Sunday, July, 4 2010 • Real Weddings • by Dynamite Weddings
When Nick popped the question in San Francisco at Coit Tower, with Ashley's family gathered around, Ashley was very surprised and with tears of joy she said "YES"! The weather was perfect! The sun was out, the sky was blue, and there was a gentle breeze.
This adorable couple met through mutual friends and decided to go with a purple wedding theme decorated with white orchids. They had all the details figured out, but had the most difficult time finding the perfect location. They finally made a decision with the Los Verdes Golf Course.
The couple agreed that coming down the aisle was the scariest moment and there was nothing as memorable as their kiss. Their advice to other couples is to stay calm and take the wedding planning and wedding as it comes. Congrats Nick & Ashley!!
Saturday, February, 13 2010 • Real Weddings • by Dynamite Weddings
Yay! Tomorrow is Valentines Day!!! Let's check back with the happy couple, Sara and Kyle and enjoy the gorgeous details of their reception. Thanks again to A Day To Remember Wedding Consultants for providing this wonderful Real Wedding and to Amy Squires for providing all these glorious photos.
This reception was flawless incorporating their Hawaiian heritage and musically inclined family. All of the sibling were in the wedding party and the parents played an influential role on this big day. Kyle's brother and father played Iz's version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" on guitar and ukelele while Sara's mother played the keyboard and her father preformed a hula dance to Iz's remake "In Dis Life". Guests were greeted with a fusion of flavors of delicious Hawaiian/Thai food. The couple decided against having a cake and instead to provide their favorite dessert of Banana Cream Pie from Frank Fats. Everything was breathtaking and truly represented Sara and Kyle.
When asked what was the most memorable part of the day, they said...
Kyle: "Seeing Sara walk down the aisle with her dad."
Sara: "Listening to Kyle as he said his vows to me."
Awwwwww!!!!....... Happy Valentine's Day everyone!
Friday, February, 12 2010 • Real Weddings • by Dynamite Weddings
Since Valentine's Day is this weekend we wanted to share this delicious love story between Sara and Kyle, submitted by A Day To Remember Wedding Consultants. These photos, provided by Amy Squires, show the gorgeous details of their wedding and it was so hard to fit them into one story board! Today we will share this beautiful wedding ceremony and stay tuned tomorrow for the fun filled reception! Congratulations to Sara and Kyle! They are such cutie "pies"!!!!
Sara and Kyle - An Intimate Affair These two love birds met at work while sharing the same patient. Kyle was completing his residency and Sara was the RN at that time. Talk about fate! After a spontaneous first date snowboarding in backyards due to excessive wind closing the gondolas, Sara knew he was a special guy. Kyle's determination to make this disappointing day into the most fun Sara had on a date really proved that to her! It was time and the big day rolled around to pop the question. Kyle planned a wine tasting trip to all of their favorite wineries and when they reached their final destination with a gorgeous view on hand, he asked her!
The Big Day The couple decided to go with the same theme as the engagement and have the wedding in Napa. Both have previously lived in Hawaii and wanted to incorporate that into their warm wine country wedding. They kept to this theme with small details. The bridesmaids and bride held gorgeous linen umbrellas, the ceremony was decorated with classic lighting, and both fathers blew conch shells to start the ceremony. Did we mention the ADORABLE Bull Dog ring bearer?!?
*Check back tomorrow to read about their creative reception.
Saturday, February, 14 2009 • Real Weddings • by Dynamite Weddings
Happy Valentine's Day! Let's check back with the happy couple, Angela & Mike and enjoy the details of their incredible reception. Thanks again to Allegro Photography for sharing this amazing wedding.
June 14, 2008
The reception was flawless with hints of pink and brown displayed in the florals, favor boxes, and intricate details on the exquisitely designed cake by Fleur de Lisa. Guests were invited to enjoy a delicious menu put together by the Lodge at Sonoma, accompanied by well balanced wines all coming from the Sonoma region. Everything was breath taking and truly reflected Angela and Mike as a couple. Angela's advice for the big day, "Start early, keep a binder of information (vendor agreements and phone numbers, diagrams, etc), and keep things as simple as possible.
Gown Designer: Oleg Cassini by David's Bridal Bridesmaids Dresses: J Crew Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Men's Warehouse Planner: self and Brooke Nelson from The Lodge at Sonoma Caterer: Fleur de Lisa (cake), The Lodge at Sonoma (food) Floral Design: Self and mom DJ/Band: iPod Ceremony Musicians: Garden Strings Quartet Videographer: Lifescapes Invitations and Printed Materials: Made the invitations and programs ourselves Photography: Allegro Photography
Friday, February, 13 2009 • Real Weddings • by Dynamite Weddings
Since Valentine's Day is tomorrow we wanted to share this delightful love story between Angela and Mike, submitted by Allegro Photography. These photos share so many fun, personalized details that we couldn't fit them into one storyboard! Today we'll share the ceremony details and check back tomorrow for the fun filled reception! Congrats to Angela & Mike. We hope your honeymoon was full of beaches, umbrellas, delicious food, great wine and laughter!
June 14, 2008
Angela & Mike Leach - An Intimate Affair Angela & Mike work in the healthcare field never expecting to find their two hearts joining as one. During an exciting first date, hiking in Half Moon Bay and strolling on the beach, the two realized that they shared common interests. This would be the first of many exhilarating trips together. During a memorable trip to Paris years later, Mike proposed, at the Sacre Coeur Basilica, the highest point in Paris. Such a romantic proposal lent itself to the beginning of their beautiful story. Angela couldn't wait to spend her life with this thoughtful, caring, family-oriented, supportive man.
The Big Day The two couldn't have picked a more perfect place to get married than The Lodge at Sonoma. Angela handled many of the wedding day details herself including invitations and programs. She also had the welcome assistance of her mother to help design and conquer the floral arrangements pieced together. Their beautiful outdoor ceremony was complimented with bouquets designed with hot pink and white roses, with green hydrangea. Outdoor decor included crepe-paper rose pomanders balls hung gently with satin ribbons. Pew flower designs included pink and white roses in clear glass vases hung by pink and brown ribbon. Guests were able to shelter from the sun kissed warmth with delicate parasols while they enjoyed the intimate ceremony.
*Check back tomorrow to read about this creative reception.
Wednesday, December, 24 2008 • Real Weddings • by Dynamite Weddings
Child's Play The Meeting: Most people only hear this kind of love story, in a book, movie, or a great Oprah show. Growing up, Melissa was the little girl who dreamed of a fairy tale romance. She was always envious of the stories she heard about a relationship that lasts a lifetime.
Little did she know, her love story, her fairy tale romance, was right under her nose for almost 20 years.When she was 5 years old, she met the man she would marry, Michael Votaw.It all started when they were in elementary school holding hands during reading time in Mrs. Sanchez's 2nd grade class.
Michael was officially Melissa's first boyfriend. They grew apart as young kids in love and into a good friendship they knew would last.Michael used to tell Melissa, even in elementary school, that he loved her and was going be her husband some day.
In high school the two had grown even farther apart. After graduating high school, it was 6 years later before Michael and Melissa would meet again. They met at a local coffee house near their hometown. It was scary, but Melissa felt like she had to go see him. Were the feelings they once had just silly, children in love? It had been too long, and there was nothing expected. Little did they know, this coffee meeting would change their lives. They talked for about 30 minutes catching up on family mostly. But like old times, there was something Melissa felt that day that she hadn't felt in 20 years.
There was a mutual feeling of, Duh! Why didn't I see this before? Both of their families and friends even said, duh. Where did the skinny little boy go? Here was a man standing before her with the same love in his eyes she saw so many years ago. Could she be in love with a childhood sweet heart? Was this the fairy tale coming true?
The Proposal: Yes and YES! Melissa is not only marrying the man of her dreams but her true soul mate. After almost a year of dating, on November 18th 2007, Michael proposed to Melissa in front of family and friends, in a way any girl would dream of.
He planned a fake surprise birthday party, which turned into a surprise engagement party. It was birthday cake time and Michael walked out with a mini cake spelling Will you marry me? The beautiful ring was sitting inside of it. She was shocked!!
Her prince charming, best friend, childhood sweetheart, and soon to be husband was in front of her for almost 20 years and she didn't recognize it. Melissa quotes and truly believes, "Love needs no map, for it can find its way blindfolded."
The Wedding Day: Neither Melissa or Michael were nervous on the day of their wedding. They were anxious to see each other and commit solely to one another after almost 20 years of friendship. The wedding was fantastic with a heartfelt ceremony set up for all to see, with guests surrounding them on both sides.
The reception was amazing with photos displayed of family members wedding days, a wedding wish tree, beautiful florals with draping crystals, hand rolled cigars, a hot dog stand, candy station, chocolate dipped strawberries and more! Melissa and Michael's wedding day was absolutely a fun filled event that was enjoyed by all in attendance. Their wedding day was more than they could have anticipated and all they imagined.
Monday, October, 20 2008 • Real Weddings • by Dynamite Weddings
Nursing Hearts
The Meeting When Beverly Bovey and James Garber IV signed up independently for classes at UNLV to become registered nurses, they thought they had found a career path, but neither knew they would be learning about love. Who knew two California natives would find their hearts in Las Vegas, Nevada. Even on their first date, including lots of chatting, dinner and drinks, James knew that Beverly was special! Her spunk, intelligence and beauty were mesmerizing. He relished in all of this as they shared their first kiss that night. Beverly slowly realized that James was becoming not only her companion but her best friend who would always support her and love her perfectly.
The Engagement James calm, patient and polite manners that attracted Beverly in the first place came in handy when he picked the absolute right moment during a beach getaway to pop the question! Of course Beverly's response was yes and the fun of planning their August 2008 began!
The Wedding Day The theme for this California couple's Sacramento wedding was 1940s vintage with elegant white, champagne and black elements. Striking white French tulips, white calla lilies and white roses enhanced the beauty of the window lined veranda of Il Fornaio downtown where their ceremony and reception were held. Aimee, a close friend, helped write Beverly and James' vows and officiated the ceremony, making the moment flawless. Beverly wore a classic Maggie Sottero gown with a handkerchief from James' mom (as her something old) and blue Chuck Taylors (as her something blue). While a delectable meal complete with Red Velvet cupcakes and cream cheese frosting spoiled their guests, the photobooth and live music kept the guests entertained into the night. Keeping the guest list small and intimate to stay within their budget was difficult but proved to be the right choice. Guests were able to take home luggage tag name cards and photo strips from the Profinish photobooth. Beverly and James loved seeing the photobooth pics from their friends and family that were such a hit at the reception. The entire evening could only be described as exciting, elegant and joyful
Their advice to other couples planning their wedding, If you plan the wedding yourself (as we did), get a day of coordinator! It will relieve a lot of the little stressors and everything will run much more smoothly
Check out our event coordinators along the right column of this newsletter.
Thanks to John at Profinish Design for sharing these amazing pics with us!
Friday, August, 22 2008 • Real Weddings • by Dynamite Weddings
We love to share real weddings! This one was submitted by Sharpe Photographers and is truly a unique tale from the proposal to the wedding day details.
June 7, 2008
The Meeting Luciana and Kevin truly are an amazing couple. They met about 7 years ago working at River City Brewing Company in Sacramento and have been inseparable ever since.
The Proposal Kevin proposed to Luciana in Europe when visiting her family. He bought her ring from a street vendor and was so nervous about doing it, he kept putting it off. Finally he got up the nerve to propose and as he leaned over to kiss her he bumped into her head and chipped his tooth! Needless to say, they spent the rest of the afternoon looking for a dentist to fix it!
The Big Day Kevin & Luciana love the outdoors, which is why they chose Rancho Cicada Retreat as their venue. The Consumnes River flows directly along the reception site/camp ground (yes, the guests camped!) and the peaceful sound of the flowing water enhances the ambience and sounds of the surrounding nature. Everything about their wedding was a true reflection of both Luciana and Kevin, from the natural surroundings to the potted plant favors (that also served as the escort cards), to the live band for the reception, to the Italian inspired menu, it was all absolutely perfect!
Tuesday, July, 29 2008 • Real Weddings • by Dynamite Weddings
We had to share this elegant San Francisco wedding share by Allegro Photography.
May 2008
Location for getting ready: Four Seasons Hotel Ceremony location: Temple Emanu-El Reception location: Four Seasons Hotel Bridal Attire: Amy Kuschel Bride Planner: Mostly bride & groom, with help from Irina Leinova at Temple and Stacie Hallinan at hotel Caterer: Four Seasons Hotel Floral Design: Sandi Goldsmith Designs DJ/Band: Mike Parent Ceremony Musicians: Noam Eisen (piano) and Jory Fankuchen (violin) Videographer: Joel Cook Invitations and Printed Materials: invitesite.com
To see more real weddings and recent happenings with Allegro Photography, check out their blog.
Tuesday, July, 22 2008 • Real Weddings • by Dynamite Weddings
Laurie and Eric married in January 2008 in Hawaii with about 25 or 30 close family and friends attending.They decided to throw a Sacramento reception for about 150 guests, the month following.They love great wine, fabulous food, travel and they especially enjoyed snorkeling.Laurie and Eric wanted to bring back some of the Hawaiian feel to Sacramento, so a wonderful tropical experience was created in the middle of downtown Sacramento at the Sterling Hotel.February 2008
Walls were uplighted in blues and a moving water pattern on the ceiling made it feel like everyone was under the seaGuest tables were covered in an iridescent green/blue table linen, and the head table, positioned in the center of the room, was covered in a shimmery ivory linen. The flowers were outstanding! The use of tall trumpet vases filled with crystal gel and fuchsia LED lights were topped with large monstera leaves, white orchids (with hanging clear crystals) and the bottom of the vase held a perfect fuchsia catelaya orchid.The stacked wedding cake was beautifully decorated with more orchids and sat atop a glass pedestal with floating orchids and white LEDs.Icing seashells encircled the layers; they were the same design as the wedding invitations.White sand, seashells and candles adorned all tables.Fresh leis were worn by the guests (flown in from the islands). The buffet was a feast that included a whole roasted pig (this was the one main wish of Eric), and also teriyaki grilled chicken, fresh stir-fry vegetables, jumbo prawns, tropical rice pilaf, and even Chinese chicken salad served in take-out boxes with chopsticks!
A continuous playing loop of their wedding photos displayed on a flat-screen monitor, so everybody could see how beautiful their Hawaiian wedding was on the beaches of Oahu.Because the couple is into music and wanted a rockinâ?? party, the evening started off with a Polynesian drum group and two Tahitian dancers who thrilled the guests with several dances.The evening ended with a packed dance floor as guests were entertained by a 10 piece rock band.Laurie and Eric said their Hawaiian wedding was beautiful, but their Sacramento Hawaiian reception was the most fun they've ever had.
