Centerpiece of the Week

If you want to go tall, go really tall. Make sure the bulk of the floral part of the centerpiece is above your guests eye level when sitting down. Also try to make sure that the vase itself is not too thick as it also may obstruct guests views.

I love this tall skinny centerpiece. The James Story orchids are beautiful.



Photo by Vallentyne Photography.

CTW: 24

I am always looking for new types and colors of lanterns. I love these pastel ones. And pinks and greens are always great wedding colors.

And I am always drawn to black and white.

These great favor containers filled with jelly beans were put out empty as the containers used at a candy bar!

I love this adorable toile flower girl dress. The back is really too cute.

A Modern Butterfly Themed Wedding

Butterflies aren't for everyone. The following ideas are what I would call a modern take on a butterfly theme.

I love the button mum pomanders with the butterfly accents. From Poppy's Petalworks.

Love these letterpress invites from Sarah Drake Design.

This cake picture is from theknot.

These would make great tags for favors.

And I love these embroidered napkins.

And to top everything off a custom designed stamp to match your invite!

Centerpiece of the Week

I love the interesting textures of this low centerpiece. And of course I love the green hypericum berries.

Picture taken from theknot.

Florist: Wisteria Design Studio Ltd.

My Niche

Lets be honest: I am obsessed with weddings. A good obsession but an obsession none the less.

I also believe that all brides, no matter their budget, deserve the opportunity to hire a DOC.

When I began my DOC search I had a budget in mind. It was quite hard for me to find a DOC in that price range especially here in the San Francisco Bay Area. I did (thank you Christine!) but nowadays my "magic number" is almost impossible to find.

Reasons why my prices are lower than most:

1. I don't support myself with the money I earn coordinating weddings. If I had to (and that is the plan someday) prices inevitably would have to go up.
2. As an attorney I can justify charging $250 per hour. As a wedding coordinator I simply cannot (at least not yet, see number 1)
3. I really love executing beautiful weddings. It does not feel like a job to me and the fact that I get paid to do this is only an added bonus.

For those on a budget my packages can be customized. To lower your costs you may want to think about hiring a DOC for your reception only (esp. if you already have say a church coordinator) or hiring a DOC for less hours overall.

CTW: 23

I love these wood pencils. They would make great favors.




This ultra suede guestbook is super chic.

Ring pillows from Heart Paper Soul. Click on the button for more fabric and ribbon choices. The possibilities are endless.

Centerpiece of the Week

I like mixing up centerpieces with tall and short ones. I love the use of the fabric and buckle on the tall centerpiece.

Both photos by Nataly Lemus Photography.

CTW: 22

For the groom who has everything....and they are green (my favorite color).




These couture cookies can be custom designed.








I love these black cuff bracelets. May not be your cup of tea but would look great with the dress pictured below.

Photo by Jessica Claire of equally talented Trista Lerit.

Centerpiece of the Week

This simple yet elegant and beautiful tablescape is one after my own heart. All pictures and florals from Wiggy Flowers (my florist!).

CTW: 21

For some new readers CTW= Cool Things Wednesdays. CTW started back when I was a bride on the knot. I would post cool finds every Wednesday for my girls. Even though I have moved on from the knot CTW lives. Enjoy!

I am really loving the idea of having a cool umbrella on hand for pictures. If you don't have the budget to purchase one you can always rent. Check out Bella Umbrella. The prices can't be beat.

This umbrella rents for $30

This fun one for $10

This flirty one for $20

I am loving this monogram.

These are great votives.

Venue Spotlight: Calistoga Ranch

This place really has it all. Several spaces to hold both your ceremony and reception (including an amazing wine cave), beautiful lodges to house you and your guests, a unique spa like feel, some of the best food you will ever taste, and a private vineyard.

This is why we chose to have our wedding here.

Max capacity is 84 and let's face it this place will cost you some $$$. But it is the Napa Valley and you won't be disappointed.

Your options:

Poolside Patio

Photography by Lisa + James

Photography by Lisa + James

Lommel Lawn

Studio 7 via the Knot

Mel Barlow

LuLu Events

Lakehouse Patio

Studio 7 via the Knot



Mel Barlow

Photo via Here Comes the Guide

Mel Barlow

Mel Barlow



Wine Cave

Lori Paladino Photography

Photography by Lisa + James

Boutwell Studio

Mel Barlow



Michelle Walker Photography