2009 was the year of the lounge {along with the candy table and unique place card display} We had a few lounges of our own and had fun with them all, but this one was truly special.

Cindy and Kevin flew in from Arizona one rainy afternoon to meet with me and see what in the world I had been raving about and trying to convey to them over the phone and via emailed photos: A “Southern Lounge” with dark wood wicker furniture, elegant pillows, chandeliers hanging from trees, large jugs of sweet tea and lemonade to be served in mason jars and blues music playing in the background {compliments of a few members of the Misa Malone Project out of San Francisco}. All of this, nestled into the “enchanted forest” area  at the beautiful Avio Vineyards surrounded by rolling hills and grapevines, was enough to make any southern girl melt! The decor was inspired by a front porch photo of a beautiful home in Hilton Head that Cindy had shown me when we first met. She fell in love with the details and the vision was brought to life. After the event, the divine satin pillows that Cindy was gushing over were my gift to her. Photos by Allison Stahl.

As the Program Chair on the Board of Directors for Sacramento NACE (National Association of Catering Executives), we had the opportunity to plan more than our typical amount of Corporate Events last year. And, I just had to add this one is as one of my highlights from ‘09 because I simply fell in love with this color palette which was used in the perfect location at the perfect time of year. Sunny, cheery and bright!

It was one of the most beautiful summer days that we experienced last August and the weather was just right for the treats we had in store!  Guests at this evening event were treated to great food {compliments of Scott’s Seafood on the River}, lounging on the shore of the American River with amazing music played in the backround {by my new favorite acoustic genius Adam Donald}, bocce ball and tours of a private yacht on the water. The evening was wrapped up with an outdoor movie on the portable big screen {Yep, just like in The Wedding Planner} and guests mingled until the sun went down and the moon was bright.

Thanks to: Audrey of Botanica Floral Designs {inspiration and floral design}, 3E Exquisite Entertainment and Events {movie screen}, Classic Party Rentals {Linens, service ware}, Scott’s Seafood, Le Rivage, Simply Elegant Rentals and Decor {Chair Sashes}and NACE for the opportunity! Cheers!

Well, those of you who know me personally know that my sweet tooth is so out of control that I practically put chocolate in front of family! {Not really, but you get what I’m saying, right?} Thinking back on all of the beautiful and tasty cake creations of this past year made my mouth water and brought visions of fluffy cake and creamy fillings covered in amazing fondant and butter cream art to my eyes! {Yes, I said art!} I have to give it up to the all of the incredibly talented dessert-esses {as I like to call them} that we had the pleasure of working with with last year! We had cupcakes, petit fours and candy tables galore..but we themed an entire wedding around this one. Check out the photos below from Breanne & Rob’s Garden Wedding in Lodi, CA. Mmmm…mmmm…delicious details! Cake by Kat’s Cakes. Photos by Allison Stahl.

Well, what can we say about Heather Feather? She was truly stunning and there was no shortage of jaws dropping when she entered the room at Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa during Charity and Frank’s reception to serve up some cake and Shari’s Berries! Heather, the beautiful centerpiece of our strolling table, was provided to us by Screaming Queens Entertainment out of New York. She was absolutely amazing!

Shortly after Heather’s performance, the 2Chic Cigar Girls passed out some fine cigars for the gentleman (and a few ladies, too!) to enjoy with the groom. This Platinum affair exuded class and flair in oh so many ways! Loved it!

Best surprise romantic moment by a groom was definitely when Tim recorded a special surprise message for his bride, Amanda at the end of their slideshow! Bryan Greenwalt of Music and More did an amazing job of putting the slideshow together and keeping the secret! After a 2 minute recording where Tim talked about how excited her was for their wedding day and telling Amanda how much he loved her, he presented her with a Tiffany box (big points, of course!). Inside was a heart shaped pendant that had their monogram, which was the theme that was carried throughout their wedding, engraved on it. Sweeeet move Tim! Tim and I were in contact throughout the planning process and he threw in a few other surprises as well that had Amanda on the verge of tears all day. Let me tell ya: Amanda was a tough one to keep secrets from! At one point she was pretty upset with Bryan and I when we wouldn’t allow her to preview her slideshow (again) because we had already added the ending. She was thankful in the end, though!

Now, the weather needs to be just right for this one (and thankfully it was on 10/10/9), but my favorite venue of the year was definitely Coloma Country Inn! It is so very charming, and right up my alley with a more chic than shabby, yet rustic feel. The decor in the Inn is drool-worthy for a vintage-loving girl like me! The lake on the site was amazing, the tree swing that we decorated in Jessica and Mike’s colors was ah-dorable and the chandeliers hanging from the trees over the dance floor and head table were the icing on the cake!  Breathtaking photos by Stout Photography! (Picture #1 was a serious contender for our favorite photo of the year – love the boat and the reception scene in the background with the chandeliers!)

Photo by Stout Photography

Photo by Stout Photography

Photo by Stout Photography

As we embark on the new year (Well, OK…before January ends!), we wanted to share with you our top 9 of 2009! We will be posting one each day for the next 9 days ~ otherwise it’ll just be too long of a post! Our top picks include our favorite photo, favorite location, bouquet, theme, vintage inspired piece etc. Please take a peek at the very special things that made our year simply chic and fabulously unique!!!

Let’s start with my favorite photo ~ by the amazingly talented Allison Stahl from Cindy & Kevin’s June 2009 Georgia Peach Wedding in Sutter Creek:

Cindy, Cindy, Cindy ~ where do I start?! Cindy was full of Southern charm and grace, which was clearly passed on to her from her parents {Her Father Douglas Wallace is an amazing author} and then further enhanced by her own personal inner and outer beauty! This photo will forever be one of my faves and truly encompasses our tag line “The less stress you have, the more beautiful you look!” Cindy was a show-stopper and a true Georgia Peach. This photo that Allison captured says it all!

What a pleasure it was to work with Jestina and Matt on the planning of their October wedding at The Flower Farm Inn in Loomis, just outside of Sacramento! One of my favorite details was the way the bride incorporated her something blue in a very cute way! What better way to say I DO! than in blue, on the bottom of your wedding shoe! Photo by Christopher Kight Photographers.