Feb 24, 2010
The Party Grounds
We are having our lunch reception at the Bancroft Hotel in Berkeley. It is green-certified and serves a sustainable menu. It is a Arts & Crafts style building across from the UC Berkeley campus. It used to be a Women's Club and then a sorority house until the 1990s. As you can see from the photos, there is dark wood with an old English library feel. The windows have stained glass in them at the top and there is a mosaic above one of the fireplaces. The Great Hall is made of three levels. The level closest to the street (the photo where you can see the fireplace mantle) is where we will have our cocktail hour. The "sunken" middle section is where the dining will take place. At the far end of the other photo is the dance floor. This section is also a few steps above the main section.
Feb 21, 2010
Confusion of a Wedding Dress Shopper
J--Skip this entry if you are reading the blog!!
So, I attempted four times to find "the dress" this weekend. My first stop was Bridal Image on Sixth Street in San Francisco. My consultant was very nice and patient. I was really overwhelmed when my friend Sylvia and I walked in and had to pick four dresses I wanted to try on. The consultant suggested picking four styles that were different (the other places also suggested this). Since this was my first stop, I felt really unsure and indecisive, even though I have looked at styles that I thought would nice on me or that I liked in pictures. I liked one of the four dresses "enough" but it was $375 over my original price point of $500. This price point is slipping, by the way.
My second stop was the Glamour Closet in North Beach. They do not take appointments, but they also only have one dressing room so you have to wait. The wait would have been an hour and half had I liked anything in there to try on. Most of their dresses were 50% off but were still over $2,000. No, thanks. And they were big, fluffy things, had tons of beading, or both. Nothing was my style in there. Not that I have any idea of what my style is.
After a disappointing first day, I set out today determined to find it. It was raining most of the day. I don't know if that is a good sign or just added to my impatience with not finding what I was looking for in the price range I wanted.
Sylvia and I went to Forget Me Knots in Cow Hollow earlier in the afternoon. It is a small boutique, with a limited selection. But what they have is nice. I tried on several dresses, and even ventured into different styles (trumpet skirts are nixed--it felt funny to walk in it). I tried on one style that was a halter-ish top but then the consultant suggested one that was similiar but strapless. I liked it alot but it is $750, before tax and alterations. I would need to make a decision soon since they need to order the dress and then immediately I would need alterations started for an early September wedding. It has some beading around the top, but it is sort of tucked away and the front is ruched loosely. It has an internal corset which when it was tight it was very figure flattering. Now I just need to get over the price tag. I really like the ruching and that is a soft a-line cut.
Later in the afternoon I met up with another friend, Murli. We went to Davids Bridal, my default place because I know they have dresses for my price point. I don't know if it was because I just went to two boutiques but I wasn't particularly impressed with anything there. A few fit fine, but there was nothing close to what I had seen in the other places. It was like there was very simple or over the top. The last two dresses I did like. The last one I liked less, although it was probably closer to my vision when I started looking. It had a lot of beading, but it was fine on the bodice area. It had ruching under the beaded top area and beading down the side. It was traditional a-line and strapless. It wasn't bad but looking back it felt overdone.
The second to last dress is not the material I originally hoped for, but I like it better than the other dresses. It was more of a column fit, with a ruched waistline and beading above and below it. The waist was empire which I liked. And it was sort of pleated, but with flowy chiffon, in the front to hide the imperfections below the waist. The back was really nice though. I don't know after the corset dresses, I thought I would prefer something more structured. So those are what I've narrowed it down to. It's a Structure vs. Flowy debate now. I need to go and look at some more dresses I guess to find out it that is really my problem. Help!
So, I attempted four times to find "the dress" this weekend. My first stop was Bridal Image on Sixth Street in San Francisco. My consultant was very nice and patient. I was really overwhelmed when my friend Sylvia and I walked in and had to pick four dresses I wanted to try on. The consultant suggested picking four styles that were different (the other places also suggested this). Since this was my first stop, I felt really unsure and indecisive, even though I have looked at styles that I thought would nice on me or that I liked in pictures. I liked one of the four dresses "enough" but it was $375 over my original price point of $500. This price point is slipping, by the way.
My second stop was the Glamour Closet in North Beach. They do not take appointments, but they also only have one dressing room so you have to wait. The wait would have been an hour and half had I liked anything in there to try on. Most of their dresses were 50% off but were still over $2,000. No, thanks. And they were big, fluffy things, had tons of beading, or both. Nothing was my style in there. Not that I have any idea of what my style is.
After a disappointing first day, I set out today determined to find it. It was raining most of the day. I don't know if that is a good sign or just added to my impatience with not finding what I was looking for in the price range I wanted.
Sylvia and I went to Forget Me Knots in Cow Hollow earlier in the afternoon. It is a small boutique, with a limited selection. But what they have is nice. I tried on several dresses, and even ventured into different styles (trumpet skirts are nixed--it felt funny to walk in it). I tried on one style that was a halter-ish top but then the consultant suggested one that was similiar but strapless. I liked it alot but it is $750, before tax and alterations. I would need to make a decision soon since they need to order the dress and then immediately I would need alterations started for an early September wedding. It has some beading around the top, but it is sort of tucked away and the front is ruched loosely. It has an internal corset which when it was tight it was very figure flattering. Now I just need to get over the price tag. I really like the ruching and that is a soft a-line cut.
Later in the afternoon I met up with another friend, Murli. We went to Davids Bridal, my default place because I know they have dresses for my price point. I don't know if it was because I just went to two boutiques but I wasn't particularly impressed with anything there. A few fit fine, but there was nothing close to what I had seen in the other places. It was like there was very simple or over the top. The last two dresses I did like. The last one I liked less, although it was probably closer to my vision when I started looking. It had a lot of beading, but it was fine on the bodice area. It had ruching under the beaded top area and beading down the side. It was traditional a-line and strapless. It wasn't bad but looking back it felt overdone.
The second to last dress is not the material I originally hoped for, but I like it better than the other dresses. It was more of a column fit, with a ruched waistline and beading above and below it. The waist was empire which I liked. And it was sort of pleated, but with flowy chiffon, in the front to hide the imperfections below the waist. The back was really nice though. I don't know after the corset dresses, I thought I would prefer something more structured. So those are what I've narrowed it down to. It's a Structure vs. Flowy debate now. I need to go and look at some more dresses I guess to find out it that is really my problem. Help!
Feb 20, 2010
Feb 19, 2010
It's a Date!
The ceremony site contract is signed and in the mail for September 5, 2010 in Berkeley, CA. We are getting married at the Redwood Grove in the UC Botanical Garden above campus. The ceremony will take place around 11:30 am, with the cocktail hour and luncheon reception to follow elsewhere in Berkeley.
We haven't confirmed the room rental yet with the reception hall, which makes me tons nervous. We had a nice tasting yesterday and I expected to talk a little more about the next steps, but the next steps seem slow-coming. I want to give you money, lady! So I've e-mailed her with my understanding of what we want for the date. I am hoping to get a proposal back soon. I'm a little confused as to whether we are supposed to just go ahead and book the room with the deposit that she outlined in a previous e-mail and THEN she draws up the rest of the stuff for the event. That doesn't seem right to me, but then again it is Berkeley. :-)
We haven't confirmed the room rental yet with the reception hall, which makes me tons nervous. We had a nice tasting yesterday and I expected to talk a little more about the next steps, but the next steps seem slow-coming. I want to give you money, lady! So I've e-mailed her with my understanding of what we want for the date. I am hoping to get a proposal back soon. I'm a little confused as to whether we are supposed to just go ahead and book the room with the deposit that she outlined in a previous e-mail and THEN she draws up the rest of the stuff for the event. That doesn't seem right to me, but then again it is Berkeley. :-)
Feb 13, 2010
Let the Folding Begin!
Yesterday J and I went to Japantown in San Francisco and bought the origami paper at Paper Tree for our 1,000 cranes. We will have two sizes: 3 inch folded and 4 5/8 folded. The larger cranes will be strung on nylon thread and tied with ribbons to the railing of the amphitheater at the ceremony. The smaller cranes will be strung and hung from branches as table centerpieces at the reception. We bought both metallic/foil paper and matte finish. Hopefully it will all work out. The owners of Paper Tree offered their daughter's service for our large project: she had photographs of some elaborate patterns of 1,000 cranes displayed above the paper selection. We declined, but know we have a big task ahead of us. What am I doing blogging?! I should be folding right now.
One for the Money, Two for the Show...
The wedding shoes have been purchased! I got them on sale at DSW in San Francisco. I was not looking for blue suede shoes originally but c'est la vie. These shoes fit, they have a strap to hold in my upper foot, and the heel is not so tall that I can't walk comfortably. Next stop--wedding dress shopping.
Feb 7, 2010
Nice Wedding Spots We Didn't Pick
To preface, these places all were great locations for a wedding but were too much for our personal budget. We decided to look closer to home instead of the Santa Cruz area.
Kennolyn
This place is on Glen Haven Road, next to Soquel Vineyards in Soquel. Even though it was raining the day we visited and we got lost (with shoddy cell phone reception), the hacienda was pretty with a Spanish-like tile patio. The ceremony would have taken place facing the back of the building in front of a fountain (not the one in the next photo, which is on the front patio area) because even though there is ultimately a great view, the immediate view is a tennis court. Uh...
But that didn't stop of us from considering this place. The inside where the reception would take place was nice, too, as you can see from the photo. Simple but open and airy. And there's that patio. That's where the bar, dancing, and music would take place.
Carrie, the wedding coordinator, is very nice and helpful. I think we may have looked at this place too soon. We hadn't figured out what we could afford when we looked in Santa Cruz. And a Saturday, even in the day, turned out pricier because of the site fees.
Fairview Manor Bed and Breakfast in Ben Lomond, CA
This home was a former house owned by the Wilder family. Gael currently runs the B&B and holds weddings and other events on the property. Since we visited in the winter you can see the neighbors' homes through the trees, but I believe her when she said the leaves and brush thicken in the spring and summer. This is in the middle of a close-knit neighborhood so you might expect strangers stopping by during your reception. There is a concrete pad (a basketball court in off-season) for dancing and hookups for power. There is also the yard and gazebo, seen above, to hold the ceremony. Or if your party fits, you can use the small redwood grove in front of the house. You must rent out the property if you hold a Saturday wedding here.
Monarch Cove Inn in Capitola
The woman who runs the place, Lonna, is very nice and honest. We didn't originally expect to visit this property but a friend introduced us to Lonna and we were considering this venue after visiting.
It is situated almost on the edge of a cliff that faces Monterey (you're facing East really so you can watch the sunrise over water if you stay in a room with a view). The grass is lush and well maintained. There is a large area for ceremonies and then a large wooden deck for receptions and dancing. This is a garden wedding spot so music must be over by 6 pm. But then you can head down to Capitola Village! If you have your wedding here on a Saturday, I think like most B&Bs, you have to rent out the whole place. Monarch Cove Inn is actually a large B&B. There are old Victorian rooms and cottages, so you would need to get or pay for others to spend $200 a night (you would need a buyout for both Friday and Saturday nights). We stayed in the Lilac Room and it was charming. The one problem was the room to room noise. It being an old building the walls and floors were thin. The upstairs guests were a bit loud.
Sand Rock Farm Bed and Breakfast in Aptos
Probably my favorite of the locations going into this search, it made me sad to realize that we couldn't afford a wedding here. This property in Aptos is situated uphill from a busy road that creates a lot of street noise when the leaves aren't on the trees. J had an issue with this, so that paired with the costs, I silently let this site go. I really liked the redwood grove and especially the historic barrel cellar (the photo with the Japanese lanterns). The barrel cellar would be too tight for a reception and dancing inside of it, but look how nice it looks! I guess logistics also played a part in why we decided against this place. But Kris is very informtive and seems to know her stuff with how the coordination is handled. The rooms are lovely as well (especially the rooms in original structure).
Chaminade Resort and Spa in Santa Cruz
This was a dark horse on the list from the beginning. The whole resort thing is not either of us, but I was lured by the inclusive package and view from the patio. They have a nice menu selection to fit varying tastes and budgets. I think they start at $49 a person, plus a beverage package. They also offer a kids menu and non-alcoholic bev package too.
Originally when we were looking back in the San Francisco area, the Strybling Arboretum and Stern Grove came to mind. Turns out the Botanical Garden in SF doesn't have a space conducive to the wedding size we are envisioning and the rentable areas do not fit. I imagined using the Moon View Garden near the Asian plants but there is a walkway right before the arches. And this area isn't listed on the reservable spaces of the Parks & Rec dept. I guess you could have a mob spontaneously appear if I wanted it badly enough.
Stern Grove in San Francisco
Stern Grove was wet. And that is not only because it rained a boatload this week. The location in the bowl never really dries out, and while there is street noise from 19th Ave right above, it isn't too bad. It was about the same I think as at Sand Rock Farm. The meadow nearby had more noise. However, even if we could get by this because the price was right, the building itself was a lot smaller than we expected. The main room did not look as though it would hold 100 people plus an area for dancing. The bar was in a separate small room. It is definitely a place for a more intimate reception. C'est la vie. So we kept looking. On the other side of the Bay...
KennolynThis place is on Glen Haven Road, next to Soquel Vineyards in Soquel. Even though it was raining the day we visited and we got lost (with shoddy cell phone reception), the hacienda was pretty with a Spanish-like tile patio. The ceremony would have taken place facing the back of the building in front of a fountain (not the one in the next photo, which is on the front patio area) because even though there is ultimately a great view, the immediate view is a tennis court. Uh...
But that didn't stop of us from considering this place. The inside where the reception would take place was nice, too, as you can see from the photo. Simple but open and airy. And there's that patio. That's where the bar, dancing, and music would take place.Carrie, the wedding coordinator, is very nice and helpful. I think we may have looked at this place too soon. We hadn't figured out what we could afford when we looked in Santa Cruz. And a Saturday, even in the day, turned out pricier because of the site fees.
Fairview Manor Bed and Breakfast in Ben Lomond, CA
This home was a former house owned by the Wilder family. Gael currently runs the B&B and holds weddings and other events on the property. Since we visited in the winter you can see the neighbors' homes through the trees, but I believe her when she said the leaves and brush thicken in the spring and summer. This is in the middle of a close-knit neighborhood so you might expect strangers stopping by during your reception. There is a concrete pad (a basketball court in off-season) for dancing and hookups for power. There is also the yard and gazebo, seen above, to hold the ceremony. Or if your party fits, you can use the small redwood grove in front of the house. You must rent out the property if you hold a Saturday wedding here.
Monarch Cove Inn in CapitolaThe woman who runs the place, Lonna, is very nice and honest. We didn't originally expect to visit this property but a friend introduced us to Lonna and we were considering this venue after visiting.
It is situated almost on the edge of a cliff that faces Monterey (you're facing East really so you can watch the sunrise over water if you stay in a room with a view). The grass is lush and well maintained. There is a large area for ceremonies and then a large wooden deck for receptions and dancing. This is a garden wedding spot so music must be over by 6 pm. But then you can head down to Capitola Village! If you have your wedding here on a Saturday, I think like most B&Bs, you have to rent out the whole place. Monarch Cove Inn is actually a large B&B. There are old Victorian rooms and cottages, so you would need to get or pay for others to spend $200 a night (you would need a buyout for both Friday and Saturday nights). We stayed in the Lilac Room and it was charming. The one problem was the room to room noise. It being an old building the walls and floors were thin. The upstairs guests were a bit loud.
Sand Rock Farm Bed and Breakfast in Aptos
Probably my favorite of the locations going into this search, it made me sad to realize that we couldn't afford a wedding here. This property in Aptos is situated uphill from a busy road that creates a lot of street noise when the leaves aren't on the trees. J had an issue with this, so that paired with the costs, I silently let this site go. I really liked the redwood grove and especially the historic barrel cellar (the photo with the Japanese lanterns). The barrel cellar would be too tight for a reception and dancing inside of it, but look how nice it looks! I guess logistics also played a part in why we decided against this place. But Kris is very informtive and seems to know her stuff with how the coordination is handled. The rooms are lovely as well (especially the rooms in original structure). 
Chaminade Resort and Spa in Santa Cruz
This was a dark horse on the list from the beginning. The whole resort thing is not either of us, but I was lured by the inclusive package and view from the patio. They have a nice menu selection to fit varying tastes and budgets. I think they start at $49 a person, plus a beverage package. They also offer a kids menu and non-alcoholic bev package too.
Originally when we were looking back in the San Francisco area, the Strybling Arboretum and Stern Grove came to mind. Turns out the Botanical Garden in SF doesn't have a space conducive to the wedding size we are envisioning and the rentable areas do not fit. I imagined using the Moon View Garden near the Asian plants but there is a walkway right before the arches. And this area isn't listed on the reservable spaces of the Parks & Rec dept. I guess you could have a mob spontaneously appear if I wanted it badly enough.
Stern Grove in San Francisco
Stern Grove was wet. And that is not only because it rained a boatload this week. The location in the bowl never really dries out, and while there is street noise from 19th Ave right above, it isn't too bad. It was about the same I think as at Sand Rock Farm. The meadow nearby had more noise. However, even if we could get by this because the price was right, the building itself was a lot smaller than we expected. The main room did not look as though it would hold 100 people plus an area for dancing. The bar was in a separate small room. It is definitely a place for a more intimate reception. C'est la vie. So we kept looking. On the other side of the Bay...
Feb 3, 2010
Butterflies!
Okay, we are creeping closer to confirming a date! We have three in mind, but it sounds like if our first choice falls through, our second choice will be fine. Keep your fingers crossed!
We are playing a courtesy wait-out with another couple on our first date choice. I'm nervous. Not only will hearing the news (yay or nay) confirm our wedding date, it means WE ARE GETTING MARRIED! I know, it sounds weird to be blown away by this when we've been engaged for a month and half. But at the same time if we get the first date, a wedding will be 7 months away! According to all of the wedding planning websites and books, I am waaaaaaaaaaay behind on the details. I didn't want to plan beyond finding a place because everything else didn't seem "real". It's like if you don't have a place, you don't have a goal date to plan by. And now...
I need to start looking for my blue shoes! I need to look for a dress! I need to ask my bridesmaids! I need to figure out what dresses I want them to wear! I need reserve hotel space! I need to figure out how to decorate the site! I need to figure out how we are going to fold 1,000 cranes and hang them on branches! I need to make a veil! I need to figure out how I am GETTING to the ceremony!!
I think I need to lie down.
We are playing a courtesy wait-out with another couple on our first date choice. I'm nervous. Not only will hearing the news (yay or nay) confirm our wedding date, it means WE ARE GETTING MARRIED! I know, it sounds weird to be blown away by this when we've been engaged for a month and half. But at the same time if we get the first date, a wedding will be 7 months away! According to all of the wedding planning websites and books, I am waaaaaaaaaaay behind on the details. I didn't want to plan beyond finding a place because everything else didn't seem "real". It's like if you don't have a place, you don't have a goal date to plan by. And now...
I need to start looking for my blue shoes! I need to look for a dress! I need to ask my bridesmaids! I need to figure out what dresses I want them to wear! I need reserve hotel space! I need to figure out how to decorate the site! I need to figure out how we are going to fold 1,000 cranes and hang them on branches! I need to make a veil! I need to figure out how I am GETTING to the ceremony!!
I think I need to lie down.
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