear grass.

Laurel Winzler, Laurel Designs

Laurel interpreted a Mayan rubbing, with her floral arrangement emphasizing the harshness of life where everytime you played a soccer game, you were playing for your life, with human sacrifices to follow. 

Mandy Scott, Mandy Scott Flowers

Mandy covered a picture frame in leaves to symbolize the bookstore window in the painting. Then, she used a variety of tulips to symbolize the books in the painting.

Paige Benjamin of Passiflora Designs is known for her use of color and fanciful balls of fresh flowers. Love what she's done with the curly willow to expand this creation's reach. Even the shadow it casts on the wall is artistic.

Your Wedding Day Spring 2009

We have been editing a project that is special and dear to us lately. But every now and again, I let myself out for networking that promises to be fun and fabulous.

Last night did not disappoint. I attended the launch party for Your Wedding Day Magazine's Spring, 2009 issue, hosted by ever-gracious editor-in-chief Thea Lignos-Hargrove at the Wildflower Linens Studio in San Francisco.

So what do we see? The magazine is gorgeous. Bridal fashions this year have a lot of ruffles; bridesmaids dresses have simple lines, luxurious fabrics and are cocktail length. I overheard a top florist saying that whereas in past years there were distinct colors that defined the season (remember lilac, then red, then celadon green?), this year there was no such defining color. Brides were confidently selecting personal palettes. 

And decor? Think ultra posh lounge, with great examples on page 155, designed by Michelle at MB Wedding Designs, and on page 167 designed by Cobalt Events. Sophisticated, inviting, colorful, FUN!

In addition to the 100's of beautiful pictures which show the latest trends, there are informative articles. Lisa Edd of Here Comes the Guide offered 12 tips for planning a multicultural wedding. And, how do you keep the marriage fresh? The Relationship Corner offers sound advice whether you're married 1 year or 100 years.

One of the real joys of attending an event like this is renewing friendships with old friends and discovering talented people. If you have a minute, check out these photographer's portfolios: Tinywater (distinctive use of color), Darcy Weddings (photographed Pres Obama's inauguration for a major photo agency), Adeline & Grace (a fresh point of view) as well as the superb event design of Sam Leftwich (think SF Ballet galas) and I Do! (Julie Nunn Martin, recently featured on WEtv's Platinum Weddings).

Alltop Introduces My Alltop

Blog. Blog. Blog. There are so many blogs in the blogosphere, but not many devices to organize and sort them out. And who better to do it than you? Now Guy Kawasaki's Alltop offers just that. You can create your own page, selecting just those blogs you enjoy. Then sort them to your heart's delight. 

Here's one of my new My.Alltop pages. I'd like to add more blogs, but am not sure I can if they are not "Alltop approved". So, if you have a great wedding-related blog, apply to Alltop to be added to their list so I can add you to mine.

A Savvy Event

Savvy: [sav-ee] 1. to know; understand, 2. shrewdly informed; experienced, 3. common sense; practical understanding, 4. discerning.

Our friends at A Savvy Event have launched their fabulous new website. 

If you are looking for a casually chic and elegant wedding in wine country, call A Savvy Event. These ladies have style, taste, pizzazz and an eye for just the right detail. 

Although they serve many clients, each wedding LOOKS unique. Because, as they explain, every bride IS unique. They take the time to understand each couple's requirements and then, based on their experience, they combine  practical choices with a discerning taste for a marvelous look and a smooth-running day. Call to visit their adorable studio in Sonoma. Then spend the day enjoying the beautiful countryside.

Blog in Paradise

Do these pictures tempt you to run away to paradise? Well if you can't, the next best thing is to become a fan of our good friend Evonne Wong's new blog Away Soiree.

Evonne is an incredible wedding and event planner, based in Hawaii and San Francisco. She is the real deal. She is so energetic, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, fun, sassy, organized, dedicated, creative, generous, gracious...oh, I could go on. 

She has had an interesting blog for quite awhile but just launched a new and improved (if that's possible) blog about destination weddings. Check it out!

Valentine's Day Cards

There are many legends about the origins of St Valentine's Day, all revolving around a good-hearted priest. 

One thing we associate with Valentine's Day is a small token of affection between friends and lovers, often a card or hand written note. But why exchange love notes just on one day a year? Our favorite stationers, in additon to offering fabulously wonderful wedding invitations, have wonderful collections of notecards and greeting cards. This is the perfect time to send a little 'love note' to our favorite stationers on Valentine's Day.

Viola Sutanto, 

Chewing the Cud

Sabrina and Eunice Moyel, 

Hello! Lucky

Melissa Bumstead, 

Smitten Invitations

Cat Seto

Twig & Fig

Bella Bridesmaid, You're Beautiful

If you asked a friend you REALLY liked to be your bridesmaid, where would you go to find her a beautiful dress?  Bella Bridesmaid, of course! And what dress might you choose? One from Hannah Williams who just happens to have a trunk show of her Queue dress collection on February 14.  Great fabrics. Great colors. And I love the little flower appliques the designer carefully places on the bodice, around the hem or even on the whole skirt, like the full length gown in the picture to the left.  

Another adorable little detail you just have to see are the cocktail length dresses with a tiny bit of tulle peeking out. The designer created her collection so each dress worked well for weddings as well as for other events.  Finally.  It's no longer a lie - you CAN wear that beautiful dress again.

As I was looking at all the gorgeous bridesmaid's dresses at Bella Bridesmaid, it occurred to me that some of these bridesmaids dresses could be worn by a bride.  Some of the designers such as Alix & Kelly and Jenny Yoo offer just that - simple silhouettes, in white or off-white, in sensational fabrics such as silk, chiffon or taffeta for as little as $650.  For a non-traditional bride, imagine accessorizing with a metallic shoe or just a touch of feathers in the hair.  For the groom?  Maybe a '40's or '50's retro tuxedo or dark suit with tie to complement the bridal party.  

The ladies at Bella Bridesmaid are just so nice and the store is airy and inviting. So before the big Valentine's Night celebration, take your bridesmaids to 2250 Union Street and have a bella, bella beautiful day.

Wedding University Coming Soon!

Learning is a lifelong pursuit...so here's your chance to learn much more about how to choose wisely when engaging wedding professionals.  

We are honored to have been selected to represent the category of videography and cinematography at the First Annual Wedding University of the Bay Area.  And, we were the first professional Jubilee Lau, the organizer blogged about in The Wedding University blog.

This is by no means a wedding fair.  It is an all-day seminar filling with practical, useful, HONEST information on how to stretch your wedding dollars regardless of budget.  You have direct access to great wedding professionals from 19 different companies.  We've worked with most and can recommend them to you on a professional and personal level. Plus, you will get to sample great Four Seasons Hotel food, drink and cakes; see examples of excellent wedding design, learn how to dance, and see a runway show of men's and women's fashions.

Here are the details:

Sunday, February 8, 11 AM - 5 PM

Four Seasons Hotel, Silicon Valley

2050 University Avenue, East Palo Alto

$25 for 1 person | $40 for 2 people

Free Self-Parking

Please RSVP to Cassie Conching, 650.470.2894 or 

     Jubilee Lau, 408.235.8889

Space is limited, so please call early to avoid disappointment.

The assembled experts are:

Event Planning: Jubilee Lau | Jubilee Lau Events and

     Jean Marks | Jean Marks Weddings

Event Design: Gloria Wong Tritasavit| Sash & Sugar

Catering, Cakes and Venues: Julie Kiendra | Four Seasons Hotel

Invitations:  Viola Sutanto | Chewing the Cud

Floral Design: Nancy Liu Chin | Nancy Liu Chin Designs

Tabletop and Furniture Rentals: Heidi Bianchi | Hartmann Studios

Linens and Chair Covers: Lily Yeung |Wildflower Linens

Lighting:  John and Megan Woods | Enhanced Lighting

Cinematography:  Chuck & Jewel Savadelis | Savadelis Films

Photography:  Geoff and Lara White | Geoff White Photographers 

     and Kevin Chin | Kevin Chin Photography

Beauty: Armando | Get Your Do Up

Bridal Gowns:  Gabrielle Medrano-Contreras | Gabrielle's Bridal Salon

Tuxedos: Dan Thomas | Eli Thomas for Men

DJs: Ron Grandia | A Different Kind of DJ and Carl Mindling | The Only DJ

Dance Instructor: Cynthia Glinka | On the Dance Floor

Music Agent:  Peter Rudolfi | Artists in Music

San Francisco Brides Magazine Coming Soon...

Just four more days until the debut issue of San Francisco Brides hits the newsstands on December 15.  It is rumored that this highly anticipated sleek magazine published  by Modern Luxury (same folks that publish San Francisco Magazine) contains some over-the-top weddings by the Bay Area's best wedding designers as well as ideas for brides of all budgets.  Mary Jo Bowling, Editor is on top of all things stylish and luxurious.

I can't wait!  I'm planning to scarf up my copy and relax in the hot tub while  savoring every page.

It's high time San Francisco had a great brides magazine.

Life Is a Jubilee

It is often difficult to brag about accomplishments of which you are justifiably proud.  But then, along comes a colleague who, over the years, has become a true friend.  And, she so eloquently speaks out on your behalf.  We are lucky enough to have such a friend, Jubilee Lau of Jubilee Lau Events.  

Jubilee is, hands down, the most beloved event planner in the Bay Area.  She is the complete package.  She...

o  Listens carefully, really understands the couple's style and priorities and interprets their vision.

o  Advises couples honestly.

o  Pampers her couples but never attempts to control them. 

o  Is highly creative in her designs.

o  Is thorough in planning and implementing the wedding day.

o  Reads the mood of the crowd, is flexible and readjusts the schedule on the fly rather than having a slavish and foolish consistency to the schedule.

o  Is thoughtful and caring in her relationships with not just the bride and groom. but with their families and guests.

o  Treats professionals with respect and courtesy and can convince a "fully engaged" professional to be available for her clients.  Why?  Because she creates an atmosphere of mutual cooperation and support and gives each professional what they need to do their best.

Here is what she said about us in her December 3, 2008 blog entry.  

Discovering talent is a part of my job, but discovering Savadelis Films was one of the best treasures of my career. There is a reason why the owner's name is JEWEL! She is definitely a jewel to me, and to many, many brides and grooms out there.

If you visit my website, you will see many different trailers from Savadelis Films. I have had the pleasure of working with them on many special weddings and events through the years. Each time they send me a completed wedding movie of our mutual client, I can be sure that I will be both laughing and crying as I watch it. They are really THAT good!

If you want a wedding video that looks like everyone else's, they are not the right ones for you. With each couple that they work with, they go to great lengths to discover everything about them and their families, their wedding visions, and their wedding details. From that, they will capture your unique story, like no others.....and you will get to pass this beautiful memory on for generations to come! It's the ultimate way to preserve all the special moments of your wedding day!

We recently finished another spectacular wedding together at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, and here is the amazing trailer that they put together. It completely captured the tempo of that day, and is a true reflection of the couple's fun personality. Enjoy!!