As Seen In: Martha Stewart Weddings

I was honored and excited when the ladies at Martha Stewart Weddings asked me to contribute to the Expert Advice feature on The Bride's Guide. Rehearsal dinners are such a fun way to kick off the wedding weekend, but planning one can raise a lot of questions. From the guest list to making it memorable, here are my tips for hosting this special night.

As Seen In: C Magazine

Speaking of amazing rehearsal dinner sites, check out the new Spring issue of C Magazine for my tips on great rehearsal dinner spots all over California. I must say, this is one of the best wedding magazines I have seen for quite some time. Thanks C! xo

Hall Wine Cave Rehearsal Dinner: Holly + Michael

Hall Wine Cave is one of my favorite spots for an intimate rehearsal dinner. The cave is pristine yet welcoming and the perfect showcase for  Hall's extensive art collection and phenomenal wines. Deep in the cave lies the perfect spot for a dinner with close family and friends - a room that is filled with a sparkling chandelier that resembles an upside down tree. After cocktails on the veranda overlooking the vineyards, guests make their way through the tunnels lined with oak barrels to dine under the glimmer of the tree chandelier. It makes for a truly magical evening.

Venue and Catering by Hall Rutherford. Photography by Meg Smith. Flowers by Kathleen Deery Design.

Coming Soon: Holly + Michael's Hall Wine Cave Rehearsal Dinner

I'm working on a post of Holly and Michael's rehearsal dinner to share with you! The wine cave at Hall is one of my favorite spots for an intimate rehearsal dinner. Check in later this week. xo Photo by Meg Smith.

Calistoga Rehearsal Dinner: Dabney + Rob

Dabney and Rob hosted a simply elegant rehearsal dinner at Calistoga Ranch the evening before they said "I do" in the Napa Valley. Calistoga Ranch is one of my favorite venues - it's luxurious and lush and each part of the property blends seamlessly with the breathtaking surroundings. (I also love to escape for a weekend for a little R&R at their spa!) For Dabney and Rob's rehearsal dinner, we played off the resort's amazing scenery with a fun moss and stone escort table and lots of wood details. The whole look was stunning!

Photography by Meg Smith. Venue and Catering Calistoga Ranch. Floral design by Kathleen Deery Design. Printed materials by PS Paper.

Coming Soon: Calistoga Rehearsal Dinner

I'm working on a stunning rehearsal dinner at the Calistoga Ranch to show you next week! Check back soon. xo Photo by Meg Smith

Italian Inspired Rehearsal Dinner: Nikki + Chad

Nikki and Chad welcomed guests to their Italian inspired rehearsal dinner with cocktails on the croquet lawn at The Breakers Palm Beach. Event designer, Renny & Reed, flew in beautiful trees from New York which we centered the stations around. Reed even incorporated mini versions of the trees for the escort table. We hung the amazing escort cards from Mr. Boddington's Studio from the little branches.

After cocktails, guests feasted on an exquisite Italian dinner in the majestic Circle Ballroom. To start, a trio of pastas including a light-as-air sweet potato gnocchi, followed by The Breaker's take on a caesar salad - a combination of roasted garlic dressing, topped with a balsamic reduction and jumbo stuffed fried olives. Everyone raved about the veal with a skillet of polenta and spinach and could not believe their eyes when the meal finished with an enormous gelato sundae! The amazing meal was enhanced by the perfect wine pairings that The Breaker's master sommelier, Virginia Philip, picked for the meal.

Nikki surprised Chad and the rest of her guests by booking The Three Waiters for dinner entertainment. If you're not familiar, The Three Waiters are amazing singers disguised as actual waiters. Throughout dinner, they put on a bit of a show (it's quite funny and guests totally buy into the act.) At the end of the meal, the waiters are revealed as the amazing singers that they are and put on an astounding performance. Check out the photo below of guest Jerry Rice  - he loved it!

My Favorite Detail? The escort cards from Mr. Boddington's Studio. The wax seal with the couple's monogram made them so special. Plus, I loved how guests wore them on their wrists throughout cocktails!

Venue and Catering by The Breakers Palm Beach. Photography by Abby Ross. Event design and florals by Renny & Reed. Printed Materials by Mr. Boddington's Studio. Calligraphy by Leigh Wells.

Wine Country Rehearsal Dinner: Susan + Ben

Susan and Ben hosted a casual rehearsal dinner at Paraduxx Winery to kick off their wedding weekend in the Napa Valley. Paraduxx, part of the Duckhorn family of wineries, was a fun location for guests to kick back outdoors while sampling some of their great wines. Guests tasted all of the wines that Paraduxx has to offer while also nibbling on a fantastic spread of local cheeses. After the wine tasting, guests moved outdoors for a buffet style dinner under a canopy of glowing lights.

My Favorite Detail? I loved the narrow long tables dressed in a fun linen. The tables really enhanced the intimate feel Susan and Ben were striving for.

Flowers by Valley Flora. Photography by Fairbanks and Fairbanks. Location Paraduxx Winery.

Rehearsal Dinner at Bistro Jeanty

Bistro Jeanty is one of my favorite spots for a casual rehearsal dinner in the Napa Valley. The food is delicious (try the bread pudding!) and the service is warm and inviting. I snapped this photo last weekend before guests arrived to kick-off a beautiful wedding weekend. I can't wait to share the wedding with you - it was so romantic! Flowers by Kathleen Deery Design.