Emily and Will's Kohl Mansion Wedding on The Wedding Chicks!

We are so thrilled to have one of our weddings featured on The Wedding Chicks, one of our absolute favorite wedding blogs.  You can see the entire post and gallery here.

Emily and Will were one of my favorite couples from last year.  They live on the East Coast but wanted a sunny summer wedding in the Bay Area.  We chose Kohl Mansion because the climate is a little warmer in Burlingame than San Francisco, and Emily loved the idea of getting married at a venue that looked like a private estate.

Asiel Design created gorgeous floral designs that complimented the overall vintage feel.  We integrated tea stained craft paper, keys, twine, and eclectic glassware into the reception design.  Dinner was in the courtyard where we hung blush and ivory colored lanterns overhead.  Dancing was indoors where we created a lounge with furniture from Classic Party Rentals.

Julie Mikos shot these amazing photos.  She and her team were so much fun to work with!  Thomas John Events provided the tasty food.  Big Fun kept the dance floor packed.

Emily had great style and loved vintage-glam details.  But what I really loved about these two was their sense of humor and lighthearted-ness.  For example, instead of a first dance Emily and Will (huge Star Wars fans) had a light saber duel.  They are the sweetest couple and we wish them lots of love!

Many thanks to our amazing vendor team for the wedding:


Event Planner and Designer: Lauren Geissler of Downey Street Events
Photographer: Julie Mikos 
Venue: Kohl Mansion
Makeup & Hair: Meaganne McCandess
Cake: Sheng Kee Bakery
Caterer: Thomas John Events
DJ: Big Fun DJ
Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero
Flowers: Asiel Design
Groom’s Attire: Fendi
Shoe Designer: Rene Caovilla
Bridesmaids dresses: Twist Wrap Dresses by The Dessy Group

Amazing Venue: Stryker Sonoma Winery

Stryker Sonoma Winery in Geyserville.  Modern, spacious, and boasting unbeatable views.

Photo of the Main Event Green by Amy and Stuart Photography.

Many people don't realize that the Bay Area is a huge destination for weddings.  Up to half of our clients live in different states (and countries)!  We recently embarked on a huge venue search with an international client and discovered this absolute gem of a venue, Stryker Sonoma Winery in Geyserville.

Photo of the Vineyard Cafe by Bishop Photography.

Geyserville is located in the Alexander Valley about 75 miles (1 hour and 45 min) from San Francisco.  Like Napa / Sonoma, Geyserville has gorgeous views -- the drive alone is breathtaking with vineyard after vineyard.  Unlike Napa / Sonoma, Geyserville is less crowded, less pricey, and has more open spaces for weddings.  Don't get me wrong, I love Napa / Sonoma (was married there myself!) but Geyserville is a great alternative for those who need more reasonable hotel options, more space, or just something a little off the beaten path.

You may recognize Stryker Sonoma as the venue for the 2010 Crate and Barrel Ultimate Wedding Contest.

What I loved most about the venue was the amazing versitility and the endless spaces.

Tasting  room photo by  Silvie Gil Photography.

First, there is Main Event Green, a large, lush, half circle shaped lawn with sweeping views of the vineyards.  This could be used for a large ceremony or an outdoor dinner reception.  Second, the Vineyard Cafe is a smaller lawn next to the winery, which could be used for ceremonies or intimate receptions.  

Observation deck photo by  Silvie Gil Photography.

Next, there is a chic, modern tasting room and adjoining observation deck which would be perfect for a cocktail hour, standing reception, or lounge.  Note the indoor / outdoor fireplace!

Worried about a rain plan?  There is also an incredibly gorgeous barrel room with vaulted, beamed ceilings.  Want something totally unique?  The incredible venue coordinator said they will consider requests to do the ceremony or dinner IN THE VINEYARD.  As in, right there in between the vines.  

Oh, and the wine is fantastic as well.  Catering is from a preferred list, though they are flexible.  Beer and Stryker Sonoma wine only.  Rentals (chairs and tables) are not included in the site fee.  While there are several good hotel options nearby, you would definitely want shuttles for your guests.  

If you are looking for a sophisticated winery wedding with tons of beautiful views and endless possibilities for layout check out Stryker Sonoma Winery.  

Photo by Blueberry Photography.

Stay tuned for more on Geyserville and venue searching in general!

Sunday Round-Up 1.15.12

Where I wish I was now that it is getting cold....Photo of Capay Valley by Molly Watson

We're back!  Here are some link for your Sunday night....

New hemlines for bridal dresses this year......

Great tutorial for DIY lace garlands....

Amazing new boutique wedding venue in Winters, CA....

I love, love, love this cake!....

Loving these new Martha Stewart Avery Labels....

Sweet article for cookbook collectors....

Recipes for a food-lovers cleanse...

48 hours in South Beach (I'm planning a trip there in April!).....

REALLY good reasons for not blogging in a month.....

Really good reasons for not blogging lately....

• Vacations to Argentina - post coming soon with some photos!
• Brand new babies - congratulations to Lauren and Joe on their little guy, Jack, photos coming soon!
• Christmas cards!
• End of the year business!
• 2012 brides!

Good reasons but not excuses!  Can't wait to start 2012 with some of our great news, beautiful weddings, and more.  Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to our readers!

Cheers,

Emily - Lauren - Cassandra

Monday Inspiration 11.21.11

How gorgeous is this paper flower?

I love this modern take on craft items....and I adore the idea of using something in your wedding that you can keep afterwards as a reminder.  A mix of real florals and gorgeous paper flowers like this one would be amazing and fun!  Thanks to my cousin and gossip blogger Nicole for the link.

Sunday Round-Up 11.20.11

I'm in love with this cake - halfbaked.com

Some link fun to end your weekend!

Vintage inspired table decor for the holidays...

Amazing SF BBQ hole in the wall that delivers...

Adorable West Elm Christmas Decorations...

25% of all wine at Noe Valley Whole Foods (between the hours of 7-10am and 8-10pm on November 22nd & 23rd)...

These adorable fabric cocktail napkins would make a great hostess gift... 

Check out the Pinterest Board we are working on for our latest design board (will be posted on the blog this week!!)...

Awesome DIY paper lantern tutorial...

Rice Krispy Treat cake pops with candy cane handles - such a cute project with kids....

Jessica & Sam - Featured in the San Francisco Chronicle!

We were so thrilled to see our clients, Jessica and Sam, featured in the San Francisco Chronicle.  Their wedding was gorgeous, with so many fun details.

Jessica and Sam live in London, Sam was born in Sri Lanka, and together the two have traveled all over the world.  Their escort cards were a gorgeous map, with luggage tags for each guest corresponding with some of their trips.

Their favors were gorgeous little boxes of Sri Lankan wedding cake - very fun and special.

We can't wait to see the rest of the photos from the wedding, but this one pretty much sums it up: a gorgeous couple surrounded by family and friends!

We were so happy to be a part of Jessica and Sam's special day.  Thanks to the Chronicle for the great feature.  Make sure you check out the article, it has lots of cute details about the couple.