"Cabernet, Pumpkin and Wasabi..."

"Think cabernet, pumpkin and wasabi!" Hmmm...Thanksgiving sushi dinner in Wine Country, perhaps?? Hardly! Rather, this was the theme given to me by bride Sara Huschke to describe the color palette for her October 2009 wedding to Ric Emery -- in other words, rich reds, warm oranges, and sage greens.

Hailing from Phoenix, AZ, Ric and Sara chose Buena Vista Carneros Winery in Sonoma, CA as the perfect location for their Fall wedding. Founded in 1857, Buena Vista is California's oldest premium winery, and as such, offered a unique experience for Sara and Ric's family and guests. Tucked away at the end of Old Winery Road, just minutes from the charming Sonoma Square, this California Historical Landmark property features magnificent old stone buildings (with updated amenities), and is nestled into a beautiful park-like setting of tree groves.



Rustic yet elegant at the same time, Sara and Ric were married in an intimate ceremony held in the lovely courtyard, in front of the winery's Press House (built in 1862), and featuring the spectacular fountain adorned with flowers and candles. Given the cool evening temperatures, the reception was wisely held in the Tasting Room, with guest seating upstairs and dancing in the main room. With candles inside and out, and twinkling lights throughout the property's trees, it was a most romantic event!


And the flowers...oh, the flowers! Orange-and-red-striped Cymbidium Orchids, "Black Magic" Ecuadorian Roses, Rose Hips, and locally-grown warm orange Popcorn Dahlias featured predominantly throughout, with the men wearing Mango Calla Lily boutonnieres, and the women carrying bouquets of Roses, Tulips, and Rose Hips. Lush urn arrangements for the ceremony were repurposed to the Tasting Room bar for the reception (budget-smart girls always double-duty their flowers!). Dahlias floated in the ceremony fountain, accented with chic little vases of Dahlias and Rose Hips and beribboned votive candles on the fountain edges, and vibrant Rose petals strewn along the ceremony path.



Warm, lush, and vibrant... Or more appropriately: Cabernet, pumpkin and wasabi! Much love and tons of wishes of great joy and happiness, Ric and Sara!

The Details:

Photography: Stephanie Smith Photography (http://www.stephaniesmithphotography.com/)
Venue: Buena Vista Carneros Winery (http://www.buenavistacarneros.com/)
Floral Design: The Blue Orchid (http://www.blueorchidfloral.com/)
Cake: Fleur de Lisa Cakes (http://www.fleurdelisacakes.com/)

And Baby Makes Three...

Now that the wedding season has concluded, I am finally able to address that ongoing list we all have (and usually ignore!), entitled "Need-to-do-but-not-today" or something similar. Number 1 on my list? Get back to blogging and spotlight all of the fabulous weddings we did this year, of course! So many to choose from...

I've decided to start off with Patricia and William, who were married this year at Jeriko Estate & Winery in Hopland, CA. After an incredible wedding, and the excitement of their wedding being featured in the Fall issue of Brides Northern California magazine, I didn't think it could get any better...until I learned that Patricia and William are now expecting their first child, a baby boy! How adorable is this girl, I ask you?!

And talk about a gorgeous bride...

William and Patricia left no stone unturned in terms of the details of their wedding. Their palette of chocolate brown, green, white, and sky blue provided a fresh and organic spin on this Wine Country wedding. Patricia, a graphic designer by profession and a true DIYer at heart, brought all of her talents to this event -- Save-the-Dates, invitations, pinwheels and ribbon wands, Wish Tree decor, signage, an endless list of beautiful touches -- and the results were simply spectacular!

For a truly unique experience for their family and guests, Patricia and William chose the private owner's home at Jeriko Estate & Winery as the location for their special day. With family traveling to Northern California from Indonesia, this was a perfect choice, as they were able to rent the house and property for the week of the wedding -- a nine-bedroom mansion, surrounded by vineyards and mountain views.

Fabulous food and treats, gorgeous location, great music, lush flowers, spectacular weather, lots of family and friends, dancing, laughter -- and all lovingly documented by a fantastic photographer -- the perfect wedding! Congratulations, Patricia and William!

The Details:

Photography: Ingrid Nelson of Myrtle & Marjoram (http://www.myrtleandmarjoram.com/)

Venue: Jeriko Estate & Winery (http://www.beautiful-places.com/)

Flowers & Day-Of Coordination: The Blue Orchid (http://www.blueorchidfloral.com/)

Catering: Joshua Charles (http://www.joshuacharles.net/)

Cake: Satura Cakes (http://www.saturacakes.com/)

Hair & Makeup: Caelie Steele (http://www.belleoftheball.us/)

Getting What You Want: Tips for Fabulous Wedding Flowers

Bring photos to your initial consultation as examples of what you do and don’t like -- both are equally important!

Look beyond wedding magazines for inspiration – interior design and fashion publications and websites are terrific style resources.

Your wedding colors often define what flowers will be available to you, so definitely provide examples.

Masses of an inexpensive flower “feel” more appealing and luxurious to the eye than a busy mixture of flowers. (The same rule applies to color, too.)

Rent instead of buying – florists often rent items beyond vases, such as crystals, paper lanterns, fabric, etc.

Carry exactly what you want in your bridal bouquet – the ultimate fashion accessory! A good designer will help you crunch the numbers on other items to compensate.

Being upfront about your floral budget from the start will ensure that your designer’s proposal will reflect what you can afford. Almost everyone is on a budget, so speak up.

While price and style are important factors when choosing a florist, trust your instincts and book the designer you’re most comfortable with – a great connection is invaluable in terms of getting what you want!

(Reprint of my article from a recent Bridal Guide.)