Every Last Detail Wedding and Event Coordination

It was a beautiful day for a wedding on the Monterey Bay and it couldn’t have been more perfect for Kelly Trangsrud and Brad Hass’ Big Day.  First and foremost, this was totally cool family to work with from the get-go and Kelly’s parents were an absolute hoot!  Ok, so back to the wedding….

Kelly and Brad had a very busy last couple of months finishing medical school so this party was going to be a super-special celebration.  The day started out nice and smooth with Kelly and the ladies getting hair and make up done while Carly and Kui from the Monterey Plaza Hotel along with my assistant Carol and I went over the last minute stuff. 

The ceremony was taking place on the lower terrace and the reception would be in Monterey Bay Room – which is my favorite room there because the view is awesome.  The programs, escort cards and menus were handmade by Kelly and her family and were gorgeous.  Instead of a guest book or signing board, Kelly and Brad had bottles of their favorite wines and gold pens for all of their guests to leave wishes written on them.  They intend to open a bottle to toast each wedding anniversary.  Another great detail was seen in the table numbers: framed photos of Kelly and Brad at age one for table 1, age two for table 2, etc. 

The floral arrangements were created by Melody fro

m Fleurish Floral Design and were Hydrangeas in rich shades of purple and beautiful white tulips.  The photographer du jour was the great Tom O’Neal who took some awesome shots of Kelly and Brad running on the beach and I can’t wait to see all the others.  After the picture-perfect ceremony, complete with sea otters frolicking in the bay behind them, DJ Anthony with DNA got the party started and the dancefloor stayed filled until the very last song.  It was the best mix of party music we’ve heard in a while and we found ourselves dancing as well behind the scenes. 

Team ELD and the awesome waitstaff, led by Michelle, kept everything flowing perfectly and there were hugs and accolates from the families and guests throughout the night.  The reception wrapped up with guests munching out on the chocolate chip cookies, favors made by Brad’s dad.  A sweet ending to the sweetest day.

Team ELD was invited to tour the Douglas Ranch on Tuesday when they had their open house.  Irma and I were warmly greeted by Laurie Ehrnhardt, a 4th generation owner of this unique location a world away from the ordinary. 

Historically known to be a summer camp for kids from the end of June till the end of August, Laurie and husband Steve are opening up the ranch to families seeking a different kind of experience at this private location when camp isn’t in session.

Some of the amenities include sole use of the ranch for a stay that can range from a couple of days to a couple of weeks – perfect for those wishing to reconnect with family and friends.  Families are able to enjoy the pool, tennis courts, barn and cabins, along with all meals and loads of hospitality.

There are so many options available from this welcoming location, and Laurie is so open to suggestions, that the possibilities are endless.  Although they are expanding the wedding section of their website, check out the current website at www.douglascamp.com

It was a wonderful day for the Guglielmo (Gool-yell-mo, not googley-elmo) Winery Bridal Open House.  I was invited to the winery by Event Manager Colleen Fawcett for this event so I’d be able to meet with the preferred vendors familiar with the site all at the same time.  I had a great time meeting with the other pro’s but would love to start by writing about the winery itself. 

One of the nice things about this winery is that it’s located just off Hwy 101 in Morgan Hill.  The venue is a working winery and is situated just off the vineyards.  There’s a lot of stonework, a beautiful fountain, stained glass, and huge lawn area that serves as the ceremony and reception area for larger groups.  There is also a really nice courtyard which is great for the the cocktail hour or for smaller events.  There’s also a great stage area for the entertainment and a large area for dancing.  A bridal suite, perfect for getting ready and for making the grand entrance, as well as a grooms room, are included with the site and are well appointed.  Although umbrellas are included, having the reception tented is another option available to the couple.

There is also the Heritage Room which is perfect for the more intimate gathering of up to 80 (rehearsal dinner’s definitely a possibility) or a smaller wedding of apx 45 with dancing.  Creative lighting would definitely be cool in this room.

Now, on to the wedding pro’s I had the pleasure of meeting…

Debbie from I Do Wedding Cakes – just had the chance to hang out with her at the San Juan Oaks Bridal Show and she’s always smiling!  www.morganhillbakery.com or www.idoweddingcakes.biz

Scott from Custom Creations Photography.  The winery is basically his stomping ground but he travels all over.   www.customcreationsphoto.com

Lori from Panetta’s Catering and home of the famous Chicken Madiera www.panettascatering.com

Nasreen fro Floral Creations by Nasreen – wonderful designs and a lot of experience with Indian celebrations www.floralcreationsbynasreen.com

Chris from Cali Entertainment DJ’s – www.calientertainment.com

Jose from Eclipse Productions – www.eclipse-productions.com

Steve at Gunther’s Catering – OMG, Prime Rib to die for!  www.guntherscatering.com

Tom from Infinity Productions – They did my wedding video ions ago so I know they’re good!  www.infinityproductions.com

Karen from Karen Tamaki Photography – www.karentamaki.com

Isaac from Good Times Entertainment  – one cool thing they do is lighting including uplights and gobo lighting.  www.goodtimesent.com

Michi’s Floral Design – she’s so awesome, does such creative floral design and such a sweetheart but I’ll need to add her info when I come back to this and locate it.

I’ve attached a few images but it really needs to be seen in person to be appreciated – plus it never hurts to try some of their fabulous Reisling, or Almond Champagne (yes, almond champagne and it was FABULOUS, considering I’ve never liked champagne).  For a tour or if you have any questions at all, give Colleen a call at 408-779-2145 or drop her an e-mail at eventcenter@guglielmowinery.comor check out their website at guglielmowinery.com and tell ‘em Patty sent ya!

Getting geared up for the Bridal Fair today at San Juan Oaks Golf Club in Hollister.  It’s the event’s second year and we’ve been doing the fair from the beginning. 

Over 40 vendors are scheduled to show off their products and services including Every Last Detail!  We’re looking forward to meeting  new brides and grooms and making connections with new vendors as well.

Can’t Wait!

October 31, 2009 was a beautiful fall day for Veronika Vazquez and Tali Carasali’s wedding at Holman Ranch.  The couple – she a dentist and he a pediatrician – planned to escape the Reno heat by having their wedding in Carmel Valley.  We were so blessed to work with a “bride and Groom-chilla”, easy-going and with a focus on making sure everyone was going to have a great time.  Ian Martin served as photographer and Paradise Catering worked their magic on the live grill.  Cynthia at CC Creations did a beautiful job on the flowers and the Monterey Strings provided the ceremony and cocktail hour music.  The ceremony was performed by their personal friend Janet Griffin, which added a sweet and personal touch and meant the world to them. 

Once everyone was all warm and full of food and drink they were all caught by surprise with the grand entrance of the Brass Monkey Brass Band.  They are kind of a funky, chunky monkey, eclectic band from San Francisco.  I’ve had the pleasure of working with them before and they always get the crowd on their feet and leave a lasting impression.  All in all, it was a fantastic day and Veronika and Cali made the sweetest couple.  We look forward to them opening up their new practice on the Monterey Peninsula this year.

Wow, what can I say about Jeri Adams and Josh Elsasser?  I’ve had a great time planning Jeri and Josh’s wedding for the last year.  They are a super-cool couple from Fresno, Ca and have a sense of humor equal to mine so I knew we were in for a good time.  Jeri works for the Fresno Monsters Ice Hockey Team and Josh shapes young minds as an elementary school teacher.  After many SNL skits, and the works of Andy Samberg and Adam Sandler quoted word for word, we finally arrived at the wedding day.

The happy couple chose the Monterey Beach Resort for their toes-in-the-sand wedding.  The turquoise dresses and tuxedo vests really looked great against the overcast but tropical skies.  “Ray-Ray the DJ” Ortiz, official DJ for the Fresno Monsters was our man for sound on the sand and did an excellent job so that every word was heard, which isn’t easy on the beach.  Josh and his Best Man and brother, Johnny, along with the G-Men wore really cool boxer’s under their tuxedo pants and came really close to taking “the walk”  sans the pants!  What a hoot that would have been.  At the last minute they decided to go with the pants and headed to the beach.  Jeri looked fabulous in her strapless gown as her dad Jimmy escorted her down the aisle where she was joined by her ladies, MOH Jami, and bridesmaids Kim, Caitlin and Yvonne who all had beautiful bouquets created by Nancy at Mid Valley Florist.  Ana Speirs performed the ceremony then it was up to La Grande for cocktails and dinner.  The room was done in turquoise and sea foam green overlays and chaircovers with matching sashes provided by Ruth at Elegant Affair Linens in Hollister.  Jeri and Josh chose an awesome cake design so I think I was more excited about seeing it than Jeri & Josh.  The cake was created by Patisserie Bechler and was exactly what they wanted.  Gerard even surrounded the cake with sugar “sand” and as a finishing touch drew a heart in the sand! 

The reception was a blast, the food was great and the staff at The Resort: Alexis, Tino, Karen, Maria and crew did a great job as captured by the photography of family friends DJ & Lee Jacklin and Chantelle.  Guests were able to check out the digital slideshow on the laptop and, at the end of the night, were able to take home a bottle of wine bottled by the Bride & Groom themselves.

I told Jeri and Josh that their wedding day was bitter-sweet for me; I was excited that it was finally here but bummed that we wouldn’t be working together anymore.  Who knows, I may end of scoring some tickets to a Fresno Monsters game and we’ll hook up again

…

August 8, 2009 was a day of magic for Katie and Craig who met because they were each on the rowing teams of USC and UCLA.  Carol and I started our day by meeting with the bride and her maids at Los Laureless Lodge.  Scott Campbell and his assistant Theresa were on site working their magic with the camera.  All of the Ladies were in the cuest matching outfits of pink cami tops and sweat bottoms with “bridesmaid” bling-blinged on their butts and the bride wore the same outfit but in – what else – White!  We gathered her gown made of layers and layers of sheer fabric and headed for Holman Ranch to get things set up.  It was a beautiful day – as it always is at the Ranch – and we were quickly joined by Tim from Sound in Motion DJ’s and the crew from Michael’s Catering.  The ceremony was performed by family friend, Superior Court Judge Jerry.   The day’s events were captured by Charlie and Parick from Big Time Video and the cake was created by Layer’s Cakes.  Carol and I agreed that throughout the entire day, Katie was one of the most gracious brides we have ever had the honor of working with.  She never broke a sweat, always had a kind word and truly glowed all day.  Craig was a pillar of quiet strength and they had a great time, surrounded by family and friends taking in all of the activities of their wedding day.

Yesterday found TEAM ELD busy seeing two wonderful couples tie the knot; one in Monterey and one in Carmel Valley.

Carol and I had the pleasure of sharing the day of Cathy Morris and Matt Radchenko.  They chose Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley for their beautiful mid-afternoon nuptuals officiated by Reverend Brian Lyke.  I was thrilled to work wih Brian again as he officiated my first official wedding over 11 years ago.  The Bride and Groom decided to see each other before the walk down the aisle so we presented the bride in the inner patio and brought her groom in to see her for the first time in her beautiful ivory gown and 50’s style wisp veil and he in his black tux and white vest.  They shared a few quiet moments together before the start of their ceremony.   The ceremony went off without a hitch then on to dinner and dancing.  We had a chance to check out something new to the scene called Screen Booth.  It’s hard to describe but basically combines a videographer and a photobooth.  Linda and Jessica did a great job walking all the guests through it and provided lots of fun props to use for leaving either a video message for the happy couple or some photobooth style snap shots.  Check out their site at www.screenboothsc.com and check out the demo.  The guests had a blast using it and it was hit.  Another cool thing Cathy and Matt did was to have a cigar bar complete with cordials.  The guys really enjoyed that.  Although the skies threatened rain in Monterey, the skies were blue and the sun was warm with a nice breeze at The Ranch.  It was a great day.

Little green apple candle place "cards". too cute

The tablescape

Matt with Linda in front of the ScreenBooth

The new Mr. & Mrs. Radchenko and Cathy's family

Cherie & Owen made the Monterey Peninsula the perfect location for their destination wedding.  Coming in from Fresno, CA – where last week’s temps soured into the 100’s  – was a refreshing change for the couple and their guests.  The ceremony took place at Berwick Park in Pacific Grove and the ocean was the perfect backdrop for this Central Valley couple.  The party officially kicked off at the Hyatt in Monterey and DJ Darion from DNA Dj’s kept the crowd dancing all night.  Since Carol and I were already committed to Tera & Jonathan for the day, my right-hand (wo)man Irma and our other seasoned assistant Juanita were large and in charge for this wedding and took excellent care of Cherie and Owen and all of the details.  Although the Bride & Groom had planned to make a grand departure, they decided they were having way too much fun to leave the party early!  That’s what we strive to hear.  Lot’s of hugs at the end of the night and another happy couple and beginning.

Had a fantastic day yesterday with a fabulous and gracious couple – Tera Erlendson & Jonathan Murray.  It was a beautiful day for a wedding at Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley – www.holmanranch.com  The weather was warm, if not down-right HOT at times but the skies were blue and clear making the mountains a crisp and magnificent backdrop for the wedding nuptials.  All of the bridesmaids were stunning, and how could they not be having been beautified by Kim Larson Bridal Hair and Make up.  Tera & Jonathan chose the best photographer in San Francisco – Peter Bruce www.bellefinephotography.com  - to capture all of the great memories of the day.  I was thrilled to work with Peter again as it’s been a few years since we’ve worked together – either at Mountain Winery in Saratoga or The Lodge at Pebble Beach.  Either way, it was great catching up and talking bikes since we both ride.  Some of the coolest ideas Tera had was having a candy bar lined with jars of various candies and then, in lieu of a wedding cake, they had scrumptious cupcakes from Icing on the Cake in Los Gatos.  Both were a HUGE hit and all of the sugar got the party dancing, along with the tunage provided by DJ Nick Elliot.  Things that will forever bring me back to this special day are the wedding party walking in to the instrumental version of Journey’s “Don’t stop believing” followed by the Bride walking down the aisle to Coldplay then walking back down the aisle as the new Mr & Mrs Jonathan Murray to Bob Marley.

Everything went awesome, Paradise Catering fed everyone well and you could really feel the magic in the air as the stars came out.  I know these two will be smiling and loving each other forever!

place card frames

I Do!

The candy bar - a tasty idea.

a wonderful keepsake