Hot Spot: Palace of Fine Arts

Congrats to my most recent clients! Leah and Josh got married Memorial Day weekend at an intimate ceremony held at Fay Park and celebrated their marriage with an intimate group of friends and family at the San Francisco Art Institute.

The day was perfect despite a disaster that happened one hour before the ceremony: the photographers' cameras (two D-800s), laptops and peripheral equipment were stolen with less than 60 minutes to get new equipment! I was quick to dial pro shop, Calumet, in Potrero Hill and my day-of assistant drove one of the two photographers there so they could purchase new equipment -- and got back just in time. Leah and Josh got hitched without even knowing about the mishap (and how much of a nail biter the whole incident was) until two days later. Whew!

The photo below is from their "Trash the Dress" session a week later with Sierra Blanco Photography. Here's to Leah and Josh!

Paul Chinn / The Chronicle

On a recent Saturday, newlyweds Joshua and Leah S. seemed oblivious to the world as their big day was documented amid the Palace's grandeur.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/06/08/LVHD1OQ8BL.DTL#ixzz1xWmn9L1N

Real Wedding: Britta & Kyle at Flora Grubb Gardens

I am excited to share Britta and Kyle's wedding with you. This awesome couple hired me to help them from A to Z and put together their intimate wedding celebration on a budget. Since they had just moved to the Bay Area from South America, they needed help finding a venue that was untraditional and unique -- Flora Grubb Gardens in San Francisco was one of three venues I presented and they went with it! It totally reflected their style and playfulness. :)

And I enjoyed working with my dream team of wedding vendors -- like Stephen Hughes (Photography), Alison Okabayashi of Two for Two Cakes (who did my own), Pilar Zuniga of Gorgeous and Green Events, Tiffany Wu of Devoted Catering, Robin White aka DJ Kuya for sound equipment, Brett Smith (DJ), Henry Perez of Event Magic for lighting, Gwen Alaura of Classic Party Rentals, Jaimee and Sterling Nuzum of Green Cheeze Photobooths, invitation design by Lilli Keinaenen, Vanessa Beckrum on makeup and Jenna Bates on hair, Dyer Limo, and of course, my rock star, assistant, Brittany Piehl.

We are in the process of submitting to blogs, so we can't share more, but we'll share the good news when it comes!

(c) Stephen Hughes Photography 2011 / Please do not copy. Thank you - Vera Devera

My pics of the week: e-sessions that rock

As I mentioned before, Pinterest is one rad tool  for curating and sharing all the pretty things you find online!

I decided to look up some of the photographers I love working with and see what they have been up to recently. Here's a peek of some photos I added to my "E-sessions that rock" board.

P.S. Feel free to add me on Pinterest!

Aren't they the cat's meow? Photo by Jerry Yoon Photography (c) 2011

Rain didn't stop them from having a great e-session. Photo by Jerry Yoon (c) 2011

This gal's dress is sweet! Photo by Andi Hatch Photography (c) 2011

Eat, love, play. How did the bride jump in those heels? Photo by Dorothy Hatchel (c) 2011

Beautiful shot in this spiral staircase. Photo by W Photography (c) 2011

A Delectable San Francisco Inspired Menu

The Bentley Reserve (American Caviar, Boiled Eggs and Smoked Salmon Layered between Buckwheat Belini w/ Chive Crème Fraiche; menu by Chef Rebecca Alonzi, Seasonal Elegance

Over the weekend, Lisa and Michael celebrated their anniversary at their beautiful home overlooking San Francisco. The first time I met them was when I was a server at their rehearsal dinner four years ago! How time flies! I was very excited when Lisa asked me to help her throw an intimate anniversary party, which also came with the news that they were moving to the East Coast to be closer to family.

They wanted a menu where their guests wouldn't have to use utensils, so together we came up with a rolling cocktail hour (3 selections would come out every hour). I decided to get Chef Rebecca Alonzi, owner of Seasonal Elegance, on board. I mentioned our idea about doing a "tour" of San Francisco using food. Becca loved the idea and ran with it. 

Below is the inventive menu she created for this special event -- I hope it inspires you and I would highly recommend Becca to bring it to life if you're planning on a San Francisco destination wedding. The food was superb!

By the way, entertainment was provided by my very own Guitar Fred (at Lisa's special request) and Brad Barton, the Reality Thief (who delighted guests with his amazing talent in the art of persuasion). The chocolate-mocha cake was made by Karoline, Becca's pastry chef, and topped with a mini Golden Gate Bridge.

The Beach Blanket Babylon; menu by Chef Rebecca Alonzi, Seasonal Elegance

A San Francisco Inspired Menu by Seasonal Elegance

24th and Mission

Seared Bay Scallop over Saffron Risotto w/ Green Olive and Red Bellpepper Coulis

Pacific Catch

Wild Hamachi Sashimi, Coconut-Green Curry Vinaigrette, Fried Ginger, Cucumber on a Wonton Crisp

Route 101

Apple Turnip Cake, Smoked Trout, Watercress and Horseradish Crème Fraiche

Mercado Sabrosa

Slow Braised Chicken in Sweet Corn Masa, Traditional Red Mole, in a one-bite Banana Leaf

Lobster Lafayette

Lobster-Corn Ravioli with Basil-Mint Oil and Vanilla and Meyer Lemon Zest

Beach Blanket Babylon

Char-Grilled Crostini with Olive Oil Poached Octopus and Parsley-Caper Pesto

China Town Bistro

5-Spice Beef Brisket Sliders on cheddar chive biscuits with tender braised beef and Napa Cabbage Slaw

Saturday Morning Market Stall

Grilled Peach Pesto, Fresh Burrata Cheese and Olive Oil Crostini

Fisherman’s Harvest

Fresh Oysters, Lightly Grilled, Tomato Chokha Coulis

The Blue Beat

We had a late night call with the leader of the trio performing for our wedding last night to confirm the details (what they're playing, contract, etc). 

Live music just adds a great ambiance to any event and I'm glad we're able to afford Quinn DeVeaux and the Blue Beat Review. Because of the sound restrictions at our venue (no amplification!), Quinn won't be backed by his normal 7-piece band, but he will be singing and playing guitar and accompanied by a pianist and upright bassist. 

Their sound is upbeat 60-70s blues with a dash of gospel, soul and rock. Quinn and the trio will perform original music as well as some standards. Check 'em out online or else at a club in the Bay Area.

Quinn Deveaux @ Chasing The Moon 9.04.09 from Scott McDowell on Vimeo.

Meet Le's Kitchen Catering

{Photo from Le's Kitchen Catering}

My friend, Patrina, introduced me to Ava Le of Le's Kitchen Catering a couple years ago and ever since, I've been a fan and have even hired her for a couple events. If you're looking for contemporary Asian cuisine, look no further. [By the way, the banh mi, or Petite Asian Chicken Baguettes (see above; sliced and marinated chicken in five spices served with pickled cucumbers, carrots and daikon radish over buttered French baguette) are amazing!]

Here's my interview with Ava:

1.  Why did you decide to go into catering? What are you passionate about?

I was very fortunate to grow up in a large family where the culture of food was a staple in and of itself. My mother has been a chef ever since I can remember, so growing up, I consistently found myself in the family kitchen or at my mother's restaurant watching her create delicious meals that brought so many people together.  Even after graduating from college with a degree in business and economics, culinary arts continued to play a large role in my everyday life.  So it was natural that I ended up back where it all began for me and ventured into business with my mother.  With my business and management background, and her culinary excellence, we created Le’s Kitchen (she is the Le of Le’s Kitchen!); a boutique family-run catering company with a passion for bringing together the very best flavors from my childhood memories and her rich history.  In my experience, nothing brings people closer together than warm and inviting meals, whether you are creating them, or simply enjoying them together.

 

2.  How would you describe your style? What do you think sets you apart from other caterers?

Traditional yet Elegant and Simple.  I believe Le’s Kitchen has been successful because we have been able to bridge together the gap between today’s chic generation of Asian Americans with that of our parents and ancestors.  We are one of the very few offsite Asian wedding caterers, and we are able to take the traditional Asian wedding banquet out of the restaurant and bring it into our couple’s beautiful venue of choice, whether it is a winery, grand ballroom, art gallery, museum, or even their  backyard. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.  We allow our couples to honor their families with a traditional banquet, and at the same time, the couple can bring in their own contemporary style and sophistication.

3.  What is your favorite part of a wedding?

For me it would have to be the dancing portion.  When all the “I do’s” are said, people are fed, drinks are served, and cake is cut, it’s time for people to let loose and just relax.  By this time of the evening, the bride and groom are fully relaxed with most of the day's activities behind them.  Everyone just gets on the dance floor and you can feel the energy, love, and relief of pressure exuding from the dance floor. 

4.  What has been your favorite wedding so far? What made it so special?

I don’t know if I can pick a favorite wedding, but I definitely have favorite moments from the weddings we’ve catered over the years. I catered a wedding where the couple was probably the most reserved people you’ll ever meet.  But when the day came, they surprised their guests with a live serenade while both playing the guitar. Both had been taking lessons! All the guests were shocked and amazed when they took the stage.  It was a great gift from such an unlikely couple!

5.  What would be your dream wedding to cater?

Over the years we have catered for so many wonderful clients and in many beautiful venues.  But I would have to say any destination wedding would be lovely.

Bridesmaids get-together: Green Gulch

{Photo from Sunset Magazine}

I'm getting excited about a daytrip I'm planning to take with my four bridesmaids -- they all don't know each other very well so I thought heading to Green Gulch Zen Center would be a nice introduction.

I read about the Center in a recent issue of Sunset Magazine. Here's a snippet of the suggested itinerary. [Fortunately, you don't have to do all the activities -- as they told me, you can come and go as you please. How Zen is that? :)]

A DAY AT GREEN GULCH
8:15 am: Just be still
Make your way down a path to the zendo, a Japanese-style meditation hall converted from a barn. Clasp your hands and remove your shoes for an hour of instruction.When it’s time for meditation, cross your legs. Sit up straight. Gaze softly ahead. Breathe normally. Don’t sleep. Thoughts will arise: Let them. After 45 minutes of silence, a bell rings.


11:15 am: Nourish the soul
After a dharma talk on Buddhism or meditation, and before a Q&A with the teacher, it’s break time outside the zendo. Have tea and a fresh muffin or a warm loaf of sesame bread, made from the classic Tassajara Bread Book, from Green Gulch’s parent San Francisco Zen Center.


2:30 pm: Take a hike
The sheltered sands of Muir Beach are just a half-mile walk down valley from the gardens, past the center’s organic farm. For a longer hike, head up the ridge on the Green Gulch Trail to link to the Coastal Trail for a loop back to the center with splendid ocean views (about 3 miles).


Take it home: At the 11:15 tea break, look for baskets of produce grown right here on the farm. In spring, that might be spinach, kale, and chard. You can also pick up a jar of the center’s homemade organic plum or quince jam ($5.50) at the tea break or from the bookstore.

What kind of outings do you have planned with your bridesmaids?

Inspiration #74: A Musical E-session

I'm super excited about coordinating Joanne and Vincent's wedding at the Four Seasons San Francisco this coming Saturday. They're such an adorable couple and here the photos to prove it (thanks to photographer, Caroline Tran). Joanne was also just featured on San Francisco Style Unveiled and even had some kind words to share about me (Va de Vie Events). 

Joanne and Vincent's playful guitar prop has definitely given me and Guitar Fred a few ideas on how our e-session might look.Click here to see more of this fabulous e-session.

 

 {Photos by Caroline Tran; featured on StyleUnveiled.com}

Destination for DIY Divas: Workshop SF

I got today's Workshop SF newsletter and I'm driving myself crazy trying to decide which class to take. If only every major city had its own Workshop (and if you do, let me know!).

Here's the scoop: 

Located in an airy eight-hundred square foot space on the corner of Baker and McAllister, Workshop offers affordable DIY classes to the public, taught by many of the fabulous, creative folks from the Indie Mart, local designers, and of course, Kelly Malone. Classes range from the single class for the commitment-phobics, to the more detailed, multi-day classes for those truly desiring to learn their craft. Workshop is equipped with a complete silk screening facility, sewing machines, button machines,and lots of tools for cutting, printing, building, and making. Workshop also offers a library stocked with how-to books, design books, and old magazines to turn the light bulb over your head to ON.

The list of classes you can take are tantalizing -- and affordable. I've got an inquiry too on their private party offerings (like bachelorette and bridal showers -- woo hoo!).

• DIY Mixology: Limoncello, Atholl Brose, and Absinthe Infusions $38 
• Screening Stationary and Cards $25 
• Late Night Screening $38 
• Heavy Metal Aerobics $10
• Screen And Sew: Pet Pillows $34
• Shrinky Dink Personalized Gifts $25
• Glass Jar Terrariums $30
• Sewing 101: Machine And Hand Basics $30
   

  

Gorgeous and Green

I was on my way to rendezvous with Guitar Fred, when I walked by a cute store that beckoned to me with a wall of succulents. Yes, a wall. My jaw dropped and I wandered in and to the right, I saw a wall of jewel-toned vintage glass and plenty of fine white milk glass (which is what we're using in our 10/10/10 wedding). I then realized that this was the new retail shop for Gorgeous and Green Events by Pilar Zuniga that I had heard about from three of my bride-clients!

I have admired Pilar's work from afar and I was excited to get up close and personal. Brides -- if you're looking to bring inspiration you see on Style Me Pretty or 100 Layer Cake to life, you must stop here. If you decide to DIY, you can purchase or rent pieces from Pilar. Or, just hire her! The following is my interview with Pilar.

Q. How did you get started?

A. I've always been crafty and creative and grew up doing floral design with my Aunt, but I really jumped in to wedding and event design with my own wedding. My husband and I wanted to plan a celebration that would be sustainable and not as polluting as most weddings and events. So, I did a lot of research and started to become my own green wedding expert. After helping a few friends, I decided to start a business.

Q. What do you love most about designing events? What inspires you?

A. I love being creative. A full day of work will go by and I won't realize it, because I get to use my brain and make things with my hands, it's what I love. I try to get inspired by the people I work with and their stories. Of course, I also get inspired by living things, plants, flowers, animals, the forest, etc. I also like most things vintage, so I'm partial to the 1940's and 1960's and everything kitchy about old eras, like Candy stores from Willy Wonka or Diamonds, Pearls and Silk and Black and White movies from Hollywood.

Find out more about Gorgeous and Green and what surprises Pilar most about being married at the Bay Area Bride Guide.

Scouting in Napa

I'm very excited to be working with a lovely couple who met onstage -- she's a ballerina and he's an opera singer (in fact, he was at San Francisco Opera just before I started working there in 2004)! They're getting married in a very unique venue in Napa -- the historic Napa Valley Opera House.

We met up over the weekend and I took advantage of checking out a few wedding-related businesses on my trip there: Sift, a cupcakery; Avia, a swank boutique hotel; Ubuntu, a Michelin-star rated restaurant and Betty's Girl Boutique, a vintage clothing store specializing in evening wear. If you're planning a wedding in Napa wine country, here's a few places to consider:

Sift (1000 Main Street, Napa): Just next door to the Napa Valley Opera House, this cupcakery houses not only sweet treats but also style -- as in fashion clothing! I had never seen cupcake flavors like Pink Champagne (fresh raspberry cake and champagne frosting) or Snickerdoodle (moist vanilla cake with cinnamon and sugar cream cheese frosting and cookie on top) at other Bay Area cupcakeries, so I was impressed with their range. I sampled the two aforementioned as well as the popular Ooh La La (red velvet cake) and The Sky is Falling (chocolate cake with white chocolate mousse filling and chocolate frosting).Cupcakes are $30 a dozen ($2.75 each), or you can get mini-cupcakes for $20/dozen (2 dozen minimum). Kara's Cupcakes, another popular Bay Area cupcakery, is $0.25 cents more, so Sift may be a serious contender for cupcakes by price and also flavor.

 

{Sift Cupcakery: Sweet Side}

{The Cake Plate: Fashion Side}

Betty's Girl Boutique (1239 1st Street): Just a minute's walk from Sift is Betty's Girl Boutique. As I entered, I could hear girls squealing with delight as they tried on vintage prom dresses.  The owner, Kim, customizes bridal dresses as well. Kim wouldn't share any photos since her designs are proprietary but she does have an album in store that shows off what she can do for brides on a budget or who want to go all out vintage. Her Yelp reviews boast a lot of happy, loyal customers.

Avia Hotel (1450 1st Street): At first glance, the Avia looks like another modern office building, but the doormen standing outside beckoned me to come in. I was greeted by a very serene and posh lounge to my left and a tree carving that hid the elevator doors just beyond. The restaurant in the back features an open kitchen so you can see the chef and line cooks at work and the second floor offers a great terrace with a couple porch swings and fire pit. Rates are pricey (starting at $179) but discounts are possible when blocking off rooms.

 

Ubuntu (1140 Main Street): This Michelin-star rated vegetarian restaurant offers not only food, but yoga and a fine wine store at its Annex. At the heart of the restaurant’s cuisine is the seasonal produce grown at the owner’s two acre biodynamic garden and vineyard. Dining at Ubuntu will carry a hefty pricetag ($31-50 per person) but the experience will be memorable with dishes like Hakurei turnips with braised greens, caramelized Napa sunchoke and Fuji apple chowder and warm quince soffrito donuts with cool burata.

Destination Wedding: Mendocino Part II

Sorry for the long break. We had zero cell phone reception and we left our laptops at home to take a real break from the world in Mendocino. The weekend was amazing and I hope that someday I get to plan a wedding for bride in Mendocino. 

We really fell in love with Mendocino Country -- from the coast to the rolling hills of Anderson Valley wine country. For San Francisco brides on a budget, why not honeymoon in Mendocino?

{Handlery Vineyard - Anderson Valley, Hwy 128}

{Picturesque Historic Presbyterian Church (1859) -- perfect for a wedding; Mendocino}

{Cafe Beaujolais is a highly rated French-California cuisine restaurant that hosts intimate wedding receptions in its modern sage green and white dining room or greenhouse}

{The town is peppered with quaint wooden houses}

 

{Hiking along the coastal bluffs}

 

{For the outdoor lovers, hiking in Fern Canyon is only 3 miles away}

{MacCullum House, one of the many romantic inns and B&Bs you can stay at}

{Point Cabrillo Lighthouse, another wedding venue}

Re-energized

I spent the last two days in the Marin Headlands, just outside of Sausalito (the town we're getting married in), for a board retreat. Not only did I reconnect with the great outdoors, I was able to re-energize my excitement for our venue. Guitar Fred and I had been somewhat stressing and tossing around the idea of changing our venue because of the restrictions on photography and amplified music. Fortunately, we recently learned we can indeed have an iPod plugged into the venue's sound system to provide music while our band is on break. We also found an Oakland-based Episcopalian minister who will allow photography during our ceremony, so we can still get married at the Christchurch in Sausalito -- just not with the resident minister who restricts photography when he's presiding over the ceremony himself.

Both Saturday and Sunday's weather permitted spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, the coast line and the Golden Gate Bridge. Hiking along the coast and exploring the old gun batteries in the Headlands reminded me of the many awe-inspiring activities our family and friends will be able enjoy the weekend we're getting married. 

I envision having our rehearsal "dinner" to be a picnic on one of these bluffs overlooking the ocean and we're going to start researching potential caterers who can make it happen on our budget. We called Guitar Fred's mom yesterday and encouraged her to book accommodations at the Marin Headlands hostel, just a quarter-mile from these beautiful vistas (all photos by me):

 

I-Do Wedding...Hair

 

{I-Do's Wedding Hair by Dianna Perona}

As a wedding coordinator, a lot of my clients ask me for recommendations for bridal makeup and hair. One of my recent “discoveries” is Dianna Perona of I-Do’s Wedding Hair, based in Palo Alto.

Since I’m getting married this year too, I had Dianna give me a hair trial. Our wedding style will be vintage, with a dash of Southern bluegrass goodness. I’m planning to wear a birdcage veil and Dianna recommended I go with finger waves. It turned out very cute!

I asked her to share what brides should bring to a hair consultation and perhaps this might help you in your search for a hair stylist:

My trial-run appointments are 2-hours long. We would have a thorough discussion about all of the details of the day and then choose different hair looks to try. The end result is a custom hair design for their signature bridal look. I would ask that they bring a camera, any veil or headpiece that they may have, any magazine pictures of styles they like, a picture of the dress, and invite a girlfriend, a mom, etc. - Dianna Perona, I-Do's Wedding Hair

[Continue reading my  interview with Dianna at the Bay Area Bride Guide.]

As for pricing, brides can save money by getting their hair done at a stylist's studio versus on-site. For example, some stylists, like Dianna require a minimum (usually $1,000) for on-site hair and makeup (that's $200 for the bride and $150 for all others).  Otherwise, if the bride and her attendants get done up at the stylist's salon/studio, they aren't held to a minimum (as is the case with Dianna).  This can also allow you to be flexible in choosing a makeup artist; if you do your homework, perhaps you can find a makeup artist that works for Benefit, MAC or She Uemura and gigs on the side (and may possibly charge less than a stylist who does both hair and makeup). In the end, it's helpful to have a wide range of options for bridal makeup and hair. 

If you're on a budget and willing to go to a salon in the same town you're getting married, I suggest you look into it as it usually costs a little bit less than hiring a makeup artist to go on location. At the same time, definitely schedule a consultation regardless if the stylist works out of a salon/studio or independent (on-site) -- you want to be sure whomever you end up choosing is the right fit in terms of being able to execute the look you want to achieve and also if their personality and professionalism suits you.

P.S. In case you're wondering, I'm going with a makeup artist who will be doing my makeup and hair on-site (at our hotel). I'll reveal who in a future post!

Sophisticated look for less

This is really lovely, isn't it? And it's only $110! Local San Francisco designer, Christine Aiko Beck of Aiko Designs creates necklaces, earrings and bracelets such as these by hand. She describes her style as "sophisticated and elegant, organic yet ethereal." Her designs are "thoughtful" and she places great value on the details. Read my interview with Christine on the Bay Area Bride Guide. And check out more of her lovely designs, many under $150! The Stars earrings are my favorite! I can see that being a sweet gift. :)

{Green Amethyst Drop - $70}

{Stars - $58}

{Green Amethyst Droplets - $110}

{Black and Gold Chain - perfect for bridal shower! $75}

I heart Elizabeth Hurley

{Elizabeth Hurley Photography - Michelle + Ben}

I'd like you to meet Elizabeth Hurley. No, not Hugh Grant's ex. I'm talking about a talented San Francisco wedding photographer with an exquisite eye, organic and earthy style and easy on the budget (I couldn't believe my eyes) without sacrificing quality!

I met Elizabeth (Beth) at a wedding fair at the Four Seasons a couple weeks ago. I was immediately impressed by her style: vintage wire baskets held 11x14 mats dedicated to three unique weddings and the tables were accented with branches and peonies. Beth was also very friendly and flipping through the photos, I sensed that her clients were relaxed and clearly felt comfortable with Beth's direction.

Visit Beth's blog for recent weddings and reviews, and her website to browse her photo galleries, including horses! Click here to read her full interview with me on the Bay Area Bride Guide.

 {Elizabeth Hurley Photography - Michelle + Ben}

 

{Elizabeth Hurley Photography - Win + Hannah}

 

{Elizabeth Hurley Photography - Rachel + Steve}