Archive for the ‘Real Weddings Sacramento to the Sierra’ Category

The Couple:  Rachel Leach and Darren McCarty

Wedding Date:  June 26, 2010

Photography by Sarah Maren Photography

Tell us a little about you and your beloved:  Darren and I met five years ago when we worked at the same company together. I’m the social butterfly and he is the the quick wit! We’re really are a perfect match!

What was the most amazing part of your day?  As any other bride would say, “The whole day was amazing!” But if I had to narrow it down… I definitely have a top three.

(1) The Reveal: the moment that I saw Darren for the first time on our wedding day was unforgettable. Once we saw each other, all the background noise faded away, and I was left with the calm silence of holding my husband-to-be.

(2) Dancing with my father: Everyone who knows me… knows that this was the pinnacle of my life to date. Being the baby of the family and having a father plagued by heart disease… dancing with Dad was a big deal.

(3) Sunset Photos: Not only did our photographers make us feel like super models… but my new husband and I got to hold each other on the rooftop… watching the sun set on the city where we had fallen in love with each other. It was the perfect day.

What else would you like to share about your big day?  Our families and friends are AMAZING. We absolutely could not have had such a memorable day had it not been for the tireless efforts of our family and close friends.

Whether it was making gift bags, running to the ATM, or distracting 5-7 nieces and nephews… no one hesitated to say, “How can I help?” We tried to plan a wedding where our friends and family would have an amazing time… and it turns out, they are the reason it was an amazing time.

Ceremony Site:  The Citizen Hotel, Grand Ballroom

Cocktail Hour:  The Citizen Hotel, Scandal Lounge

Reception Venue:  The Citizen Hotel, 7th Floor Terrace

Photographer:  Sarah Maren Photographers

Videographer:  Heritage Video

Wedding Planner:  Jackie Young, Every Little Detail

Caterer:  The Citizen Hotel

Cake:  Icing on the Cupcake

Flowers:  Ambience Floral Design

Favors:  None… have you EVER kept or remembered a wedding favor??? Spend the money on champagne!!

Wedding Dress:  Miosa Bride

Bridesmaid Dresses:  Bella Donna

Hair:  Sam Hayes, Jr.

Makeup:  Shannon Squires

Invitations:  Wedding Paper Divas

DJ/Entertainment/Band: Supernatural Soundz

Honeymoon location:  Oh my goodness… well, it was supposed to be Playa del Carmen in Mexico. Unfortunately, Hurricane Alex (first of the season) hit the day after our wedding… which was the day before our departure. Luckily, I learned quickly that I married the right man… because he had purchased trip insurance!! Which gave us enough wiggle room to plan an impromptu honeymoon in San Diego, CA. I wouldn’t have changed a thing!!

Any other of your wedding vendor(s) you’d like to call out?  Hamilton’s Jewelers (Sacramento… especially Daniel, my rings are AMAZING!!), Fontaine Dance (Roseville), All Seasons All Reasons Fine Catering (catered my parents cocktail party the evening before the wedding), Judge Tom Cecil, Ten22 (Old Sacramento… especially Koreena Schulz, they hosted our rehearsal dinner and were phenomenal)

First Dance Song:  Forever by Ben Harper

Any advice you’d give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now?  Holy smokes… ENJOY IT!!! Say thank you more than you think you should. Remember that your fiance asked you to marry him before you determined a “goal weight.” And throw as many parties as you can… this is the one time it is all about you two!!

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

Photos courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography

    Do you have the new Real Weddings Magazine iPhone and iPad App?

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

Your email:

 

If I could be snowed in anywhere in the world, it would have to be at the amazing Amangani in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

This recent addition to this popular ski destination stands out for a sensitivity to nature in its design and the world class amenities and services offered to fortunate guests.

Here, you’re not only surrounded by nature, you fully embrace it. Native textures and materials are found at every corner, and the sweet smell of Pacific Redwood walls bring the sensations of the outdoors in.

And when you do get the itch to take on Mother Nature, you’re on the doorstep to some of the best skiing, fly-fishing and grand adventures this side of the Mississippi.

Recommended Resort: Amangani, Jackson Hole. Part of the Aman Resort collection that included properties like the stunning desert escape Amangiri in Utah, Amangani takes a similar approach to its location, fully integrating the design and flow to best capture the beauty and grace of the natural landscape it shares.

Thus you will find plenty of “windows” to all the wonder, like floor to ceiling glass, infinity pools, natural materials and open terraces.

For accommodations you not only find gorgeous, well-appointed suites available, but homes for rent as well. Nearly all rooms or homes offer breathtaking views of the Grand Tenton mountain range and some of the Snake River Valley and glistening Jackson Hole below.

Check In: 1535 North East Butte Road in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. 877-734-7333, amanresorts.com/amangani.

Check Out:  The skiing. Voted the number one ski resort in North America by Condé Nast Traveler, Amangani offers panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks around Grand Tenton National Park.

With ski season lasting from late-November to early April, Jackson Hole receives more than 400 inches of snow yearly and has miles of ski terrain. A complimentary 20-minute transfer from the resort to Amangani’s private ski lounge puts you right in the middle of the action.

Don’t Miss:  Après Ski. There’s nothing cozier and more romantic that hours spent nestled in resort. Cuisine is served up at The Grill, a 65-seat dining room with a wood-burning fireplace and wintery views. Private dining can be arranged in the Takoda Room for something a little more intimate.

The library celebrates local and Native American arts and features a broad selection of books, music, games and more. There’s also a heath center and gym, and if you can brave the winter chill for a moment, check out the heated outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi for a breath of fresh air.

Want more honeymoon ideas? Check out our other Mini-Moon and Honeymoon Blog Posts!

Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of Amangani Jackson Hole

  Do you have the new Real Weddings Magazine iPhone and iPad App?

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

The entire Real Weddings Magazine and Style Media Group team would like to wish you a very happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday!  We’ll be taking a couple of days off from blogging to spend the holidays with our families but we’ll be back with more daily doses of inspiration on Monday!

Do you have the new Real Weddings Magazine iPhone and iPad App?

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

Your email:

 

Hey Real Weddings brides — want to go to next week’s Lavish and Fabulous Event for free?  We’ve scored FIVE two-packs of tickets (so one for you and one for your guest) to go to next week’s event.

The first FIVE brides who email me at wendy@stylemg.com will get the tickets!

Please don’t take the tickets if you don’t think you’ll make the event, or if you’re not over 21, ok?

If you miss out on the free tickets, you can still buy tickets to the event online or at the door. Go to LavishAndFabulous.com for more!

Don’t know about the event? Well, then, read on!

Here’s the 411:

Event: Fearon May Events and Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa present Lavish and Fabulous, A Couture Bridal Event in association with Real Weddings Magazine.

When: November 11, 2010

Time: 6 – 9:30 p.m.

Where: Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa at 1220 Arden Hills Lane in Sacramento

Cost: Inspiration, delicious food, alcoholic beverages and live entertainment for only $15! Note that attendees must be 21 or over to attend this event, and ID’s will be required at time of check in.

RSVP: Click here to log on to the Lavish and Fabulous RSVP site and register today!

What you’ll get to experience: Lavish and Fabulous was designed to showcase some of the best professionals in the area through themed vignette rooms with sumptuous table top designs and decor. This boutique-style soiree allows couples to find wedding resources in a low-key, modern and fun environment.

With fashion, food and fabulous vendors, this is a must-attend event for today’s discerning brides and grooms! Come see the latest trends from New York to San Francisco for your 2011 wedding. All brides and grooms-to-be are invited to enjoy this one of a kind luxury showcase at the gorgeous Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa.

And, grooms, even you will enjoy this show! The event will feature a special groom’s lounge, delicious food and no pressure from vendor booths — couples can make it a fun night out for the two of you.

When you enter Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa you’ll be greeted with a glass of champagne as you walk the red carpet. Then, you’ll get to stroll through the themed vignette rooms designed by Fearon May Events, and be inspired by the breath-taking decor by the talented wedding professionals. Throughout the evening you’ll get to enjoy delicious food and beverages, and, of course, dance the night away to live entertainment! So pull out your best date night dress and come to this Lavish and Fabulous event!

We’ll be there enjoying the festivities and, of course, handing out complimentary copies of Real Weddings Magazine! We hope to see you there — log on today to register!

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

Your email:

 

We’re feelin’ some love over here at Real Weddings Magazine for Angie and Francisco!

We got the most delightful email from new bride Angie today. She and her beloved, Francisco, (pictured above) were married on October 2nd in Sonoma. She was inquiring how to get her wedding featured in Real Weddings Magazine. In our email conversation, we asked her how she found out about our magazine as we’re always curious to know where our readers find us.

In her email, she says, “I found out about your magazine by purchasing it from Safeway a few months ago. Out of all of the wedding magazines we purchased (which was a lot) yours was the most helpful and inspiring due to the real weddings section!”

We don’t often like to toot our own horn, but we had to share Angie’s note.

Angie, it’s brides like you who we produce this magazine for!  We’re thrilled that it inspired and helped you! Thank you for making our day!

And congrats to you and Francisco on your very special day!  Thank you for sharing it with us!

Blog Post by Editor/Publisher Wendy Sipple.

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

Your email: