… and both of hem together!
… gave my company, A Day Like No Other, a mere three months of planning time – intense and exhilarating! – and that took us to December 15. Right in the middle of winter in California. Since they had chosen Villa Montalvo, a spectacular mansion and park on the SF Peninsula, there was no snow to be expected – possibly rain, though. BUT we made it through a glorious wedding day without rain, with sun and with lots and lots of great atmosphere. Have a look!
Busy as these two are (they met at a job interview – with Rui interviewing candidate Suyao – and now they are both working long, long hours at the same company!), we pulled everything together in a whirlwind, and in no time, Wedding Day was upon us.
A beautiful bride is getting even more beautiful!
… with the help of her bridesmaids.
… and so both bride and groom were ready for their "First Look" in the beautiful Italianate Garden of Villa Montalvo. Their photographers (Toanven Group) and videographers (Dreambook Productions) captured every precious moment.
And now… off to their wedding ceremony in the Oval Garden behind the mansion!
Everything was ready for them, with a beautiful swirl pattern of rose petals on the aisle.
The ceremony was officiated by a longtime friend of the couple.
Guests were meanwhile enjoying cocktails, and the teams of A Day Like No Other, of our caterer (Le Papillon) and our florist (Green Petal Designs) were hard at work to get everything lined up for dinner. Venue manager Caitlin Dieni supported us all throughout the day and evening.
Guests were dining from "Limoges" china and gilded flatware from Hensley Event Resources, and after dinner, they were treated to an extraordinary wedding cake (by Satura Cakes).
For this occasion, the bride had changed into a stunning short red dress that allowed for free movement – for their highly choreographed, perfect First Dance to music provided by Henry Kim of Big Fun Disc Jockeys.
There was, however, one more highlight to come: a festive Grand Send-Off to a stunning vintage limousine (by Elegant Journey).
A fitting start to their lifelong journey together, don't you think? Our best wishes on your way, Suyao and Rui!
The two had chosen their venue, a spectacular winery overlooking all of Silicon Valley with endless views, and a day that turned out to be proverbial "Bay Area Golden October:" sunny, with blue skies, and warm. Just perfect.
… donned their boutonnieres, and the Best Man took care of the rings.
Time for many, many photos with bridesmaids and groomsmen (by Sandra Fazzino Photography) and video (by Sway Media) while the teams of Thomas Fogarty Winery, Laurel & Vine Florals, and Toast Catering were busy with preparations. DJ Justin of JustIntertainment set up their sound systems while my assistant Trisha and I set up decorations and made sure that all went smoothly and on time.
Very soon, the first guests were arriving – they were greeted by a vintage baby-blue typewriter to leave their messages and well-wishes for the couple.
… and here they see the first of many kittens that would pop up throughout that whole wedding celebration in honor of the couple's beloved felines!
Time for the ceremony which was officiated by a longtime friend of the couple, aided by more friends who read passages from Antoine de St. Exupery's "Le Petit Prince" during the ceremony.
You may now kiss the bride! And here they are, just married… and so happy!
For the couple, it meant… more photos! And for their guests, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres on the open deck, with gorgeous views.
Dining tables in the beautiful open "Pavilion" were adorned with centerpieces matching the bride's bouquet, and the table numbers were another loving nod to the couple's cat babies.
The couple's Sweetheart Table got, of course, a little extra-special treatment!
Time for the Grand Entrance of the newlyweds!
… which opened the dance floor to everyone and to an epic dance party!
Dance on, Stacey and Michael … for a lifetime of happiness!
Exciting news! One of SF's most storied landmark hotels – the Westin St. Francis on Union Square – just completed the remodel and renovation of its equally famous "Imperial floor" ballrooms. It took three months, and the result, as revealed two days ago with an elegant cocktail party for event professionals, is just gorgeous!
Holding on to this turn-of-the-century glamour was a comforting tradition and had become a "gold standard" in San Francisco , until, of course, it was time to bring everything up to today's standards and esthetic sensibilities and start a new tradition and standard of excellence! And that is exactly what happened here.
… but once you step out on the "St. Francis Heights" floor ( that's what the 32nd floor is called now) – everything is breathtakingly new!
Mirrored walls with a subtle etched Art Deco pattern with matching consoles set the tone in the elevator lobby – everything now in elegant cool shades of silver, grey and shimmering glass and mirror.
… with boldly-patterned grey carpeting, silvery-grey draped curtains (reminiscent of the flowy gowns of silver-screen goddesses…) and stunning modern chandeliers creating a "sky of glittering stars" overhead. The views are, of course, gorgeous as always!
… of course, everything with that breathtaking "million-dollar" view!
Now – isn't that drop-dead gorgeous?!! I can only recommend to go and see it for yourself. It's even more impressive in reality, and I can't wait to design events in this new beautiful space. "St. Francis Heights" is definitely the new gold standard for elegant events in the City.
Never heard of Hotel Nia? REALLY? It's time you did! A brand-new, cutting-edge modern, ultrachic hotel in the heart of Silicon Valley, catering to the young, hip crowd of tech entrepreneurs.
Just opened a few months ago. Top-notch interior design by Colum McCartan in shades of light grey and silver, combined with white oak and many, many beautiful details!
Just step in and sit by the bar, or sit outside in the beautiful courtyard garden – it's all inside/outside!
Or grab a bite in NIA's Mediterranean restaurant – just walk down the hallway… no walls that would obstruct the transparency or natural light – just open shelving-like structures that feel utterly modern but certainly not cold. Oh, forgot to mention – don't be fooled: there are charging stations everywhere. Those mirrors – become TV screens when you switch them on. This is the new techie refuge, after all!
… up the stairs! That woven thread actually "originates" in a huge (real) ball of yarn on the landing… just one of so many whimsical touches.
But the NIA is absolutely not only for work and conferences – it's for celebrating and partying just as much (their Grand Opening in March was the most coveted event far and wide!). A ballroom for 380 should be good enough for most private parties AND for wedding dinners and dancing!
Yes, you see that correctly: built-in mood lighting in any color you want. A dance floor in matte silver, at your request. Chic and modern cocktail tables in the foyer – no need to rent them. So many possibilities!
… big, bold and silver! Hope to see you there!
An image says more than a thousand words – and consequently, a movie should speak volumes!
starting with a teaser of Iris' and Roger's wedding at Thomas Fogarty Winery.
Let us plan and design YOUR Great Day, too!
Contact us today at jutta@daylikenoother.com.
Ali and Rick are wonderfully unconventional. Their wedding would NOT follow the common scheme of "wedding venue, garter toss, bouquet toss…" and a lot of other "frills." They had their own vision – but they needed help to pull it off. When they asked my company, A Day Like No Other, for support, I was immediately on board.
They would have their ceremony and reception at a private residence – a "backyard wedding." Well – until I saw that "backyard!" Perched high on a hillside with endless views and breathtaking sunsets, the Tuscan-style residence is surrounded by a lush garden, sheltered patios and porches, and a large dining patio under dense, mature trees. A dream! And off we went with our preparations. Last Saturday, it all came together on a beautiful, sunny and warm September day under blue skies and with a slight breeze. The Weather Gods were clearly playing along!
So many personal touches went into this wedding that I don't even know where to begin… Ali's dress had been handsewn by her mother and grandmother, and hand-embroidered and beaded – a true labor of love!
…. to lanterns lining the walkways and twinkling hanging lights in the trees.
… and was ready to meet her "Prince Charming," Rick.
Meanwhile, my team (assistants Alexandra and Stephanie, and myself), the delivery crew from Stuart Event Rentals, the catering crew from Elaine Bell Catering, and our DJ Henry Kim from BIG FUN Disc Jockeys were all hard at work to get our preparations done before the first guests were arriving.
The motor court of the residence had been transformed into something resembling an Italian "piazza" with living trees to disguise the garage doors, market umbrellas for shade and string lights for the later part of the evening.
Soon enough, our first guest shuttle from El Paseo Limousine arrived. Guests were greeted by more handmade signage and much-needed hand fans!
Time for the ceremony! Again, a personal touch – the ceremony was officiated by the groom's younger brother. It couldn't have been more personal and more lighthearted.
the ceremony area was quietly transformed into an open-air nightclub. A professional dance floor was installed, the string lights overhead came on, and DJ Henry had his disco lights ready before our guests even sat down to dinner on the back patio.
During dinner, dusk fell, and the twinkling lights in the tree made the scene truly magical.
And the glorious food served by EBC made this dinner all the more memorable!
Next up – dessert! Mini cupcakes and fruit accompanied the couple's presentation cake (again lovingly decorated by the mother of the bride).
After that, there was no holding back! Without further ado (like a First Dance, or Special Dances, or the like…) the dance floor was opened, the disco lights came on, and the party went into overdrive!
We even had wedding crashers!! A bunch of eleven-year olds had escaped from their slumber party next door (in their pajamas!!) and snuck right onto the dance floor… Of course they were welcomed and invited to stay on until 10 pm when the music had to conclude (per local noise ordinance…) – otherwise everyone would gladly have stayed on!
Congratulations, Ali and Rick, to a truly unforgettable wedding celebration! Party on… and stay as unconventional as you are!