1.2.3 times a winner!

Each year the San Diego Association of Bridal Consultants local Networking Group holds it annual Red Carpet Aisle Awards Banquet.

This year I was nominated for 4 awards, Miss Congeniality, Mentor of the Year, Good Will Ambassador and Consultant of the Year.

By an overwhelming gift of love and support I came home with 3 awards last night! It was a moment in time I will never forget, and I'm so honored to be a member of the San Diego ABC!

Mentor of the Year Award

The Mentor of the Year Award is given each year to the one member of the SDABC who best exemplifies the ideal image of a mentor. The award is given to an individual who has established a record of consistent advice and support towards individuals in the SDABC, including novices, wedding consultants and vendors, over a number of years.

Good Will Ambassador Award

This award is given to the SDABC member who strives to communicate with the Community what a wonderful Association the SDABC truly is.

Consultant of the Year Award

This award is given to the Consultant who exemplifies the standards of the Association of Bridal Consultants.
The consultant who closely follows the ABC’s code of ethics and is an active member in the SDABC for at least 2 years.

All nominees are voted by their peers of both Wedding Consultants and Vendor Members.

I'd like to thank everyone again who voted for me, for showing me such acceptance, love and support! I love the San Diego ABC and all it's members!

Prepare to be WOW'd

Sometime you see something and just go WOW. This link was sent to me by my Father in England but even though it's not wedding related I thought you might like to sit back and enjoy 3 minutes of feeling WOW'd yourselves,

This incredible machine was built as a collaborative effort between the Robert M. Trammell Music Conservatory and the Sharon Wick School of Engineering at the University of Iowa. Amazingly, 97% of the machine’s components came from John Deere Industries and Irrigation Equipment of Bancroft, Iowa...Yes, far m equipment.

It took the team a combined 13,029 hours of set-up, alignment, calibration, and tuning before filming this video. As you can see, it was WELL worth the effort.

It’s now on display in the Matthew Gerhard Alumni Hall at the University and it’s already slated to be donated to the Smithsonian.

Music Extraordinaire

A Special Thank You from Kate

I just want to thank you again for everything on my wedding day! As my mom said, “time has flown by” and looking back on my wedding day your hard work held everything together for my family. Unfortunately, as you knew, I had a horrible cold the day before my wedding and when I woke that day I panicked thinking, “How will I make it through this big day feeling like I can’t even move?” Well, your first phone call to check up on me put all my worries at ease.

You and Stephanie made sure I had all the medicine, cough drops and tea I needed to help get me through the day. I remember starting to feel better when my bridesmaids and I were getting ready and thinking it has to be the excitement. It sure was because after the ceremony and pictures all the cold symptoms set in again. Feeling worried again about how I would make it through the reception, you appeared to escort Scott and I to the cocktail hour. You asked how I was feeling and when I said not so hot, you took us to the sitting area outside of the ballroom to just relax before our reception introductions. You and Stephanie brought us h’orderves, wine for Scott and a little white teapot for me. I remember sitting there, relaxing and feeling so grateful to have you there. I think it’s just instinctive for you to know what your brides’ need.

Your professionalism, kindness and caring was apparent throughout our reception. I needed more Dayquil…you & Stephanie were there. I needed a refill for my teapot…you & Stephanie were there. My bustle broke when my husband stepped on it…you had the tools to fix it. Everything you said when we first met with you was true. You really did have a fix for everything and the best part is my wedding was absolutely perfect despite the horrible cold I had. When I look back on my wedding day, I don’t think about how sick I was…I think about what an amazing, fun day it was and without you there that would not have been possible.

So, to add to what my mom said…thank you Sharon for everything! You made my wedding flawless and I have wonderful memories to look back on always.

Sincerely,

Kate K. Doré-Sharrow

Mother of the Bride sends her Thanks!

Sharon,
Time has flown by since Kate & Scott's wedding day. I have been wanting to write to you and thank you for all your hard work, for the incredible job you and Stephanie did. I was so glad that Kate and I talked about having a wedding planner and to have found you in the way we did.

It was interesting when we had time to reflect on the day our words were, Thank God Sharon was there. How would we have done this without Sharon". Honestly, the day was so perfect, without stress, and I could honestly say I did not worry about one thing. You were calm, professional, assertive, kind, and in control.One thing that amazed us was when we returned to our room you would not have known that the bride and bridesmaids were in our room preparing for this perfect day. All the gifts from the wedding and everything that needed to be cleared from the hall were neatly placed in our room.

When we talk about the wedding, how perfect it was, how much fun everyone had including the mother and father we remind ourselves that it would not have been the same without you. I can't believe I thought we could do it without a wedding planner. My personality is to worry and I had no worries because I was able to feel your competence and confidence.
I have many friends who have children younger than Kate and I would recommend that a wedding planner is a must and I would recommend you without any hesitation. Thank you for what you do to make the most important day of a woman's life so perfect.

Christine Dore

Beautifully Detailed Custom Invitations and Stationary

My very good friend, Victoria Schaefer-Ramirez is the Owner and Designer of Invitation Theory.
Located in San Diego, Victoria creates unique Save the Dates, Wedding Invitations and Table Ensembles to help Brides and Grooms personalize their wedding.
www.invitationtheory.com

Vodka! Regina and Eric Rapoport

If you have never experienced a Russian wedding, you are missing out on a fantastic experience.
Regina Kayumova and Eric Rapoport were married at the Grande Colonial Hotel on Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 4:00pm, with the Reception just down the road at Azuls La Jolla. Regina and Eric are from Wheeling IL and they flew to La Jolla with 57 of their closest Friends and Family to celebrate their destination wedding.

I love working with Destination Brides and I have to say Regina was one of the most easy going and thoughtful Brides I have had the pleasure of working with this year. Her trust in my selection from venues to vendors made planning her wedding fun and exciting! I had my dream team of vendors with me so it didn't seem like work at the reception, but a PARTY, which is what Regina and Eric wanted.

I'm so looking forward to seeing the photos and video, so check back soon for updates.

Thank You to my amazing Dream Team!

Ceremony Venue - Rachel Wood and Beth Pollock, The Grande Colonial La Jolla
Reception Venue - Scarlett Ennis, Azuls La Jolla
Photographer - Brant Bender, Brant Bender Photography
Videographer - Marc Lehman, Ashley Video Productions
Florist - Tess Perea, Tess Fresh Flowers
Custom Linens - Irene Gonzales, A Perfect Table
Reception Entertainment - Dominic Meyer, Sunset Mobile Music
Ceremony entertainment - Francesca Savage, Caprice Strings
Make-Up Artist - Natalie Dixon, Makeup by Natalie

Mr. and Mrs. Junelene & Brussell Bungay

Saturdays wedding celebration for Junelene Monzon and Brussell Bungay was absolutely stunning. Stephanie and I had a wonderful time meeting new vendors and working with Greg Louie at Paradise Point Resort and Spa. I'm always grateful when I get to work with Jose Calderon , Banquet Captain at PP because he is the most gracious, accommodating and friendly Captain out there! Thank you to Jose and his wonderful team who made June and Brussell's wedding reception go off with such ease.

Other Great Vendors to Thank!
Catering Manager - Greg Louie
Photography - Richwell Correa
Audio Visual - Swank, Brian
Flowers - Kat Bisco
Entertainment - Charles (family friend)
Francis Gudez, Cadet Captain, Honor Gaurd from SDSU
Hawaiian Dancers - Shanna Riego and Francel

A Little Thank You from the Matron of Honor

Hi Sharon!
It's Cheryl Patio, Amy Patio-Legaspi's Matron of Honor/Sister in law. How are you?
I just wanted to Thank you and tell you what a wonderful job you did for Amy and Ed. It was the best wedding i've ever been to thanks to you. Everything went smoothly, thanks to you. You made their dream wedding come true. You are so awesome! =) Ok. just wanted to say Hi and Thank you again for everything. Oh and the TUMS worked! =) Thank you!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

This years wedding season has been so amazing that the 10 News A List awards began and is almost over before I realised it!
Thank you to everyone who voted so far, ADW is now in 3rd place with 1 week remaining to vote (Not bad standings out of the 78 wedding planners that are nominated!)

I enjoy reading the comments and if your interested in what is being said about A Dream Wedding then check out my entry at 10news.com

If you haven't had a chance to vote and want to be a part of the fun, registration is only a few entries and your all done! Click here to go to the Wedding Planners page and look for A Dream Wedding by Sharon Cole. Voting ends on Sept 4 so check back to see where ADW ended up on the ratings. And tell a friend :)

2009 ABC Vendor Showcase

Come and meet the most amazing vendors in San Diego at this years San Diego Association of Bridal Consultants annual Vendor Showcase
This year it is being held at the Carmel Mountain Ranch Country Club on August 18, 2009 from 5:30-8:30pm. Admission is free but email me if you would like to attend.

There will be yummy treats and a grand prize drawing (Shhh it's a secret, you have to attend to find out what it is)
Contact me at info@adreamweddingbysharon.com by Friday August 14th to be placed on the VIP list!

Q & A Chemistry attracts

I'm very excited about the upcoming wedding for Allison Brincat and Quinn Walker at Quinn's family home in Point Loma - The Earl Grant/Walker Historic Home on August 8, 2009 at 5:00pm.

82 of their close family and friends will celebrate with them in a unique backyard ceremony and reception with personalized touches through out the day.

For the ceremony, seating and standing guests will watch as Ali and Quinn exchange marriage vows overlooking the San Diego Bay.

Allison and Quinn met at UCSF. If you ask the family,it was love at first sight.
Ali and Quinn worked in research, so to show their love of science the cocktail hour bar is a replication of the science lab where they first met. Cocktail will be served in glass flasks from the bartender dressed in Quinn old lab coat. Dry ice will give the illusion of love potions being brewed!
A Regee band will play as family members enjoy getting to know one another under a canopy tent in the front of the house.

Once the ceremony area has been transformed for the reception, guests will be invited to dine on a trio of mouth watering food stations hand picked by the Bride and Groom.

Twinkle lights strung above will illuminate the night as guests are invited both indoors and out to dance the night away!

Please visit back to the blog for photos and comments of this magical night.

This is a Processional that you will talk about for a long time. Enjoy!

How Fun! What a surprise for the guests :)

Proposal at the Happiest Place on Earth

Christmas in July

Now is the perfect time to begin thinking of taking your official holiday photo for your 2009 Christmas greeting card.
A Dream Wedding by Sharon Cole can help you design a card that can let your family and friends know how much you love them and wish them happiness for the Holiday Season and the upcoming new year!

Browse through hundreds of stylish greeting cards and save 30% off the retail price!
The card featured above is only $145 for 100 sets which include a bright white envelope with printed return address. That's a savings of $50 from the retail price.
Why shop for your greeting cards in the supermarket this year when you can have a personalized and memorable card designed for you and shipped with in one week to your home address?

Call ADW today to speak with Sharon about designing your one of a kind greeting card!

Give a perfect Toast to the Happy Couple

Whether you're the bride, groom, best man, maid of honor, or perhaps one of the proud parents, the one thing that is likely to give you some sleepless nights is the thought of having to give the perfect toast on that big day. You know you want to say something memorable and poignant. You know you want to make everyone laugh, then cry. After all, that's what a really great wedding toast does

Coming up with those special words isn't rocket science. It really comes down to common sense. Follow a few simple guidelines, and you'll end up with a toast that you, and everyone else, will be proud of.

The following suggestions will help in the creation of the perfect wedding toast:

First and foremost, always make sure your toast is from the heart. Choose words, thoughts and sentiments that truly reflect how you feel about the person your toasting. Don't try to be Steve Martin - it just won't work. If your words are from the heart, you can't lose.

Start with a little humor. Try to start your toast off with a joke, a funny story or an amusing anecdote. By starting with humor, you'll loosen up your audience, plus you'll relax a lot more once you hear that laughter. But remember, a toast is not a roast. Don't go out of your way to roast the person you're toasting. A bit of humor goes a long way. And if you're not a gifted comedian, trying to be too funny is not likely to work.

Share some personal history. After your humorous opening, talk about your connection with the subject of the toast. This is a good opportunity to explain your history together and why giving this toast is so meaningful to you. At this point, you might want to share some examples of adventurous, fun, funny or poignant experiences you've shared together. Any stories that help to illustrate what type of person he/she is would be perfect to share.

Consider your audience. If this is a wedding toast, remember that the audience will be composed of people of all ages and backgrounds. Off color remarks or truly embarrassing stories won't be appreciated by everyone.

Don't steal the spotlight. Remember, this toast is supposed to be a tribute to the subject of the toast, and not an opportunity to steal the spotlight. Be sure to focus your remarks on your subject and not yourself.

Give equal time. If you're giving a wedding toast, make sure you give equal time to both the bride and the groom. Best men often focus strictly on their buddy, the groom. A balanced toast will make you a hero and help cement your future relationship with the spouse.

Keep it short and sweet. Unless you're a gifted orator, keep your toast brief. A long rambling toast is less likely to hold everyone's attention.

By following these simple suggestions, your toast is destined to be a memorable one. And everyone in attendance will shower you with much deserved praise!

by David Pitlik
Founder and Senior Toast Writer
ThePerfectToast.com

San Diego ABC at the Bridal Bazaar

The Bridal Bazaar always has an amazing turnout, and the San Diego ABC booth was packed from beginning to end!
Thank you to to all the ABC vendors who donated their services to make an eye-catching booth this year!

Linens and Florals- Lime green satin linen with a copper sheer overlay with burnt orange and yellow dots was used for the inspiration. Ivory belly bar table linen with copper sheer sash showed versatility incorporating existing linens from the venue. And the coordinating Lime green satin linen was displayed on the cake table
Flowers were designed by Mercedes for a budget Bride and retailed for only $25!

Custom Stationary was designed to incorporate our signature colors but also to be used a both the place card and the menu card combined. Alicia did a wonderful job in matching the favor boxes she bought at Michaels to match the fonts used on the menu card.

The 3 tiered Ivory cake with orange and yellow dots created just the whimsical touch we were hoping for. That cake was photographed at least a dozen times by the attendees!


Table Top Designers and ABC Coordinators
Ana Pasion - An Affair That Gives
Alicia Garcia - Bellini Events
Sharon Cole - A Dream Wedding by Sharon Cole

Custom Linens and Centerpiece
Mercedes Moreno-Acupido
Event Suppliers Inc.

Menu Card and Place Card combo
Victoria Shafer-Ramirez
Invitation Theory

Wedding Cake
Grove Pastry Shop, La Mesa

Audra and Brandon - Hot! Hot! Hot!

Congrats to Audra and Brandon Marvin! They were married on July 18, 2009 at the La Jolla Presbyterian Church and the reception following at the Museum of Man in Balboa Park.
My hats off to this amazing couple who went through more challenges with this wedding than any other couple I have worked with so far this year.
July 18th as most of you now know was the day of the Pride Festival in Balboa Park. When Audra and Brandon booked their Reception, they were unaware if this and because of the huge turnout for the Pride event, transportation had to be arranged for their 115 guests from Downtown to the Museum. An additional cost that the Museum of Man picked up on their behalf.
Once that hurdle was overcome, their original caterer gave away their contract to Chile Co Catering with Chef Scotty Wagner. Scotty was very helpful, as negotiations with the details were discussed and Scotty had to quickly change some of his existing policies, but all was well on the wedding day. His staff was wonderful and the food presentation was beautiful.

All the vendors had helped out by delivering as much equipment as possible to the Museum the day before so the set up on Saturday went smoothly.

Thank you to my assistant Victoria for being fast on her feet,and jumping in to help the other vendors when needed!

Audra looked absolutely beautiful and she smiled every time I looked her way and Brandon was a dynamo on the dance floor! The guests all had a great time(even with the heat) and I couldn't have been more happier with the way everything turned out.

I know Tammy will be sending over photos soon, but above are some shots that I took at the Museum that night.

Thank you to Audra and Brandons Vendors for a job well done

La Jolla Presbyterian Church
Museum of Man
Tammy Rice Photography
Chile Co Catering
B'Entertained
Best Beverage

Stepahnie and Devon - A Perfect Pair

Congratulations to Stephanie and Devon Ward! They were married on July 11, 2009 at the La Jolla Patio.
I'd like to thank all of the vendors who made this a magical day and a big congrats to Stephanie for designing some amazing personal accessories!

Stephanie's Mom, Peggy Hammond sent me the photos you see above, Weston Boucher will be sending more over soon! Thank you Peggy.

Photographer
Boucher Photography
Catering
Imperial House
Flowers
Tess Fresh Flowers
Entertainment
Sunset Mobile Music

Amy and Ed

Nuelma "Amy" Patio and Edward Legaspi are getting married on September 5, 2009 at All Hallows Church with the reception following at the Coronado Community Center.
Thank you to Jared Bauman of Bauman Photographers for the beautiful engagement photos!

Our Chelsea's getting married!

As most of you know, my wonderful assistant Chelsea and her handsome fiance Ryan are getting married on August 29, 2009 at the Prado in Balboa Park.
Stephanie and I are thilled to be there with her as she becomes Mrs. Marble!

Ryan proposed to Chelsea at Disneyland, so we want to make sure her wedding is a Dream Come True!

Check back for photos from Brant Bender Photography

Make Your Wedding Unique!

Personalize Your Wedding



Creating a wedding that is unique is easier than ever since several companies now offer customizable services and products for weddings. Incorporating a personal message or monogram into your special day will not only allow you to customize your wedding, but it will also provide you with a means of creating a consistent look. By using repetitive elements, you will be able to create a sense of commonality between aspects that would otherwise have no connection.

Save the date cards and wedding websites are typically the elements that will introduce your wedding to your guests, so if you can include your monogram or message on these aspects of your wedding, your guests will recognize them when they see them on your programs, menu cards or place cards, for example. If you want to have a wedding website that looks like it was custom designed just for you but does not include the custom price tag, consider creating a DIY site using WeddingWindow.com - you can create custom color schemes and upload your own design photos.

Another way to incorporate your custom monogram or message is through lighting. You can create something called a custom gobo, which allows you to project your monogram on the dance floor or on the wall of your reception hall. You can include your custom elements in other ways as well, such as on postage stamps, on wine labels, and on aisle runners. So as you can see, once you create your custom elements, it is easy to carry them through to the other aspects of your wedding. And, if there are other special ways that define you as a couple such as travel, music or art, try to think of ways to include them as well so your relationship is apparent in every way possible on your wedding day.

For more information about designing your own wedding website go to:
A Dream Wedding by Sharon Cole

Or Contact Sharon at www.adreamweddingbysharon.com

A Thank You that touched my heart!

Dear Sharon,
When Beth told us she was getting married in San Diego, I had a big lump in my throat – not only the beauty of San Diego and the love for it she has, but how in the world do you plan a wedding 3,000 miles across country? Then she told us of her plan to hire a wedding planner – what a blessing and furthermore that it was you!
What a “dreamy wedding”! Without doubt, your guidance and assistance gave way to Beth’s life long dream. Every little girl has her “dream wedding” that grows with her to womanhood. You captured her every desire and supplied her with vendors who were professional, diplomatic, extremely fair and very eager to meet her every expectation.
Sharon – you provided the perfection of every detail and made for the most memorable day for all those that love Beth and Jay. Thank you and your assistant for your expertise and carrying out the most beautiful wedding ever!
We will always remember you with fondness.
Most Sincerely,
Mother of the Bride – Anna Holland

From Sharon - To Anna

Thank you for letting me be a small part in what was such a wonderful day! Your words truly touched me, and because of that I know my work and my life makes a difference in others. I'm so blessed to have the opportunity to bring joy and fulfill dreams!

Bridalinsider.com Best Wedding Vendors 2009

Thank you to all of my supportive Family & Friends for voting for me in the Bridalinsider.com - Best of Wedding Vendor Poll 2009.
To all of my past clients, I now consider you friends, it has been an honor to be included in your life.

If you still have not had a chance to cast your vote but would like to, go to Bridalinsider.com

Voting ends on June 28th. Check back to see if A Dream Wedding by Sharon Cole is the winner!

Thank you!!
Sharon

Learning to Photoshop

Thank you to Brant Bender with Brant Bender Photography for teaching the ABC Consultants how to create amazing collages this evening with Photoshop

Bobby Earle Photography

I want to thank Bobby Earle and his lovely wife Lyndsay for sending over this amazing slideshow of even more wonderful photos of Heather and Noel's wedding.

I would love to work with Bobby again in the future so please keep him in mind for your future events!

Heather and Noel's Slideshow

www.bobbyearle.com

A Race to the Alter!

Christine and Michael had such a unique and personalised wedding. They really were able to show their guests all the things they loved separately and together. It really was joy to watch the day unfold.

For the Ceremony, Christine wanted every guest to feel included so she created the most unique sand ceremony I have ever had to coordinate! It was what kept us both up at night, but in the end was the most special moment of the day for me.

Christine and Michael had special family members and friends hand sign large sea shells with words of wishes and good thoughts. They held on to those seashells until the ceremony when during the sand ceremony they were asked to come forward and place their shell on top of the sands poured by Christine and Michael (from their own hometowns) while three of their good friends read beautiful quotes about Family, Friends and Spirituality. During the Friends reading, all the remaining guests were asked to come forward and place the seashell that had been left for them on their chairs so they could join in the celebration as well. There were many tears and smiles as we all felt the love in the air.

Michael loves racing! Ferrari's to be exact so the cocktail hour was all about him.
A Perfect Table did a wonderful job in creating a racing theme decor. the guests immediately feel in love with the "Hot Rod Punch" which was served to them as soon as the ceremony was completed. (did I forget to mention that Christine surprised Michael with a Ferrari racing flag during the processional, carried by the ring bearer!)

For the Reception, we saw the love of traveling by both Christine and Michael. The place cards were silver luggage tags doubling as a favor to the guests. Inside the ballroom, the tables were elegantly displayed in shades of aubergine and ivory. The table numbers were bottles of wine with custom labels made by Christine and Michael.
The live jazz band had everyone attention as they found their seats! It was a night for dancing!

I had so much fun listening to all the wonderful toasts given throughout the night. I'm so glad they had it all on video!


See the amazing photos by Philip DeFalco
Christine and Michael

Thank you to all the vendors for making this night so incredibly special.

Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
DeFalco Photography
Bob Hoffman Productions
A Perfect Table
Wholesale Flowers
King Kelly Band featuring Kamau Kenyatta

Heather and Noel - A Lamb in the Rain

One of my favorite weddings this year has to be Heather and Noel's wedding on May 30 2009 at the beautiful La Valencia Hotel. If you remember that Saturday, rain wasn't supposed to be unexpected guest, but it was so inside we went. I have to say though getting married in the La Sala Room at the La Valencia is not a bad second choice.
We had a slight hick up with the sound system and the lamb would not walk down the aisle (yes you read it right - a live baby lamb named Bella May was the ring bearer)
apart from that the day was magical!

Thank you to Bobby Earle for the amazing photographs - click on the link below to view his blog - I really hope we get the chance to work together again, He and his wife Lindsay are amazing!

Heather and Noel

Above are some photos I took myself. I couldn't miss getting photos of Heather and Bella May.

Thank you to all the vendors who made this such a fun event to coordinate.

Venue - La Valencia, Victor Lopez
Photographer - Bobby Earle Photography, Booby Earle
Custom Linens - A Perfect Table, Irene Montes Gonzales
Entertainment - Hit It Music Productions, David Cutler
Ceremony Musicians - Caprice Strings, Francesca Savage
Custom Stationary - Vibrant Weddings, Dimar Ownes
Flowers - Adorations Botanical, La Vonne
Wedding Cake - Edelweiss Mira Mesa
Gown Pressing - Forever Treasured, Michele Basile
Bella May - Princess and Buckaroo

What a Wedding!

I just received the wedding photos from Laura Kass and Charlie West's beautiful Ceremony and Reception on May 24 2009 at the Admiral Kidd Club

Thank you to Philip DeFalco with DeFalco Photography for the beautiful images!

clink on the link below to see the slide show

http://www.defalcophoto.com/show/West/

Zoo Tables

Here is the information for the company that provide those wonderfully fun appetizer tables and the Elephant Odyssey Grand Opening Party.
San Diego Spotlight Entertainment

Up Close and Personal with Elephants

San Diego Zoo's Grand Opening of Elephant Odyssey was held on May 22, 2009.
I was honored to be invited to this special occasion because since I was a little girl I have been in love with Elephants. Who doesn't love their quiet demeanor but powerful size and presence.
African and Asian Elephants (one male and 6 female) will roam the new $45 million dollar exhibit that is now open to the public. The exhibit took four years to complete and is the largest that the zoo has ever undertaken at one time.
The 7.5 acre Harry and Grace Steele Elephant Odyssey is home to 35 species of animals. As you walk around this playful, informative and breathtaking exhibit, keep a close watch out for condors, jaguars, lions, sloths, tapirs and capybaras. And of course the Elephants themselves.

From the aerial view of the sky ride to the welcome pink elephant drink on our arrival - delicious!, everything was so unique and playful. I especially loved the landscape. Plants known as "Elephant Feet" lined the pathways and statues of Jaguars and Sloths were scattered around for fun photo ops. As you walked into the plaza look up into the eyes of a life size Mammoth statue!


Outside the Tusker's Trunk Gift Shop and Sabertooth Grill, we were served appetizers from "tabled" lions and jaguars, while a steel drum band made you feel like dancing.

I met with D'Anne Morehead, Event Sales Manager & Wedding Specialist with the San Diego Zoo. She and I are both members of the Association of Bridal Consultants, so it was wonderful to have the time to catch up and hear how well the new exhibit was going. Once the official photos are in, D'Anne promised to send me over a few to add later for everyone to see. But if your like me and can't wait for a good thing...head over to the Zoo this weekend with your family and friends!
www.elephantodyssey.com

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe

Stephanie and I had the pleasure of spending 2 days at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe for a Wedding Planners Retreat on May 13 and 14 2009. Thank you to Managing Director Kerman Beriker and Catering Sales Manager Marianna Ogando for the invitation and their wonderful hospitality.Executive Chef John Beriker surprised us with a hands on cooking demonstration on how to prepare Thai Noodles and Lobster Spring Rolls. We had so much fun I almost forgot to take pictures!

We were treated to a beautiful cocktail reception followed by an amazing dinner prepared by Chef John and his staff. It was so nice to spend time with my fellow colleagues and revisit the Inn.

The next morning we all gathered for brunch prior to departing. I'm glad I brought my walking shoes to work off some of that amazing food!

If you are looking for a venue with a touch of charm and amazing food, please visit The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.

Tell them Sharon sent you!

Several of the Preferred Vendors hosted elements for the retreat.

Flowers - Kathy Wright and Co

Deserts - Sweet Cheeks Baking Company

Entertainment - Wayne Foster Entertainment

Invitations - Invitation Factory

Plush Lounge Inc.

American Party Rentals

A Day of Elegance

A Perfect Table

I wanted to share some pictures with you from a recent photo shoot with A Perfect Table and Ceremony Magazine. Irene Montes Gonzales is a good friend of mine and her custom linens are spectacular!
Annette Gomez designed the beautiful flowers! Joseph Guidi, a very talented photographer was on site to shoot the tablescapes.

Guest Table:
Colors: Lime, Black and White
Linens: Lime Satin with Bella Flora Runners, Napkins and Seat Cushions

The inspiration behind this table was fresh, romantic and eclectic with a Tuscan influence. We used two 6ft banquet tables to create one large square table. A custom king drape was made to fit the table measurements perfectly. We accented the lime with our Bella Flora Collection...very hot item right now! With the fire burning in the rustic background, the candles flickering in their ornate glasses and the lush landscape, we were drifted off to a quaint setting in Tuscany.....ahhhh! It was very charming.

Sweetheart Table:
Colors: Cinnamon, Rust, Moss, Gold, Champagne
Linens: Cinnamon Satin with Chameleon Circle Embroidered Sheer Cap and Chair Covers

We wanted a modern, yet antique finish for this little sweetheart! We used a 48" round table with a 132" cinnamon satin linen for extra length, volume and fluff. Instead of having a perfect fit, using a larger linen will create that rich, decadent feel brides are looking for and help the special tables stand apart from the rest. We topped it off with a custom made cap and Chiavari Tailcoats using our Chameleon Circle Embroidered Sheer fabric. This fabric is really unique, it has a moss green undertone with touches of gold and champagne, but when you pair it up with another color, it adapts to that color....hence, chameleon! These caps can be used on cocktail tables and larger tables as well to create a couture look for any event. The intricate floral arrangement helped to create an old worldly garden wedding theme.

If you have a photo shoot coming up for which you will need linens, or would like to stage one to freshen up your image, website or marketing materials, please contact A Perfect Table. They will help you to create a unique look that embraces your business and brings you forward with savvy style. Look for them in the January issue of Ceremony Magazine.