Archive for the ‘Alfred Angelo’ Category

The Couple:  April and Matthew Fetch

Wedding Date:  October 23, 2010. This date was very special to us. It has both of our favorite numbers, it’s right in the middle of fall (our favorite season), and it was a full moon, which is supposed to mean good luck in love!

Photography by Christopher Kight Photographers

Tell us a little about you and your beloved:  My husband and I met when we were 19 years old. We both worked at the same restaurant. We dated for a long time before our engagement. We both felt strongly about finishing school and establishing our careers before getting married. When he did propose to me, we were traveling through Europe. He managed to make it to the top of the Eiffel Tower (which is huge for him, he’s terrified of heights!) before he got down on bended knee and popped the question. He even managed to get someone to videotape it! It was a sweet surprise, and it’s fun to go back and watch the tape!

What was the most amazing part of your day?  The most amazing part of our day was being surrounded by our friends and family. It was so great to visit with those I hadn’t seen in awhile. We danced the night away with our loved ones, and it was a blast!

What else would you like to share about your big day?  We tried to personalize it to us as much as possible. For example, he is a police officer, and I am a teacher, so our tables were given names such as “the teacher’s lounge” or “the jailhouse” rather than numbers. Also, our DJ helped up come up with the most hysterical bios to introduce our bridal party. Our guests were cracking up and our bridal party was so surprised.

Ceremony Site:  SS. Peter and Paul in Rocklin

Reception Venue:  Sun City Roseville’s Timber Creek Ballroom

Photographer:  Christopher Kight Photographers

Videographer:  Dan Comins (a personal friend)

Cake:  Freeport Bakery

Flowers:  The Party Concierge

Favors:  We made them ourselves, they were little boxes filled with candy. We got a lot of our supplies from Michaels and The Dollar Tree!

Wedding Dress:  Alfred Angelo

Bridesmaid Dresses:  Alfred Angelo

Hair:  Jessica Edwards (personal friend and manager of Images Salon in Sacramento)

Makeup:  Ann Wagner (personal friend and manager of Estee Lauder in Roseville)

Invitations:  Invitations by Dawn

DJ/Entertainment/Band:  Matt Brys from Extreme Productions Entertainment (He’s the best!)

Honeymoon location:  Jamaica! It was completely last minute, too. We found a really good deal, so we went for it!

First Dance Song:  “Making Memories of Us” by Keith Urban.  That song was written for us. It described us and our situation perfectly.

Any advice you’d give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now?  I am the kind of girl who wants everything to be perfect. I told myself that if I went into my wedding day with that attitude, I was going to have a miserable day. Through all of the stress, I constantly reminded myself that the ONLY important thing was that me and my husband both show up and say ‘I do.’ Everything else is just a bonus.

Was my day perfect? Of course not! It was the ONE rainy Saturday in October so I didn’t get any of the beautiful, sunny outdoor pictures I had been dreaming about, I had a blemish right in the middle of my forehead, we ran late getting ready, and so on. But, I had prepared myself to not sweat the small stuff. And because of that, my wedding day was a BLAST. My advice to you is the advice my husband gives me: the only thing that will ruin a good plan is the dream of a perfect plan. So just roll with the punches and enjoy the day! It’s your day and you’ve worked so hard for it!

Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance?  We thought it was important to get a hotel room for our wedding night. Looking back, I would have much rather spent it at my home, where it is comfortable and ours. We would have saved money, and not had to go through the hassle of having to pack, deal with check in/out, etc. So don’t do things just because you feel like you’re supposed to, do what works for you.

Photos courtesy of Christopher Kight Photographers.

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The Couple:  Anna and Robert Pierce

Wedding Date: December 31, 2010

Photography by: Kris Holland Photography

Tell us a little about you and your beloved: Rob and I met five years ago when he was on a trip home from the military. I met him through my two roommates whom he had grown up with. We decided what we had found was worth sticking it out long distance for nine months until he completed his time in the Air Force and moved home. Rob and I fell in love, bought a house, started a family and then decided it was time to tie the knot! Our wedding day was everything I could have imagined and more — but being married is by far the best part!

What was the most amazing part of your day? By far — being with all our family and friends. We decided to have a New Year’s wedding —  that way we were able to share our special day with everyone we love, while at the same time ringing in the new year with a huge party!!

Ceremony and Reception Site:Le Rivage Hotel

Photographer: Kris Holland Photography

Caterer:  Scott’s Seafood

Chocolate Fountain:  Chocolate Fountains of Sacramento

Flowers: Faith Floral Studio

Favors:  Chocolate covered fortune cookies

Wedding Dress:  Alfred Angelo

Bridesmaid Dresses: Enchanted Bridal & Tuxedo Shoppe

Hair: Erika Kearney @ Planet Beauty

Make-up:Kristina Magovac @ MAC

Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas

DJ/Entertainment: Extreme Productions

Honeymoon location:  San Diego, CA

First Dance Song:“Feet Don’t Touch the Ground” by Stoney LaRue

Any advice you’d give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now? Don’t stress! Focus on a few items that mean the most to you and don’t sweat the small stuff! The day itself will go by so fast and all of your guests will remember only how beautiful you were and how much fun they had.

Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance?I know it sounds very cliché , but everything turned out absolutely perfect!! I would have liked to take a step back the day of and let everything really sink in, because everything goes by so fast and some things about the night are a blur. So to future brides…try to stay calm and EAT!!!!

Photo courtesy of Kris Holland Photography.

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The Couple:  Megan Schieberl and Tyler Franklin

Wedding Date:   July 31, 2010

Photography by:  Capture Photography

Tell us a little about you and your beloved:  Tyler and I have known each other for about 10 years. We first met when I was in high school, and he was going to college at Sonoma State. He had started working for my dad’s company, and we became friends and went on a few dates. Because of our three-year age difference we were in very different places in our lives and a relationship would not have worked. However, we remained friends over the years and would hang out occasionally. Then about three years ago we began talking on the phone often, and Tyler came to Santa Rosa and surprised me with a romantic dinner. After that I spent a weekend with him at his house in Roseville, and we have been together ever since.

A few months after we started dating Tyler decided to move to Santa Rosa so we could live together and about 18 months later on September 30, 2009, Tyler surprised me with a stretch limo and Dom Perignon champagne. We went to the executive terminal at San Francisco airport and took a private helicopter ride all through San Francisco and even under the Golden Gate Bridge! He proposed right as the helicopter was lifting off the ground! It was so cute and well thought out. He was so nervous, he couldn’t get the ring out of the little black bag. It was the most perfect day.

We began planning our wedding right away and got married nine months later on July 31, 2010, at Vintners Inn in Santa Rosa.

What was the most amazing part of your day?  The special moment that our photographer Shellie set up for us was to see each other for the first time. We wanted to take a lot of our photos before the wedding so we could be a part of our cocktail hour, but we still wanted it to be a special moment. She set it up so Tyler was at the end of this path right in front of the vineyards with his hands over his eyes, and I walked down the path and said his name when I was right in front of him. When he took his hand off of his eyes and we saw each other for the first time it was so special. We then were able to have a moment alone and walk along the path. It was so nice I wouldn’t do it any differently and the photos turned out beautifully.

What else would you like to share about your big day? We both really wanted to write our own vows as well as say the traditional vows. It was great to be able to tell each other how we felt about each other in our own words in front of everyone we love. We also added a rose ceremony to our wedding ceremony which made it more personal. And, we were lucky enough to have my uncle marry us which made the ceremony that much more special.

Ceremony Site and Reception Venue:  Vintners Inn

Photographer:  Capture Photography

Videographer:  Well Spun Wedding Films

Wedding Planner:  Tyler and I planned most of it with help from my mom and sister. But I did have a day of coordinator, Patty Forget.

Caterer:  Vintners Inn

Cake:  Patisserie Angelica

Flowers:  Patty Cakes Catering

Favors:  DIY

Wedding Dress:  AIRE Barcelona from Diamond Bridal Gallery

Bridesmaids Dresses: Alfred Angelo from Brides ‘n Maids

Hair and Make-up: Lauthr Salon

Invitations: DIY

DJ/Entertainment:  AMS Entertainment

Honeymoon Location:  Playa Del Carmen Mexico

First Dance Song: “The Best is Yet to Come” By Frank Sinatra

Any advice you’d give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now? Don’t sweat the small stuff and enjoy every minute especially the day of because it really does go by so fast. Also I would really recommend seeing each other before [the ceremony]. It took away a lot of the stress and made it so that we could enjoy our cocktail and get all of the great photos that we wanted.

Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance?  The only thing I would do differently is I would have spent more time going over things with our DJ. We did a slide show, and he ended up messing up two of the songs, but in the end only Tyler and I noticed. All in all it really was the perfect day!!

Photo courtesy of Capture Photography.

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The Couple:  Vanessa and Greg 

Wedding Date:  October 17, 2010 

Photography by:  Shepard Photography 

Tell us a little about you and your beloved:  The truth is…we met in jail :) What a great story to tell our kids, right?! Greg and I both worked at the same location and had a shift together for no more than an hour. The first time we hung out was for a celebration for him and two others who got new jobs. That night, we hit it off and have been together ever since. We make an amazing team! I joke that it was “love at first sight” whhen we first found out we both had annual passes to Disneyland. 

For Valentine’s Day 2010 we decided to keep it low key. We really needed to organize our garage so we had planned to do that all weekend. Greg and I were planning a trip to the snow the following weekend, and we had completed the purchase of my snow outfit on Saturday. He wanted me to try everything on to make sure I didn’t need anything else. So, I rolled out of bed, put on my snow pants, my new snow boots and headed downstairs to try on the rest. Greg and I went in to the garage to find my snow gloves and to try on my gaiters. I put on my snow gloves which prompted Greg to ask, “What are those?” I said “my gloves” and then I took them off. Greg said “then what are these?” as he pointed to another pair of gloves. I had no idea who they belonged to but he was insistent that I try them on! So I put the right hand on and said they fit. Greg asked me to put the left hand on, and I couldn’t figure out why he was being so difficult about these gloves. Well, I put my left hand in and my finger touched something… “A BUG!!!!” I shouted while removing the glove and shaking it vigorously so the “bug” fell out. Let me tell you, it was a VERY shiny bug. I dug through the box it landed in and realized it wasn’t a bug; it was a beautiful engagement ring! If I would have paid any attention I would have realized Greg was on one knee the entire time. He asked me to marry him, I said yes, and the rest is history! 

What was the most amazing part of your day?  Being surrounded by our closest friends and family. It rained that day and our venue did the most amazing job moving us inside, and it couldn’t have worked out better. The atmosphere was so intimate and we could feel the love, excitement and joy of our guests. 

What else would you like to share about your big day?  Greg and I have a lot of personality, and it was important to us that we had humor as a part of our day. From the jokes during the ceremony, to the granny panties wrapped around the garter, to the “Just Married” Disneyland buttons we wore during the reception…it was a blast! 

Ceremony and Reception Site:  The Grand Island Mansion 

Photographer: Chris Shepard, Shepard Photography 

Caterer:  on-site and absolutely delicious! It was the first wedding I’ve attended where everyone was too busy eating and not chatting with the bride and groom. We were able to eat a full meal and visit with each other while people went back for seconds and thirds. The guests were extremely pleased with the food and the cake. 

Cake:  On site and fabulous! 

Flowers:  Party Petals 

Wedding Dress:  Alfred Angelo 

Bridesmaid Dresses:  David’s Bridal 

Hair:  Kitty Coppin, Shear Magic 

Makeup:  Morgan Macek, Chiara Bella 

Invitations:  Wedding Paper Divas 

DJ/Entertainment/Band:  Lakeside Sounds 

Honeymoon location:  Princess Cruise – 10 day Eastern Caribbean 

Any other of your wedding vendor(s) you’d like to call out?  Our officiant (Lori Levisen with Loving Celebrations) was absolutely amazing!!! We have to mention her! She reminded us of the fairy godmother from Cinderella. All of our guests commented on how wonderful she was!  

First Dance Song:  “You’re my Everything” Nat King Cole 

Any advice you’d give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now?   Make sure your day reflects you and your fiancee because these memories will last a lifetime. We connected with all of our vendors and we couldn’t have asked for a better crew. It is so important to have a rapport with them because they are what set the tone for your day. Planning a wedding can be very stressful but if you are in this together you can make the most out of it. Have date nights with your fiancee and do not speak of the wedding…it’s important to keep your sanity and romance through such a hectic process. 

Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance?  Not a thing :) 

Photo courtesy of Shepard Photography.  

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The Couple:Vivian Murai and Cary Keaten

Wedding Date:  May 8, 2010

Photography by Diana Miller Photography

Tell us a little about you and your beloved: We are transplants from Michigan and Wyoming who enjoy good food and wine and socializing with our wonderful family and friends. Cary manages a city in the Central Valley, and is an Ironman in his spare time.

I work for a state agency protecting public health and the environment, and for fun I read/meet with my Smarty Pants Book Club and volunteer at SSPCA special events when not kicking back with our almost 15-year old German Shepherd Shiloh.

What was the most amazing part of your day?  Many moments throughout the day were stunningly good, so it’s hard to choose. Here are examples:

My makeup, hair, flowers and dress turned out so well that Cary teared up during the ceremony.

I think another couple of high points for me would have to be seeing everyone as I walked down the aisle, our first dance, the rhyming toast my girlfriends wrote and performed at the reception, and taking the garter off Cary.

Cary’s high points were seeing his future wife walk down the stairs and aisle, and sharing the whole evening with friends and family (especially the eating, drinking and guys brawling over the garter part).

What else would you like to share about your big day?  We were really impressed and ecstatic with all our vendors (adaptable, responsive, high quality), and were glad to see all of our guests and enjoy the night with them. Old traditions were tweaked to be more inclusive thanks to Doug and Dara (Music on the Move).

Ceremony Site:  Delta King Hotel

Reception Venue:  Delta King Hotel

Photographer:  Diana Miller Photography

Videographer: Yautang Yu (Vivian’s Uncle)

Wedding Planner:  Vivian with lots of work from Dara and Doug (Music on the Move) and key assists from Jenny Johnson at the Delta King Hotel

Caterer:  Delta King Hotel

Cake:  River City Cakes

Flowers:  Big Bang Event Design (Amazing Stuff)

Favors:  Silicone wristband

Wedding Dress:  Alfred Angelo

Bridesmaid Dresses:  Nordstrom Rack and Nordstrom

Hair:  Diane Donahue at GS Hair

Makeup:  Shana J Beals

Invitations:  DIY invites from The American Wedding

Reception Place cards by Julie Keaten-Reed with assistance from Russ Keaten-Reed, Rendy Keaten and Cary Keaten.

DJ/Entertainment:  Ceremony Music by George Sheldon of Guitar Landscapes (sound system by Music on the Move)

DJ Doug and Dara of Music on the Move (All the planning help and coordination on the day made it easier for all of the wedding party to enjoy!) Doug and Dara were so flexible and adaptable. They made it go so smoothly – one of my friends said she should have had me work on her wedding!

Honeymoon location:  Hawaii (Big Island and Kauai)

Any other of your wedding vendor(s) you’d like to call out?

Alterations by Kim’s Couture Designs (Thanks, Kim and team!)

Grebitus Jewelry for our wedding bands and making our rings

Chabo’s Jewelry (SF gift Center) for my engagement ring (Thank you Don Toy for this referral.)

East Sac Pet Pals (Deb & Rick) for taking great care of Shiloh on the day of our wedding.

First Dance Song:  Better Together by Jack Johnson

Any advice you’d give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now?

1) Make sure you take stock periodically on the big day so you will remember how it unfolds. Leave some extra time in the schedule to deal with hiccups.

2) See your loved ones the days before and after because it is almost impossible to see them all during the reception. Drinks the night before and dim sum/open house the day after worked well for us – both were affordable and fun.

3) Do research if budget is an issue for you. I did a lot of window shopping and dress research, and got referrals and checked Web sites for DJs, Florists and Photographers. Your venue will have a short list of folks who know their requirements and routines. Definitely be wow-ed by your florist’s and photographer’s photos before you choose them. Thanks to the Brown House at Loehman’s Plaza for referring me to Big Bang Events.

4) Know that with diligence up front and good communication throughout, it will all work out in the end.

5) Breathe and enjoy the smiles as you walk down the aisle.

Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance?  I wish I could make time go more slowly during the reception so we could have talked with everyone. Other than that, everything seemed wonderful to me.

Photos courtesy of Diana Miller Photography

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