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SPRING/SUMMER 2009

HERE
TO SAY
I DO
INPLACER
& NEVADA
COUNTIES

REA WEDDING
PHOTOGRAPHERS
SHARE THEIR PERFECT PICS

ocal BRIDE
is
Ju‘hooked’
st 8 on her man
sp o ts le ft !

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0318AJIDO002.qxd 3/18/2009 9:38 AM Page 1

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2 I Do 2009
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And it all starts with “I do.”

Tony Hazarian
Publisher, “I Do” magazine

On the cover: Sarah Stetler perches on a

swing at The Gathering Place in Loomis.
Photograph by Jacqueline Willard, Jacqueline
Photography. jacquelinephotography.net
(916) 390-2228

I Do magazine is owned and

published by The Auburn Journal
and Gold Country Media.
All rights reserved.
Copyright 2009.
Reproduction in any form,
whole or part without prior
consent is prohibited.

I Do 2009 3
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Stand up
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What’s right for you?
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By Bev Bennett
CTW Features

thinking about frail relatives. How can you decision will depend on the venue, your

Y
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They’re going to hug or shake hands
with everyone at your wedding
reception – being tethered to a table
wouldn’t sit well with them. You’re also
make them wade through a buffet line? guest list and menu.
As you’re discovering, selecting the appro- Budget is also a factor, and costs will vary
priate food service is just as important as the
food itself at your wedding celebration. Your Continued on page 22

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0318AJIDO006.qxd 3/14/2009 10:19 AM Page 1

Bride hooked on her groom

The couple: By Michelle Miller-Carl
Sarah Stetler and I Do magazine
Michael Brunkhorst of Alta

W
hen Sarah Stetler and Michael
The day: Brunkhorst were planning their
September 6, 2008 wedding, there was one priority
– it couldn’t interfere with deer
hunting season.
The place: Sarah dreamed of a September wedding,
The Gathering Place but the Alta couple worried that if their wed-
ding occurred during deer season, no one
in Loomis would show.
“Everyone in our family hunts, so there
wasn’t going to be anyone at the wedding.
My sister-in-law, brother, Michael, myself, my
Newlyweds Michael Brunkhorst and grandparents,” Sarah said. “There wouldn’t
Sarah Stetler on their wedding day at have been a single groomsman.”
The Gathering Place in Loomis. Capturing their outdoorsy nature was
Above, Sarah reels in the big catch. important for Sarah and Michael, who ended
up pushing their date to Sept. 6, 2008, well
Photographs by Jacqueline Willard,
Jacqueline Photography.
before hunting season. The couple are avid
jacquelinephotography.net anglers and enjoy fishing in the Delta in their
(916) 390-2228 own boat.

6 I Do 2009
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So it’s no wonder the couple’s wedding Her centerpieces were recycled from her
was a little fishy. brother’s wedding. The cake cutters and
Their cake topper had a bride reeling in goblets were borrowed from her parents.
a groom. Their favors and placecards were The Hershey Kiss favors had homemade
festooned with the phrase “We got stickers printed with their date in a “fishing
hooked.” pole” font.
But it took Sarah a while to reel in her Sarah is proud that most of her wedding
big catch. was supplied by Placer County vendors,
Although they knew each other since from her $37 SaveMart cake to her
high school (both attended Colfax High – Roseville photographer, Jacqueline Willard.
Michael graduated in 2001, Sarah in 2003), Before she knew it, it was time to walk
they didn’t start
dating until 2005.
While on a fish-
ing trip with
Sarah’s brother,
Michael told him
he was really start-
ing to like his sis-
ter. Then
Christmas 2007,
Michael popped
the question by
putting a ring in
Sarah’s stocking.
Sarah immedi-
ately started plan-
ning the big day
with loads of help
from her mother
and sister-in-law.
“He got to
relax and I got
whatever I want-
ed,” Sarah said.
The couple
chose The
Gathering Place in
Loomis as their
venue.
Celebrate romance
in grand style
“It has a bed
and breakfast so
photography: Jay Cowle www.jaycowle-photo.com

you can stay there

and with the pond
and the beautiful
outside, it cap-
tured who we
are,” Sarah said.
“It’s very out-
doorsy, so we
went with that.”
Finding the per-
fect dress was next
on Sarah’s to-do
Photograph by Jacqueline Willard
list, but she almost
cast the dress she Sarah Stetler and Michael Brunkhorst share a special moment.
wore on her big day
aside.
“There was this one dress that was real- down the aisle. hair skin nails
ly gaudy,” Sarah said. “We were making Flanked by six bridesmaids and six packages designed to fit your individual needs
fun of it, but when I put it on I loved it.” groomsmen, Sarah and Michael exchanged
She wore a Maggie Sottero strapless vows overlooking The Gathering Place’s
gown with a beaded bodice and roucheing pond in front of around 160 guests.
around the waist.
The wedding cost $15,000, most of it
Michael found it quite emotional to get
through his vows. ADORA BELLA
coming from Sarah’s parents. “Then I shed a tear because he was cry- Day Spa & Salon
Sarah knew photography and food ing,” Sarah said. “I just took a deep
would be the most expensive parts of the breath.” 1470 Eureka Road, Suite #160
wedding, but she tried to cut down wher- Roseville, CA
ever she could. Continued on page 9 916.771.3050
www.adora-bella.com
I Do 2009 7
0318AJIDO008.qxd 3/14/2009 10:50 AM Page 1

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8 I Do 2009
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The wedding
cake topper,
left, and
placecard,
below,
played off of
the couple’s
love for fish-
ing.

Photographs by
Jacqueline
Willard

Hooked
Continued from page 7
Once the “I dos” were said, it was
time to celebrate.
“Nobody thought I’d do it (get mar-
ried), so it was exciting,” Michael said. “I
was nervous all day until she walked
down the aisle. After that I had fun.”
Sarah found out the adage that you
won’t get 100 percent attendance at your
wedding didn’t hold true for hers.
“They say 15 to 20 percent don’t
come, but everybody came,” she said.
“We had to overflow outside onto the
patio.”
Dinner was habanero pork and tri-tip
with salad and roasted red potatoes.
The couple enjoyed their first dance to
John Michael Montgomery’s “I Can Love
You Like That.”
“Everyone told us it was the best wed-
ding and they had so much fun,” Sarah
said. “I think it’s because it was confort-
able, not uppity. Just real low key.
Everybody knew everybody and just had a
lot of fun.”
Sarah’s favorite part of her wedding
was that first moment she snagged alone
with Michael.
“It’s over before you know it. You
spend a year, or less, preparing for one
day and then it’s over like that,” she said,
snapping her fingers together. “Just take
it in and then try to let go.”
Sarah also suggests brides delegate
tasks. Sarah assigned certain key tasks to
her brother and it took a lot of weight off
her shoulders on the wedding day.
Michael’s advice to grooms?
“Let it ride. Go with the flow,” he
said. “All I had to do was show up.”

I Do 2009 9
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The beauty of boudoir

A boudoir-photo session is a great way for brides to capture their
wedding-worthy glamour and forget about the stress of the big day.
The great-looking photos are just a bonus.

By Jake Laub
CTW Features

CAPTURING

T
he butt-kicking work-
THE UNIQUE outs, beauty consults
EXPERIENCES OF and dress fittings all
culminate in one day
YO U R W E D D I N G DAY where the bride looks her
absolute best as the camera
PHOTOGRAPHING clicks away. But the bride def-
initely deserves to celebrate
FOR OVER 27 YEARS her hard work more than
once, and there’s certainly no
rule that says all that hard
work put into looking perfect
on the big day only gets to be
captured once. Which is why
some photographers believe
the beauty run-through is the
time to have a boudoir-photo
session.
“It’s so relaxing to get
their hair and makeup done,”
says Brandy Pellegrino, a
boudoir photographer in
Murrieta, Calif. “They leave
the shoot feeling beautiful. It
turns out not to be just a
photo session but an
absolutely perfect day.”

B
oudoir is a term for a
woman’s bedroom or
private sitting room
– “boudoir” literally
comes from the French for “a
sulking place” – and boudoir photography
traditionally refers to intimate photos taken
in that location. Boudoir photography is as
old as photography itself, but bridal
boudoir photography is a growing trend.
Pellegrino began her photography business
in 2004 and added boudoir a year later.
WEDDINGS Today, it makes up 90 percent of her busi-
• ness.
PORTRAITS “Mainly the people that come to me
have come to me in the lingerie store,” says
• Pellegrino, whose studio is in the back of a
M AT ER N I T Y lingerie store, which has some of her pho-
Marnee Marriott/marriottphoto.com
brides have sexy, sophisticated photos
taken a few months before their wedding
in order to have them printed to give to
their fiancé on their wedding day or their
honeymoon. A favorite photo can be indi-
vidually framed, but often a set of photos
are given in an album.
“They want something that’s beautiful
and good quality that they can tuck away,”
says Pellegrino, who provides photos to her
clients in either a leather-bound album,
similar to the wedding album, or in a cloth
folio.

• tos on display. “They see it and they like it.
I think it’s just being more popular, and the
F A M I LY suggestion is there.”
• Doris Maran, a wedding and boudoir
CHILDREN photographer in Maui, says its basically
wherever the bride wants to take it.
“It could mean getting shots done while
the bride is getting ready in her under-
916.786.7755 things, or it can be an appointment before
the wedding so the photos can be given as
w w w. p o r t r a i t s b y l i n d a v. c o m a gift,” she says.
Most of the time it’s the latter, where
C
apturing bridal beauty without the
traditional nuptial accoutrements
like a dress and veil was what Maui
bride Vanessa Cushenbery was
aiming for when she chose to have Maran
shoot boudoir photos two months before
her wedding. She met the photographer at
the beach, and then she took her clothes
off. It wasn’t lewd or coarse, Cushenbery
says; it was beautiful. “It’s a very special
time, and (bridal boudoir) is a wonderful
way to capture that moment,” she says.

10 I Do 2009
0318AJIDO011.qxd 3/14/2009 10:54 AM Page 1
“What my clients like about it is that it’s
invigorating for women,” Pellegrino says. “It
just makes them feel special and pretty and
happy that they could give a unique gift.”
In fact, Pellegrino says only 50 percent of
her client base is brides-to-be. Some have lost
weight and want to celebrate their success,
while others want to document their beauty
as they age. It’s something they do just to
feel beautiful, but most are doing it “for his
eyes only.” Pellegrino herself stumbled into
boudoir when a friend wanted something to
send to her husband in Iraq.
“It’s a tremendous gift to give your hus-
band,” says Danny Steyn of Adept Studios in
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. “It’s a unique thing that
nobody else (can) give them. That in itself
makes it a valuable gift.”
Me? Sexy photos? No way! Well, that’s
kind of the point. Bridal boudoir is about get-
ting over your fears and enjoying the beauty
that’s yours. It’s edgy, it’s fun, and, yes, you’ll
look great.
“When we show our clients professional
model books, their first response is ‘I don’t
look like that,’” Steyn says. “Then we show
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them that we can make just the average per-
son on the street look incredibly sexy, and
they start picturing how they would look in
that setting, and they get excited.”
“A lot of brides do it for themselves,” says
Marnee Marriott, a Scottsdale, Ariz.-based
photographer. It’s a time when they feel
good and sexy, and they want to record
that.”
OK. I’ll Do It. What next?
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“There’s something valuable about over-
coming that wall and feeling comfortable
after being nervous,” Maran says. “Usually I
can get you comfortable in about 20 min-
utes.”
Then the shoot can be a lot of fun. If
you’re at the beach you might find yourself
rolling around in the sand like a swimsuit
model, or if you’re at home or a hotel, you
might be luxuriously sprawled on the bed.
This is your photoshoot. It’s all about you,
and that means your clothes, too. Many
women choose to be photographed in their
bridal undergarments and veil or in their
favorite lingerie; some get more creative.
“It’s always fun to have women bring
something from their fiancé,” Maran says.
“Once a girl brought her fiancé’s favorite
leather jacket. She just wore her underwear
and his jacket on the beach. It was a whole
adventure – stealing it and getting it back
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I Do 2009 11
0318AJIDO012.qxd 3/14/2009 10:57 AM Page 1

Karina Williams, Reminiesce Photography.

(916) 769-8028, www.timetoreminisce.com

Couple: Brian and Rebecca Burbeltz

Location: Newcastle Wedding Gardens

Date: April 2008

Eye
Say
Eye Do Preston Belknap Photography. (916) 749-5689, prestonphotography.net

Couple: Aaron Jacobs of Granite Bay and Allison Burce of Fairfield

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Date: July 26, 2008

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12 I Do 2009
0318AJIDO013.qxd 3/14/2009 11:09 AM Page 1

Wedding album

David Posey, Lexigraphics

Photography. (916) 505-2846,
www.lexigraphics.com

Couple: Alexandra and

Jordan Gash

Location: Forest House

Lodge, Foresthill

Date: Aug. 8, 2008

Karina Williams,
Reminiesce Photography.
(916) 769-8028,
www.timetoreminisce.com

Couple: Sarah and

Andrew Leone

Location: Newcastle
Wedding Gardens

Date: June 2008

I Do 2009 13
0318AJIDO014.qxd 3/14/2009 11:11 AM Page 1

little
The
white dress
This season, high style
comes from higher hemlines.
See why brides are going short for
a chic look that lasts all day long

By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
CTW Features

H
emlines may rise and fall along with
the stock market, but brides aren’t
following the custom of always
wearing ankle-grazing, floor-length
gowns in times of woe.
As the economy weathers a perfect storm
of crises – high gas prices, falling home
prices and a liquidity crunch – there’s grow-
ing interest in shorter gowns, and compa-
nies such as Watters, Vineyard Collection
“They want to show off their (designer shoes) and Tara Keely are including a few options
and have fun from the get-go,” says Maria
in their collections.
Prince of Watters & Watters. Watters’ ivory
By no means do these cocktail numbers
cotton lace strapless dress with grosgrain
account for a large percentage of the offer-
and velveteen ribbon flat bow belt at waist.
ing, but they are becoming staples for the
Courtesy photo
designers.

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“Brides and grooms are less bound by

family tradition and are calling their own
shots, wanting a freer, fun, flirty mood at the
wedding, and these dresses reflect that,” says
Grace Young, a buyer at Bridal Galleria in San
Francisco, a couture salon carrying Vera
Wang and Amsale.
Young notes that about 20 percent of her
customers are opting for destination wed-
dings in seaside places like Hawaii and
Mexico, which call for a different type of
gown.
“When people are getting married on the
beach, a place that’s warm, they want lighter
fabrics and don’t want to drag the dress on
the sand,” she says.

I
n response to consumer interest, designers
are devoting new collections to shorter
dresses. Jim Hjelm Bridal, which already Want to find the perfect engagement ring?
includes a few shorter gowns in its collec-
tion, is testing a shorter gown line for spring On a tight budget? Whether a diamond or a colored
and depending on the response, plans to gemstone, Granite Bay Gems is your solution
debut a full collection next fall.
For fall 2009, New York-based Amsale is
working on an entire collection of shorter
gowns called “Amsale Presents the Little
White Dress,” targeting wedding-related
events such as engagement parties and G R A N I T E B AY G E M S
receptions. Wholesale plus commision
“The little black dress is what I wear when w w w . g r a n i t e b a y g e m s . c o m
I’ve got a special event I need to look great
for,” says Amsale Aberra, designer of her
namesake line. “It is timeless and works in
many different situations. Similarly, our little
white dresses will cover all the bases.”

Continued on page 16

Harpist

Courtesy photo
Designer Angel Sanchez’s take on sleeveless
and short.

I Do 2009 15
0318AJIDO016.qxd 3/14/2009 11:17 AM Page 1

Little white dress

Continued from page 15

“Those in their late

D
esigners say there’s value in these
shorter gowns. Dallas-based Watters 30s don’t want the
& Watters has found a following with typical dress worn by a
its tea-length options, including a 24-year-old,” says Paul
strapless lace dress with daisy pattern flowers Diamond, chief market-
and a knee-length slimmer style crafted of ing officer of New
cotton lace with a grosgrain ribbon sash. The York-based Jane Wang
looks can be less costly than their full-length LLC. “They appreciate
counterparts, too. Watters’ dresses retail for the sophistication of
$2,600 and the shorter dresses fetch $700 to these shorter gowns.
$900. These are also very
“We see a little more versatility with these good dresses for sec-
dresses,” says Maria Prince, vice president of ond weddings.”
Watters. “The girls can have an opportunity Jane Wang has
to wear them again, say out on their first offered shorter dresses
anniversary or to a summer party, which is for the past two years.
appealing in this economy.” The line will include two
Other designers say older brides, ladies or three new looks for
who are beyond the need to express them- the spring collection
selves in princess ball gowns, are also along with its breakout two-
responding to the look. for-one dress – a gown with
a long skirt that can be
Sassy sheath: This beaded, tiered lace
taken off, leaving behind a
dress, left, was the first short dress to go cocktail dress. This convert-
down the runway for designer Edric Woo’s ible dress will target brides
Tara Keely Collection. Top right, an ivory who want to switch sartorial
sequin lace strapless tea-length dress with gears from the ceremony to
draped neckline from Watters & Watters. the reception.
Below right, designer Amsale Aberra’s

S
short tulle gown with beaded neck. ome lucky brides are buy-
Courtesy photo
ing two dresses – one for
the ceremony and the other for the
Let our 26 years of bridal experience make you
reception – to really kick up their heels
feel like the princess you always dreamed of being as the party heats up.
on the most important day of your life. Both Tara Keely and
Jim Hjelm have cre-
Alterations by ated gowns appeal-

Inc. ing to these brides.

Edric Woo, head
designer of Tara
Specializing in: Keely, introduced
Winner of
Weddings the line’s first
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Best for 11
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16 I Do 2009
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Snap shots Seeing is Believing

Reception photo booths are all about
capturing the wedding’s special moments

A
picture is worth a thousand
words. But a thousand pictures
are worth so much more, and at
a big wedding a thousand pic-
tures might not be too far off the mark. OUR SECRET TO SUCCESS...IS YOUR RESULTS!
A photo booth can be the perfect way to
get a great scrapbook while guests let Let our experts deliver
loose.
“When people get inside a photo your best results, with
booth and close the curtain, I think they the personalized
are a little bit freer,” says Craig Olechoski
of Omaha, Neb. “They feel like they can
treatment plan you
goof off because nobody can see them, deserve before your
even though there’s a picture being BIG day.
taken,”
Olechoski and his wife Kate started FREE Facial Aging Seminar
The Omaha Photo Booth Company in April 22, 2009 at 6 p.m.
April 2008 after they attended an out-of- Sutter Roseville Main Hospital
state wedding where a booth was the Call today for reservations. Over $1000 of
biggest hit. giveaways and catered refreshments.
“We went back to
the booth to get more David J. Kiener, M.D., F.A.C.S. Jonathan M. Sykes, M.D., F.A.C.S.
pictures four or five Diane Fownes, Certified Laser Nurse
times that night, and
our whole car ride home Two Medical Plaza, Suite 225 Roseville, California 95661
that was all we talked
about,” Olechoski says.
www.rosevillefacialplasticsurgery.com 916.773.0395
The couple’s retro-
looking red-metal photo
booths feature a touch-
screen interface, 10-sec-
ond developing times
and six poses per page.
The center of the print-
out strip can be cus-
tomized to match wed-
ding initiations and
include dates or other
text.
“I think at a wedding
(a photo booth) is a
really nice update in
place of the standard
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vide a nice little takeaway for the guests,” WEEKEND SHUTTLE TO THUNDER VALLEY
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The novelty of a photo booth removed
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Olechoski.
“People smile right away when they
see it,” he says. “Sometimes they walk
916/644-3440
right over, hop in line and get right in.”
155 FERRARI RANCH ROAD
LINCOLN
–Genevieve Knapp, © CTW Features

I Do 2009 17
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Countdown to a
fascinating wedding
The Historic
Blue Goose
Fruit Shed
Perfect for that
unique country
reception!
For information please
contact Mark Foley at
(916)759-3828
3550 Taylor Road
Loomis
www.soplacerheritage.org

Getting Started ■ Choose your attendants and shop for their

dresses.
■ Share the news of your engagement with your
BRIDAL family and friends and announce it in the local ■ Order your stationery – invites, envelopes,
newspapers. thank-yous, etc.
■ Discuss finances with everyone contributing to ■ Start looking into honeymoon locales.
the event and set a budget.
■ Get your wedding Web site up and running, if
■ Set the date and ceremony/reception locations. you’re having one.
If you’re set on getting married at a certain time
■ Schedule any beauty treatments you’re plan-
of year, choose the date first, then the location.
ning on having leading up to the wedding.
If you have your heart set on a specific venue, let
that drive your decision. ■ Register for gifts.
■ Meet with the officiant or the clergy at your
church/temple/mosque.
4-6 months before
■ Book your hair/makeup help for the big day.
■ Establish a guest list.
■ Make any final amendments to the guest list.
■ Start interviewing wedding planners/events
designers, if you’re thinking of enlisting the help ■ Plan the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
of one.
■ Help the moms shop for their wedding-day
■ Start thinking about the style and theme of attire.
your wedding.
■ Shop for wedding bands with your fiancé
Exclusive, unique ■ Start shopping for a gown.
■ Find accommodations for out-of-town guests
and affordable ■ Oh yeah … If your parents haven’t met, now and reserve a block of rooms.
wedding and formal would be a good time for that.
■ Finalize your honeymoon plans.
gowns!
6-9 months before your 2-4 months before
Located in the TJ-Maxx wedding
shopping center in Roseville ■ Start addressing invitations.
■ Mail out Save-the-Dates
1850 Douglas Blvd., Suite 988 ■ Buy attendants’ gifts.
■ Interview and book your vendors – and don’t
forget to get a signed contract from: ■ Get the men’s fashions in order – groom,
916.780.4747 ■ Caterer ■ Baker ■ Florist ■ Musicians/DJ groomsmen and ushers.

www.dreamnette.com ■ Transportation ■ Photographer/Videographer ■ Choose readings for the ceremony.

18 I Do 2009
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■ Select music for the ceremony/reception.

■ Check marriage-license requirements.
■ Make sure your vendor contracts are complete.
■ Meet with your caterer to discuss menu and
drinks.
■ Order the cake.
■ Pick out favors.
A full service Medi
Spa located within
■ Plan and shop for welcome bags.
The Plastic Surgery
■ Arrange party rentals, if necessary.
Center. Staffed by
■ Book your wedding-night room. licensed Estheticians
4-8 weeks before and Medical Esthetic
RNs under the supervision of Board Certified Plastic
■ Mail out your invites.
Surgeons. The Center specializes in BOTOX,
■ Do a hair/makeup run-through.
Juvéderm, Radiesse, Restylane/Perlane and
■ Discuss insurance/bank account changes you’ll Sculptra, Permanent Makeup, Microdermabrasion,
need to make.
Custom Facials and Peels, Fractional Laser Services,
■ Send ceremony programs and reception menu Permanent Hair Reduction, Fractional and Radio
and place cards to be printed.
Frequency Skin Tightening, Photofacials as well as
■ Write vows. many other treatments. Call to schedule your
2-4 weeks before complimentary consultation in our Roseville or
Sacramento office.
■ Submit a shot list to your photographer and
setlist to your DJ.
■ Finalize the seating chart and prepare 2235 Douglas Blvd., Suite 510, Roseville
escort/place cards.
(916) 569-0861 • www.sacplasticsurgery.com
■ Update registry.
■ Call anyone who hasn’t RSVP’d.
■ Confirm details with your vendors.
■ Get your final dress fitting.
■ Write a toast for the rehearsal.

1 week before
■ Give your caterer the final headcount.
■ Pick up your dress; break in your shoes.
■ Give scripts to your readers.
■ Pack for your honeymoon.
■ Find someone to transport heirlooms (candles,
glasses, cake knife) to and from the reception
site.
■ Organize your wedding-day payments and
decide who will distribute them.

The day before

■ Get a mani-pedi. TIMELESS
■ Enjoy the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
■ Get plenty of sleep.

The big day

■ Keep your meals small and light.
■ Give yourself plenty of time for hair/makeup studio & gallery
before the photographer arrives.
■ Give yourself a bit of time to relax before the 107 sacramento st., old auburn, ca • 530-823-1965
big day.
Good luck!
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Local places to say ‘I Do’

Harmony Ridge Lodge,
Nevada City

T
he owners of Harmony Ridge Lodge
have taken a barn property just outside
of Nevada City and turned it into a
wedding wonderland.
The lodge opened in October 2007 after a
year of construction to turn a 5,000-square-
foot house and 7,000-square-foot barn. The
previous owner used the buildings to restore
antique cars.
“No one could figure out what to do with
that barn,” said owner Jamie O’Donnell. “So
overly ambitious Sagitarius that I am, we
turned it into a retreat.”
The lodge now offers 10 guest rooms that
sleep up to 25 guests
Wedding packages are available utilizing
local florists, caterers and DJs. The lodge can
accommodate winter weddings of up to 75
guests indoors in the library and great rooms.
For May through October outdoor weddings,
Photo courtesy Harmony Ridge Lodge
up to 150 guests can enjoy dining and danc-
ing on the lawn surrounded by tall pine trees. A bride walks the flagstone aisle on the grounds of the Harmony Ridge Lodge in Nevada City.
The lodge is perfect for couples looking to
rent a venue for the weekend. O’Donnell nearby or far away out of town, to spend the For more information on Harmony Ridge
already has 14 weddings booked this season. whole weekend together celebrating, this is Lodge, 18883 East Highway 20 in Nevada
“If you’re thinking about your wedding as it,” he said. “There are no other guests or City, call (530) 478-0615 or e-mail reserva-
a place for family and friends, who may be events, you take over the whole thing.” tions@harmonyridgelodge.com.

Sun City Roseville

T
imber Creek Lodge at Sun City Roseville offers a wide
variety of locations, all perfect for your wedding and
reception.
“We have virtually an unlimited number of venues for a
ceremony,” said Jenny Giallanza, Sun City’s award-winning
director of catering. The only location off-limits is the golf
course, Giallanza said.
The two main venues are the large Timber Creek Lodge
patio overlooking the lush, green golf course, and the pictur-
esque English rose garden adjacent to the Timber Creek
Ballroom.
The wedding ceremony includes ivory chairs arranged with
center and side aisles; an 8-foot covered table for gifts; a 4-
foot rounded covered table for the guest book; a table – if
needed – for a unity candle service; an easel for the engage-
ment photo; and a dressing area for the bride and brides-
maids.
The nearly 5,000-square-foot ballroom seats 300 and is
available for receptions. The two main venues each will seat a
maximum of 300 guests.
The ballroom includes 6-foot round tables seating 10
guests; an extra-large dance floor with room for a band or disc
jockey; ivory tablecloths and a wide variety of napkins from
which to choose; ivory china with glass stemware and Oneida
silverware; a head table for the wedding party; gift table; guest
book table; buffet table and hors d’ oeuvres table; punch
table; portable bars and a complete serving staff.
The full and reasonably priced menu is prepared by the
Timber Creek Lodge staff under the direction of head chef
Photo courtesy Sun City Roseville Kevin Huff.
The golf course at Sun City Roseville provides a beautiful backdrop for a wed- For information, contact Jenny Giallanza at (916) 774-3870
ding-day photo. or at giallanj@scrca.org, or visit www.suncityroseville.org.
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The Blue Goose, Loomis

T
he historic Blue Goose Fruit Shed
event center has a charming and
warm elegance. Spruced up from
its heyday as a fruit-packing shed,
the large wood timbers, original wood
floor, and the sweeping 35-foot ceiling
create an inviting and relaxed atmos-
phere. While retaining its rustic charm,
the renovation created a reception entry,
full caterer’s kitchen, bar, stage, and a
bride’s green room.
The event center gives the bride cre-
ative license. She has the opportunity to
pick her own caterer, create a table
arrangement, and choose her own deco-
rative theme. From rustic charm to mod-
ern decor, the Blue Goose transforms eas-
ily with no need to rush. The center rents
by the day, not the hour. Tables and
chairs to accommodate 275 diners are
included in the rate. An in-house sound
system, projector/screen and theater light-
ing are available for additional charges.
Alcohol is allowed and event insurance is
included.
To inquire about rental rates and avail-
ability of the event center, located at
3550 Taylor Road in Loomis, call Blue
Goose Produce at (916) 652-8341.

Orchard Creek Lodge,

Lincoln

S
et in the most beautiful part of Sun
City Lincoln Hills, the Orchard Creek
Lodge offers the perfect venue for
both outdoor and indoor weddings.
“It was a beautiful setting, and the
staff was fantastic,” said Lindsay Castro,
who was married on the manicured lawns
in front of the lodge in 2005.
“I searched all over the whole
Sacramento area, and for the setting and
everything, it was a fantastic price.”
Whether the desired setting is under a
trellis on manicured lawns or in the spa-
cious ballroom, Orchard Creek has it all,
including full-service catering without any
predetermined packages so brides and
grooms can get exactly what they want
and stay within their budgets.
“We have everything, including wed-
ding coordination,” said banquet sales
manager Judy Croy. “They have a go-to
person all the time, which a lot of venues
don’t.”
Only one wedding is scheduled at a
time, so if an outdoor wedding is upset
by wind, heat or rain, the ballroom will be
open as a plan B.
Orchard Creek Lodge is set up for
weddings as small as 25 to as large as
300.
“This is actually one of the best-kept
secrets in the area,” Croy said.
To contact the Orchard Creek Lodge,
call Judy Croy at 625-4043 or visit
www.orchardcreekonline.com.

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Trust these local

professionals for Menu
Continued from page 4
a no-hassle with your choice. However, you may discov-
er that what you assume is the most eco-
Family-style Dinner
If you enjoy informality, but want your
Wedding Day! nomical option isn’t necessarily so.
Before you take a stand – or a seat – on
guests to eat in comfort, passing platters of
food at the table may be the answer.
food service, here’s what to consider. It’s the middle ground between a buffet
Torey Miller and being served by the wait staff.
Hair Stylist Sit-Down Dinner “In family style service, you can control
Brides & Bridal Party Specials
I will travel to your location. Serenity is being assured everyone has a portions better than a buffet,” says Briones,
I would love to make your hair seat and a full plate, without the discomfort who is director of catering at the Four
Argonauta picture perfect. of juggling plates Seasons Hotel in
Salon 530-885-7272 Ext. 204 and glasses. That’s Philadelphia.
the advantage of a “You’re also giving
Repairs needed around the house sit-down meal. guests a little more vari-
before your big day? What you may ety than one specific
Maintenance Solutions can help not know is that item,” he adds.
We have over 25 years experience in
Home & Business Repairs. this luxurious treat- Best food bets:
License Number 97856 ment maybe be Italian, Southern with
Call (916) 705-4077 less pricey than a chicken and greens, or
Maintenance Solutions buffet, according Asian, according to
to caterers. Briones.
“There’s a per- “Anything that will
Welcome to Legend Homes ception that a buf- sit well on a buffet
Have your dream wedding in your dream home! fet is cheaper, but would translate well
Come home...but not to just any home.
it’s not, because onto a family-style
Come home to your dreams!
you’re serving a menu,” he says.
530.823.7906 • Fax 530.885.5781
greater quantity of Drawbacks: Some
legendhomes07@sbcglobal.net
food,” says Daniel guests may not want to
Briones, president serve themselves. Some
of the National caterers provide wait
MARTINEZ LANDSCAPING Association of staff, but that adds to
INSTALLS•RENOVATIONS•REPAIR
Catering the cost.
Get prepared for
Executives. Family-style requires
your big day!
Unlike a buffet large, clear tables. If the
916-709-6533 where some guests settings include a cen-
Lic#691773 may heap their terpiece and several
plates, everyone at glasses for each guest,
a sit-down dinner receives a set portion. there might not be room for the platters,
A very special Caterers compensate for heavy buffet according to Briones.
flower shop! eaters by making more food available,
which you have to pay for. Buffet
We specialize in Weddings Bar service is often less costly, as well, You may have visions of unattractive
1280 Grass Valley Hwy, Auburn
530-823-1169 • 800-451-0409 since you can control how much wine is chafing dishes, heaps of steamed food and
www.oshaysflowers.com poured at the tables. restless guests at a buffet.
When selecting this sophisticated service, Forget them.
caterers say your best menu bets are the Buffets have appeal, says Michael
Cody Construction ever-popular beef tenderloin and/or lobster. Lamando of Amici’s Catered Cuisine in
Your full service residential contractor! Drawbacks: Some guests will undermine Tampa Bay, Fla.
No job to big or small, specializing in the seating arrangements to get their pre- “If you are social and want your families
Additions, Remodels, Kitchens & Baths ferred spot. to mingle, buffets are a good way to do it.”
916-797-0444
Lic#770015 email: dan@codyconstruction.com

Find the Home the

of Your Dreams
on... Camellia
String Quartet
MUSIC FOR ALL OCCASIONS
www.goldcountryhomes.com Sacramento • 916.447.4648
www.camelliastringquartet.com contact@camelliastringquartet.com

22 I Do 2009
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•BEAR RIVER RETREAT•BILL DIKSON MUSIC•BILL’S CHUCKWAGON•CAROLA MAX MAKEUP ARTIST• HARMONY RIDGE LODGE•HONEYMOON WISHES•S & J BARTENDING

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• SQUIRREL CREEK RANCH • SUZIE DYER CAKES • THE SHEF’S HOUSE CATERING • THE HOLBROOK HOTEL • THE PAMPERED CHEF • THOMAS NELSON PERSONAL CHEF •
“Everything for the perfect wedding... all in one place”
Presentation makes all the difference.
“You want greenery, flowers, pillars A Great Wedding Takes Perfect Planning!
and accent materials that match the
bridesmaids’ dresses,” Lamando says.
Hide chafing dishes with glass blocks No need to run all over town... Kathy brings the Venders to you
and set the dishes at varying heights to
escape the look of an all-you-can-eat • Taste Caterer’s Creations
chain restaurant. • Sample Delicious Cakes & Desserts
Best food bets: Salads, coated or crust- • View Photographers and Videographers Portfolios & CDs
ed fish that doesn’t dry out, Italian dishes.
Indian food, which is a hot trend in • Take a Trip to Find Your Perfect Wedding Location
wedding fare, works well in buffets, too. • Meet with JanetLee, Our In House Florist and Rental Agent
“People like to take a little of a lot of dif- to Design and Create the Perfect Look You’ve Always
ferent things; different curries,” says Imagined
Angie Kemp, director of catering at The
Dana on Mission Bay in San Diego.
Drawbacks: Buffet trays need to be
refilled frequently so the food remains
This Complete Wedding Planning Package___Only $250
On Site Service Available
bountiful and appetizing.
Guests may not want to stand in line. Visit us at:
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Stations • BETH GEORGE VOCALS • THE STONEHOUSE • THE RECTOR MANSION • SHARE THE DANCE • SOUTH PINE CAFE CATERING
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Serve up adventure and personal sto-
ries when you feature a range of food
stops, or stations, each with a different
culinary selection.
Stations can reflect your heritage, say
regional Italian cuisine, or how you met,
Bikram Yoga of Granite Bay
maybe food from a vacation in Japan.
The Original...
Although similar to buffets, stations
are spread out. Each station has its own
style, says Liene Stevens, owner of Blue
Orchid Designs in Scottsdale, Ariz. This
Hot Yoga
suits her clients’ interests in ethnic fare.
Best food bets: Asian, such as Chinese
pot stickers and Japanese sushi are
Look and feel your best
favorites among Stevens’ couples. In on your wedding day.
Tampa, Lamando’s guests prefer pasta
stations. “Guests choose their own pasta First month special
and sauce with a variety of toppings
including shrimp, chicken, sausage and only $40.
scallops, Lamando says.
Drawbacks: You’ll need a large room
to accommodate the bar and separate
food areas.

Hybrids
Marry the best of different styles for 4067 Cavitt Stallman Rd.,
the reception that suits you. For example,
seat guests for the salad and entrée but Instructor
916-797-9829
provide stations for dessert. Owner
“You want to get people up and mov- Patty Gray
ing around,” says Kemp.
A new combination may satisfy your
guests.
“It’s a station with food that’s already
plated in small portions. For example, you
can have one plate with grits and sea
bass and another with filet with mashed w w w. b i k r a m y o g a g r a n i t e b a y. c o m
potatoes – all small bites,” Kemp says.
I Do 2009 23
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