As Seen In: San Francisco Brides

The lovely ladies at San Francisco Brides were kind enough to feature 2(!) of my weddings in the Wedding Glamor issue. If you are in the Bay Area, be sure to scoop up a copy and check out the fabulous weddings of Caitlin + Mark and Sarah + Joe. Or click here to view the issue online. Thanks Mary Jo + Erin!

It Begins

I've got a wedding in San Francisco this weekend so please excuse the lack of posts. I promise to be back next week with some fun inspiration and hopefully a great Q + A. Thanks for stopping by!

Weekly Inspiration: Over the Top Wedding Cake

This pagoda cake is from a wedding I did ages ago, but I never tire of its amazing details and grand scale. It's a true work of art. Cake by Perfect Endings (of course!) and amazing design by Stanlee R. Gatti .

Words of Wisdom: Wedding Etiquette

Over the past 15 years, I have found myself sharing the same etiquette tidbits with many couples. So, for the sake of not sounding like a broken record, I thought I would compile a few and share them. I know some people find etiquette stuffy and outdated, but I think being appropriate never goes out of style.

Wedding Etiquette 101

* When someone is toasting you, you should not drink at the conclusion of the toast. Just smile and say "thank you". Also, if most of the group cannot see you during the toast it is always appropriate to stand up.

* Never include your name on the back flap of an invitation envelope. It is for your address only.

* Never use your joint monogram or joint "thank you" notes before the wedding. Save it for the menu cards and escort cards at the wedding reception.

* You should not list where you are registered on any printed material. Instead, spread the word on your wedding website or let your friends and family handle it!

* If you invite someone to your engagement party, they must be invited to the wedding. Be sure to consider this when compiling the guest list for your engagement party!

* It is not necessary to include "and guest" when inviting a single. But, it is always thoughtful if your budget or venue permit! If the person is engaged, you must include the significant other by name on the invite.

Mix & Match: Tabula Tua's Blog

Just got word that Tabula Tua has launched their own blog! Be sure to follow them for great entertaining inspiration and tips. PS. If you haven't read it, be sure to check out owner Grace Tsao-Wu's wedding registry advice here.

From Napa with Love: Holly + Michael

Oh, what can I say about Holly and Michael? They are truly the sweetest couple one could ever hope to meet. Their love and respect for each other show through everything they do.

Holly and Michael planned their wedding with such loving attention to detail and it showed. Guests traveled from all over the country to join them in celebrating 3 days of wedding events in the Napa Valley, including a wine tasting welcome reception at Rubicon Estates and a casual patio brunch at Brix. Holly and Michael really wanted their guests to experience the best of the Napa Valley, so they included a list of their favorite restaurants, wineries and activities as part of their guests' welcome baskets. One Favorite? The Model Bakery, owned by Holly's good friend, offers tasty pastries and picnic essentials. The Model Bakery also created Holly and Michael's delicious wedding cake!

The wedding was classically elegant. The ceremony at Mont La Salle Chapel in Napa featured the Ragazzi Boys Chorus. Holly and Michael selected a beautiful color palatte of butter yellow, platinum and white. After the ceremony, guests were transported to a private estate where they enjoyed a lovely 3-course dinner from Paula LeDuc Fine Catering under a sailcloth tent from Zephyr Tents. After the cake cutting, guests were lead into a lounge in a separate tent, where we set up an elaborate dessert buffet and after-dinner drinks.

My Favorite Moment? The best man's toast was so memorable and perfectly executed. He clearly thought about it a lot and it showed. There was not a dry eye in the house after his toast. It was extra special because he is terrified of public speaking and you couldn't tell at all!

Ceremony held at Mont La Salle Chapel, Napa. Reception held at a private estate in the Napa Valley. Photography by Meg Smith. Catering by Paula LeDuc Fine Catering. Flowers by Kathleen Deery Design. Dinner music by Richard Olsen Orchestra, booked through Innovative Entertainment. String group for cocktails by KLC Music. Ceremony Music by the Ragazzi Boys Chorus. Printed materials by A Day in May Design. Wedding Cake by The Model Bakery. Antique Car from Mosaic Transportation. Bride's gown by Joan Gilbert Bride. Bride's hair and bridal party hair /make-up by Wallett.

Weekly Inspiration: Patriotic Picnic

Feeling a bit patriotic today. Hope you enjoyed a nice holiday weekend with your friends and family. I have a featured wedding post planned this week of a stunning Napa Valley wedding - you won't want to miss it! Photo by Miguel Fairbanks.