The Couple:  Jamie and Nick Esposito

Wedding Date:  May 20, 2011

Photography by The Goodness Photo & Design

Tell us a little about you and your beloved:  We have been dating for eight wonderful years and it has been the best eight years anyone could ask for. We have the cutest chihuahua named Tank. We love to be adventurous, we love to travel and experience new foods and wine. We also enjoy having friends and family at the house for bbqs and parties.

What was the most amazing part of your day?  The most amazing part of our day was looking around and having all of our closest friends and family all in one room. Our friends and family had waited a long time for this day and you could really feel the love in the air. Everyone was so happy and supportive of us on our big day; it was absolutely amazing.

What else would you like to share about your big day?  Nick and I wrote our own vows and it made the ceremony so special and intimate. There was not a dry eye during the entire ceremony including both Nick and myself.

Ceremony Site & Reception Venue & Caterer:  Brookside Golf & Country Club

Photographer:  The Goodness Photo & Design

Cake:  One of our favorite parts of the wedding was our cannoli cake. Nick is Italian and we wanted to do something different that we had never seen before. Giovanni Toccagino from Palermo Ristorante spent hours hand stuffing more than 150 cannolis for our cannoli tiered wedding cake. It was truly one-of-a-kind and looked absolutely amazing!

Flowers:  We had Amy Erman from Elk Grove High School FFA Floriculture do our flowers and she made all my dreams come true. My bouquet was gorgeous and was just what I had dreamed of! It was filled with dark red peonies, roses, tulips and callas.

Favors:  Elite DJ Entertainment came and set up a photo booth during the reception. This was by far the biggest hit from our wedding. It was so funny to see our friends and family dress up with props and have a great time taking phtotos. Each guest got to take their photos home and we have a scrapbook of all the photos from the evening.

Wedding Dress:  La Soie Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses:  Nordstrom

Hair:  My MOH, Megan Bollinger, did my hair and Rebecca Kelley did the bridesmaids hair.

Makeup:  Spotlight Makeup Artistry

Invitations:  The Goodness Photo & Design

DJ/Entertainment/Band:  Fretty’s DJ Service & Limousine Service

Photo Booth:  Elite DJ Entertainment

Honeymoon location:  The Royal Cancun in Cancun, Mexico

Any other of your wedding vendor(s) you’d like to call out?  Giorgi Khokhobashvili played the violin during the ceremony and cocktail hour. I walked down the aisle to an instrumental version of “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton and it was perfect. Nick would always play this song for me as I got ready to go out, so it meant a lot to walk down the aisle to it and it was something we had never heard before.

First Dance Song:  “Faithfully” by Journey. All of the guests were standing up and our bridal party began to sing the song and hold the votive candles in the air. Before we knew it everyone was singing along as we danced. We wish we could repeat this moment over and over again.

Any advice you’d give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now?  Enjoy every moment of the planning process because it goes by so fast. Also, take some time during the reception to really have a special moment with your spouse. The day goes by in an instant so enjoy every minute of the day and experience.

Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance?  I would have hired a videographer. I wish I could watch the ceremony and first dance, etc. over and over because it all happened so fast. After the wedding Nick and I were wanting to relive every moment and by having a video we would be able to do that much easier.

Photos courtesy of The Goodness Photo & Design.

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

Event details:

When: Today, Sunday, January 29, 2012

Time: 3-6 p.m.

Where: NEW LOCATION:  Elk Grove Event Center. 8434 Bradshaw Road in Elk Grove

Cost: FREE admission, so just come on by!

What You’ll Experience: Start planning your stress free wedding at “the best little bridal show.”

For more information, log on to elkgrovebridalshow.com.

And, of course we’ll be there handing out complimentary copies of Real Weddings Magazine along with our newest wedding publication, Real Weddings Magazine‘s The Bride’s Guide! Also, we always have our awesome (and reusable!) Real Weddings Magazine bags to help you carry all of your goodies!

PLUS, ENTER TO WIN A $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO PAUL MARTIN’S AMERICAN BISTRO AT OUR BOOTH AT THIS EVENT!

Be sure to tell them you found out about the event from Real Weddings Magazine!

Hope to see you there!

Blog Post by Editor/Publisher Wendy Sipple.

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

Your email:

 

Event details:

When: TODAY, January 29, 2012

Time: 10:45 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where: Helwig Vineyards & Winery in Plymouth

Cost: $20 Admission. You can still come if you haven’t already registered — you’ll just need to pay at the door.

What You’ll Experience: This exclusive bridal workshop will feature three guest speakers, prize giveaways, sparkling wine, appetizers and desserts paired with Helwig’s award winning wines, photo keepsake, fun interactive contests and activities, and goodie bags for all attendees.

For more information and directions, please visit helwigwinery.com.

And, of course we’ll be there handing out complimentary copies of Real Weddings Magazine along with our newest wedding publication, Real Weddings Magazine‘s The Bride’s Guide! Also, we always have our awesome (and reusable!) Real Weddings Magazine bags to help you carry all of your goodies!

PLUS, ENTER TO WIN A $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO FAT’S ASIA BISTRO AT OUR BOOTH AT THIS EVENT!

Be sure to tell them you found out about the event from Real Weddings Magazine!

Hope to see you there!

Blog Post by Editor/Publisher Wendy Sipple.

Photo Courtesy of Helwig Vineyards & Winery.

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

Your email:

 

Event details:

When: Sunday, January 29, 2012

Time: 3-6 p.m.

Where: NOTE THE NEW LOCATION:  Elk Grove Event Center. 8434 Bradshaw Road in Elk Grove

Cost: FREE admission, and be sure to pre-register for FREE pre-printed labels!

What You’ll Experience: Start planning your stress free wedding at “the best little bridal show.”

For more information, log on to elkgrovebridalshow.com.

And, of course we’ll be there handing out complimentary copies of Real Weddings Magazine along with our newest wedding publication, Real Weddings Magazine‘s The Bride’s Guide! Also, we always have our awesome (and reusable!) Real Weddings Magazine bags to help you carry all of your goodies!

PLUS, ENTER TO WIN A $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO PAUL MARTIN’S AMERICAN BISTRO AT OUR BOOTH AT THIS EVENT!

Be sure to tell them you found out about the event from Real Weddings Magazine!

Hope to see you there!

Blog Post by Editor/Publisher Wendy Sipple.

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

Your email:

 

Event details:

When: SUNDAY, January 29, 2012

Time: 10:45 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where: Helwig Vineyards & Winery in Plymouth

Cost: $20 Admission.

What You’ll Experience: This exclusive bridal workshop will feature three guest speakers, prize giveaways, sparkling wine, appetizers and desserts paired with Helwig’s award winning wines, photo keepsake, fun interactive contests and activities, and goodie bags for all attendees.

For more information and directions, please visit helwigwinery.com.

And, of course we’ll be there handing out complimentary copies of Real Weddings Magazine along with our newest wedding publication, Real Weddings Magazine‘s The Bride’s Guide! Also, we always have our awesome (and reusable!) Real Weddings Magazine bags to help you carry all of your goodies!

PLUS, ENTER TO WIN A $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO FAT’S ASIA BISTRO AT OUR BOOTH AT THIS EVENT!

Be sure to tell them you found out about the event from Real Weddings Magazine!

Hope to see you there!

Blog Post by Editor/Publisher Wendy Sipple.

Photo Courtesy of Helwig Vineyards & Winery.

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

Your email:

 

Event details:

When: This Sunday, January 29, 2012

Time: 10:45 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Where: Helwig Vineyards & Winery in Plymouth (visit their web site for directions:  helwigwinery.com)

Cost:  $20 Admission — the event is almost sold out, so register now!

What You’ll Experience: This exclusive bridal workshop will feature three guest speakers, prize giveaways, sparkling wine, appetizers and desserts paired with Helwig’s award winning wines, photo keepsake, fun interactive contests and activities, and goodie bags for all attendees.

For more information, please visit helwigwinery.com. And, be sure to “like” their Facebook page!

And, of course we’ll be there handing out complimentary copies of Real Weddings Magazine along with our newest wedding publication, Real Weddings Magazine‘s The Bride’s Guide! Also, we always have our awesome (and reusable!) Real Weddings Magazine bags to help you carry all of your goodies!

PLUS, ENTER TO WIN A $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO FAT’S ASIA BISTRO AT OUR BOOTH AT THIS EVENT!

Be sure to tell them you found out about the event from Real Weddings Magazine!

Hope to see you there!

Blog Post by Editor/Publisher Wendy Sipple.

Photo Courtesy of Helwig Vineyards & Winery.

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

Your email:

 

Event details:

When: Sunday, January 29, 2012

Time: 3-6 p.m.

Where:  NEW LOCATION:  Elk Grove Event Center at 8434 Bradshaw Road in Elk Grove

Cost: FREE admission, but be sure to pre-register for FREE pre-printed labels!

What You’ll Experience:  Start planning your stress free wedding at “the best little bridal show.”

For more information, log on to elkgrovebridalshow.com, and visit their Facebook page for even more up-to-date details on this event!

And, of course we’ll be there handing out complimentary copies of Real Weddings Magazine along with our newest wedding publication, Real Weddings Magazine‘s The Bride’s Guide! Also, we always have our awesome (and reusable!) Real Weddings Magazine bags to help you carry all of your goodies!

PLUS, ENTER TO WIN A $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO PAUL MARTIN’S AMERICAN BISTRO AT OUR BOOTH AT THIS EVENT!

Be sure to tell them you found out about the event from Real Weddings Magazine!

Hope to see you there!

Blog Post by Editor/Publisher Wendy Sipple.

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

Your email:

 

The Couple:  Nancy and Nick Sears

Wedding Date:  May 7, 2011

Photography by Jocelyn McGregor Photography

Tell us a little about you and your beloved:  Nick’s point of view: Well, it just so happens that both of my brother’s mothers-in-law work with Nancy. Nancy’s work decided to have a Christmas party at the home of one of  mothers-in-law. Seeing as they were doing that, my brother and his father-in-law asked if I wanted to go bowling with them. I arrived at the house and before I left I saw a great set of legs enter the house. When we returned from bowling, I was able to catch a few glimpses of Nancy and ended up asking my sister-in-law to see if they could get her number for me, and that’s how it all began.

Nancy’s point of view: I went to my co-worker’s house for a Christmas party. It was really entertaining until I saw my, now, brother-in-law, staring at me from across the room. It was a little uncomfortable for the fact that I thought he was my co-worker’s daughter’s husband, and also thought Nick was married as well. After he got a hold of my phone number and we started talking, I couldn’t tell which guy it was from the party. But when I saw him waiting outside of my work for our first date with a bouquet of flowers, I was glad —  he was lean, tall, single and handsome. Then I said to myself, I am not gonna let him go! And the rest is history.

What was the most amazing part of your day?  When we were holding hands at the altar!

What else would you like to share about your big day?  Everyone really enjoyed the wedding and have said that it was a very relaxing and fun setting!

Ceremony & Reception Site:  Carriage House Gardens

Photographer:  Jocelyn McGregor Photography

Caterer:  Taqueria Espinoza

Cake:  Ettore’s

Flowers:  My friend, Jennifer Lee

Favors:  Innova Discs – Sam Ferrans (mini disc golf discs)

Wedding Dress:  David’s Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses:  Chosen by bridesmaid after given the color

Hair:  Lily at Regis Salon

Invitations:  Gina DeCosta

DJ/Entertainment/Band:  DJ Jukey Jukes

Honeymoon location:  We have yet to go, but are planning on Monterey/Carmel, Hearst Castle, Disneyland… coastal trip.

Any other of your weddingvendor(s) you’d like to call out?  Bridesmaids’ Gifts: Etsy – Lisa Arney (handmade jewelery pouches), Betty Sears – (hand made crocheted rose pins). Groomsmen Gifts: DGA (Disc Golf Association) – Derek Kotval. Engagement Portrait Painting: Aman Smith. Decorations: La Mariposa Imports – Ray – papel picado. Cake Topper: Woodland Manufacturing – custom metal cake topper.

First Dance Song:  ”Better Together” by Jack Johnson

Any advice you’d give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now?  Don’t stress! Everything will turn out just fine in the end! If you don’t want to take advice from anyone, don’t. Do it the way that will make you happy, not to make others happy! It’s your day, not anyone else’s. Don’t feel obligated to accommodate everyone’s opinions. In the end, they are there to be happy for you!

Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance?  Invited more people had we had the financial ability to do so.

Photos courtesy of Jocelyn McGregor Photography.

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

Photos by Sarah Maren Photographers. Shot on location at Old Sugar Mill. Please see Summer/Fall 2009 issue for credit details.

Tonight’s Event Details:

When: Friday, January 20, 2012

Time: 6 – 9 p.m.

Where: Carvalho Family Winery at Old Sugar Mill at 35265 Willow Avenue in Clarksburg

Cost: $10, please RSVP to marnie@carvalhowines.com or call her at 916-275-8719; or you can contact one of their preferred partners for complimentary VIP admission. Here’s a link to their preferred partner list.  YOU CAN STILL COME EVEN IF YOU DON’T RSVP !

What You’ll Experience: Meet more than 30 top wedding professionals. See floral arrangements, table displays and lighting examples. Talk to event coordinators, DJs and photographers. Enjoy food and wine tastings and beautiful music and prize giveaways!

And, of course we’ll be there handing out complimentary copies of Real Weddings Magazine along with our newest wedding publication, Real Weddings Magazine‘s The Bride’s Guide! Also, we always have our awesome (and reusable!) Real Weddings Magazine bags to help you carry all of your goodies!

PLUS, ENTER TO WIN A $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO FAT’S ASIA BISTRO AT OUR BOOTH AT THIS EVENT!

Be sure to tell them you found out about the event from Real Weddings Magazine!

Hope to see you there!

Blog Post by Editor/Publisher Wendy Sipple.

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

Your email:

 

Photos by Sarah Maren Photographers. Shot on location at Old Sugar Mill. Please see Summer/Fall 2009 issue for credit details.

Event details:

When: Tomorrow evening, Friday, January 20, 2012

Time: 6 – 9 p.m.

Where: Carvalho Family Winery at Old Sugar Mill at 35265 Willow Avenue in Clarksburg

Cost: $10, please RSVP to marnie@carvalhowines.com or call her at 916-275-8719; or you can contact one of their preferred partners for complimentary VIP admission. Here’s a link to their preferred partner list.

What You’ll Experience: Meet more than 30 top wedding professionals. See floral arrangements, table displays and lighting examples. Talk to event coordinators, DJs and photographers. Enjoy food and wine tastings and beautiful music and prize giveaways!

And, of course we’ll be there handing out complimentary copies of Real Weddings Magazine along with our newest wedding publication, Real Weddings Magazine‘s The Bride’s Guide! Also, we always have our awesome (and reusable!) Real Weddings Magazine bags to help you carry all of your goodies!

PLUS, ENTER TO WIN A $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO FAT’S ASIA BISTRO AT OUR BOOTH AT THIS EVENT!

Be sure to tell them you found out about the event from Real Weddings Magazine!

Hope to see you there!

Blog Post by Editor/Publisher Wendy Sipple.

Check out the Real Weddings Contest Page! Great bridal loot for real Sacramento-area brides!

Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog!

Your email: