The Sheraton Grand Sacramento | Justin and Stephanie Castillo Celebrate 3 Years

The happy couple is still treasuring their perfect

Italian inspired courtyard wedding!

Anniversary: December 19th

Written by Allison Hopkins for Très Fabu Event Planning and Design 

There was no question in their minds that a candlelit courtyard wedding was a must. It would be an ideal setting for uniting Stephanie’s Italian family with Justin’s Guatemalan side. 3 years later, they still can’t believe just how special it was.

Stephanie credits it to “the perfect storm of an amazing wedding planner and an amazing mother.”

The unbelievable transformation of the Sheraton Grand Sacramento into a quaint church ceremony followed by a romantic courtyard reception left the bride, groom, and their guests stunned. It involved 600 candles, amazing lighting effects, a fountain (complete with pavers and moss), ironwork candelabras, olive branches, fresh flowers, and sugared fruit. Elegant colors were used throughout the décor: antique gold, creamy ivory lace, olives, champagnes, and browns.

“I could not believe I was walking into the Sheraton Grand when those doors opened,” says Stephanie. “Wedding guests were taken to our very own church though lighting, décor, ambiance, and romantic candlelight.”

As Cat Stevens’ “Morning Has Broken” began to play, Justin and 190 guests turned to see Stephanie in a beautiful ivory lace gown coming down the aisle, escorted by her two brothers. The song was chosen in honor of her father who has passed, as it was his favorite music. The lighting in the room, which was created by Extreme Productions, set the feel of the last of the setting sun coming through the windows…truly perfect for their 5 o’clock wedding.

Father John Mabry married the couple in a traditional yet very personal ceremony. Stephanie and Justin chose readings from various religious and literary sources and after much thought, decided to exchange traditional vows.

“Something felt so right about saying the same vows as our parents and grandparents who were there with us that day (in body and spirit),” says Stephanie.

Following the ceremony was a cocktail hour in the private courtyard (the reception room) where guests enjoyed listening to a live Spanish acoustic guitarist, Jesse Christian Hendricks.

The “courtyard” itself was nothing short of magic…between the beautiful fountain in the center, the amazing head table, and the overall lighting effects: hanging market lights set the tone for the evening and gobo lights mimicked the shadows of leaves from the moonlight. Each table had unique containers collected from local antique stores: old copper pots and gorgeous urns, no two the same, were filled with olive branches, rosemary, spray roses, hydrangeas, pears, and grapes.

“It was like every one of the vendors went all out to do what they do best,” says Justin.

Dinner was catered by the Sheraton and included vegetarian and non-vegetarian options; the main course was portabella mushroom risotto timbale or Petaluma chicken filled with apple brioche stuffing. A three-tier cake followed, with chocolate grand marnier, triple chocolate, and the couple’s favorite, chocolate pistachio!

Looking back, the evening is an unforgettable memory for the couple, just as their first dance—“Memories Are Made of This” by Dean Martin—had promised. A year later, Stephanie and Justin are enjoying feeling even more connected and content to be with their soul mate. Stephanie is still loving her job as a special education preschool teacher and Justin continues to work with computer programming…and is thrilled to be getting a new drum set! The couple plans to celebrate Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Guatemala, along with their families.

For more information about the vendors, please visit:

Event Planning, Design & Decor: Très Fabu Event Planning and Design, www.tresfabuevents.com

Photography: CinZo Celebration Photography, www.cinzophoto.com

Lighting: Extreme Productions, www.extremeprodjs.com

Floral: Floral Artistry, www.floralartistrybyshelley.com

Video: Sheffield Multimedia/Phillip Alan Films: http://sheffieldmultimedia.com/ and www.phillipalanfilms.com

Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery

The Story of Autumn and Seyi Ajirotutu…how a Carolina Panther NFL Football Player Met His California Dream Girl

Written by Allison Hopkins for Très Fabu Event Planning and Design

Wedding: May 24th ~ 2012
Location: Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery
Pleasanton ~ California

Autumn meets Seyi…
Autumn and Seyi had been admiring each other from afar. Both students at Fresno State, they would glance at each other and smile between classes and see one another at parties and sporting events. Finally it was Autumn who made the first move by sending Seyi a Facebook message. This started the romance rolling….

The two talked into the wee hours of the night and watched the sunrise on their first date. They were fascinated how similar their childhoods were and loved hearing about each other’s experiences of growing up. Since that night when they first locked eyes, they knew it was fate.

The proposal…
Seyi proposed on November 4, 2011. The couple was visiting his parents in Sacramento and when Autumn went to Seyi’s room in the morning to make plans for the day, she noticed a little box lying on his pillow. As she says, “He proposed to me in my PJs. You better believe I said ‘Yes!’ and he put a ring on it!”

Planning the wedding…
It was very important to the couple to keep all the festivities in one location so that guests could enjoy the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception without having to relocate. Casa Real (meaning “House of Royalty”) proved to be the perfect venue. It is truly a charming place surrounded by old wine vineyards and olive trees and filled with old-world style.

Autumn wanted a romantic, elegant, opulent, and regal wedding. The couple hired Debra Hiebèrt of Très Fabu Event Planning and Design to design and produce the wedding ceremony and reception celebration. During this time, Autumn was located in southern California and Seyi was in North Carolina. Autumn Googled “Fabulous Wedding Planner” and the rest is history!

The wedding planning took about six months. Debra quickly referred Autumn to The White Dress boutique in Corona Del Mar, where she immediately connected and clicked with Brielle Steiner, Senior Bridal Stylist. Autumn chose a Lazaro Design wedding gown—a modified A-Line gown with a strapless sweetheart neckline, a chandelier beaded midriff, and a full skirt of tiered organza.

When designing the wedding and ceremony, Debra based all of the “bling factor” that Autumn had requested on the design of Autumn’s wedding gown (for the wedding cake, the wedding cake table, and the head bridal party table).

Their special day…
Autumn and Seyi were married inside the intimate and romantic Amber Room, a truly warm setting with golden brown walls, porcelain tiles, and candlelight. Très Fabu Events brought in one large and grand chandelier and arranged for a pre-lit custom designed aisle runner. Friends and family gathered from all over (about 260 guests) to attend the black tie affair.

The ceremony was performed by Seyi’s Uncle Olu Ajirotutu. He is originally from Africa and Seyi’s grandparents and some family members traveled all the way from there as well. The couple included a “Jumping the Broom” ceremony (a deep rooted African-American wedding tradition symbolizing “sweeping away the old and welcoming the new”). As Autumn and Seyi shared their vows, standing in front of a 12-foot, hand-carved limestone fireplace, and underneath the grand Austrian crystal chandelier, they were smiling from ear to ear.

Guests enjoyed the cocktail hour following the ceremony, where passed appetizers included sushi, tomato soup with grilled cheese wedges, sliders, and french fries. An appetizer table included: imported and domestic cheeses, artichoke dip, salami, Peppadew peppers, salted Napa almonds, Spanish meatballs, and fresh fruit.

A sign titled “Things We Love” was hung on display during the cocktail hour, sharing the couple’s favorite things:

As the newlyweds and their guests made their entrance down the “red carpet” for the paparazzi experience (by Brandon Edward), the evening celebrations began!

When Autumn and Seyi entered the reception room, they were amazed and kept saying it was so “Fly!” Autumn’s sister, Myah, was saying “Super Fly!”

Très Fabu Events incorporated the colors of the day (ivory, blush pink, and black) throughout the reception décor. The bridal party head table was dressed in black satin rosette linens with pink showing in napkins and the head table chairs slip caps.  Guest tables were a blush pink in shantung raw silk with a black silk napkin. Soft pink, amber, and white up-lighting was used throughout the reception space.

Florals included: hydrangeas; Ecuadorian roses in white and ivory; and hints of white O’hara garden roses and beautiful peonies. Autumn’s bouquet was made of all white peonies with white ranunculus, spray majolica white roses, and white sweet peas.

“Debra’s [Très Fabu Events] attention to details and incredible energy were absolutely contagious,” says floral designer Nicole Ha.

Mrs. Pierce, mother-of-the-bride, wrote Nicole a follow-up note: “You did a fantastic job pulling Autumn and Seyi’s wedding together with your floral designs. The florals were breath taking—soft, elegant, and amazingly beautiful. The bling, blush pink, whites, and accent of black were just what Autumn hoped to capture and you delivered it perfectly!”

Guests loved the delicious entrees prepared by Ruby Hill: achiote-marinated tri-tip with dried pasilla demi and queso fresco; salmon garnished with vine-ripened tomato and cucumber salad; garlic-herb cheese stuffed chicken with lemon-thyme butter sauce; stuffed porto bellini mushroom with caramelized sweet onions and thyme; and macaroni and cheese served family style. For dessert, not only were they treated to wedding cake and cupcakes, but candy covered apples too!

Music from all genres played during the reception, as the couple has a diverse love and appreciation of all types. Autumn and Seyi shared a first dance to “Endless Love” by Mariah Carey and Luther Vandross.

The very professional and upbeat staff at Casa Real/Ruby Hill played a major role in the success of the day…a FABULOUS time was had by all!

As noted to Debra of Très Fabu Events by the mother and father of the bride, Mr. Paul and Mrs. Forrestine Pierce, “I appreciate your desire to make the customer happy and as a result many of our guests said it was ‘The Best Wedding I Have Ever Gone To.’” 

Debra, your eye for detail and beauty is amazing!  The head table was a knockout.  Again, hats off to you and your team. I must add that your finished product is second to none.

A little tidbit of behind the scenes teamwork…
“As Mrs. Pierce (mother-of-the-bride) was getting dressed in her suite, she realized she left her earrings for her gown at home,” says Debra of Très Fabu Events. “She asked if she could borrow mine and I did not hesitate…I said ‘Absolutely!’ Also, Nicole Ha fixed Mrs. Pierce’s pearl necklace…the clasp had broken…now that’s a wedding team!”

An update on our couple……….

Since this article posted~ on 10.29.12 Seyi Ajirotutu was signed to The San Diego Chargers as a Wide Receiver!!!  Congratulations!!!  Seyi & Autumn now reside in sunny San Diego!  Go Chargers!!!!

Event Design, Planning, and Production: Debra Michelle Hiebèrt & Très Fabu Event Planning and Design, http://www.tresfabuevents.com
Officiant: Uncle Olu Ajirotutu presided over the wedding ceremony services.
Her Dress: The White Dress, Corona Del Mar, http://www.thewhitedress.com
Rentals: Hartmann Studios, http://www.hartmannstudiosrentals.com
Floral Concept & Design: Nicole Ha Floral Design, http://www.nicoleha.com
Venue & Catering: Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery, http://www.rubyhillwinery.net
Photos: Paula Player Photographer, http://www.paulaplayerblog.com
Red Carpet Paparazzi Experience: Brandon Edward; Brandon Edward Roy/Don Russ Photography, www.donruss199.com
Video: Phill Sheffield, http://www.phillipalanfilms.com
Lighting: Impact Lighting & Production, http://www.impactsf.com
Cake: Katrina Rozelle Pastries and Desserts, http://www.katrinarozelle.com
Cupcakes: Icing on the Cupcake, Folsom, http://www.icingonthecupcake.com
Candy Apples: Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, http://www.rmcf.com
Hair & Makeup: Myah Underwood, sister of the bride: http://www.modelmayhem.com/Kingston
Invites and Save the Date Cards: Très Fabu Event Planning and Design, http://www.tresfabuevents.com
Design of Welcome Signage, Things We Love, and the Wedding Dinner Menu: Robyn Lyn Steward/House of Monarch, www.laphilosophia.com, www.houseofmonarch.com

Linens:  Mimi & Company Linens:  www.mimiandcompany.com

Music: James Walker of NorCal DJs

Debra

 

 

 

Holman Ranch | Carmel Valley | Natalia & Cody’s Wedding Highlight Film

Holman Ranch | Carmel Valley | Natalia & Cody’s Wedding Highlight Film


Enjoy Natalia & Cody’s very sweet and ever romantic wedding day highlight film held at rustic and romantic Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley.  To view this film click on the heading title above!!!

Fantabulous floral design and concepts by Reina Ramirez of Florals by Reina of Pebble Beach; Photography by Josselyn Peterson; lovely bridaly beauty & make-up by Shannon L. Woods; Delicious & Gourmet Weddng Menu created by Jackson Catering (way to go Chef Chris; Evan, Chef Brandon & Richard); Artisan Pizza from Michael & Tressa Johnson; Linens by Mimi & Company; Wedding Music, Entertainment and Lighting from the energetic Bryan Greenwalt of Music & More Entertainment; film feature of course by Phill Sheffield of Phillip Alan Films!  The ever talented Miss Amy Tan of Treespace Studios created the Custom Watercolored Wedding Invitations ~ adding the overall feel for the upcoming wedding event when the invitations were sent in the mail!  Enjoy!  More vendor credits in the future!

It was such a honor to be part of their heart-felt and true kindred spirit wedding celebration!  Beyond beautiful couple and beautiful families!  I love them and thier families with my whole heart!  An amazing experience that will be within my spirit always!

In gratitude to ALL team members in creating such a wonderful moment in time for Natalia & Cody and their treasured family and guests,

xoxo

Debra and the Tres Fabu Events Design & Production Team

Debra

Catta Verdera Country Club | Phill and Megan Sheffield Two Years Later

Written by Allison Hopkins for Très Fabu Event Planning and Design

Enjoying Life with Zoe’s Giggles and Lola’s Kisses

Phill Sheffield is a wedding videographer who has worked with Debra Hiebèrt, owner of Tres Fabu, for the past six years. With over 11 years of video experience and 400+ events filmed, Phill sees each wedding as a unique opportunity to capture something amazing and new. His cinematic style has delighted more than 350 brides and grooms worldwide.

The “Sheffield Family” all started with a truly modern engagement in April 2009…

Megan was ecstatic to open up her gift from Phill. As she peered down into the gift bag, hidden beneath layers of tissue paper, was a brand new iphone! It was just what she had wanted for her birthday!

Just as Phill started to explain the phone’s cool features, Meagan turned it on. As the screen lit up, so did Megan’s face… “Will you marry me” appeared, along with a picture of a beautiful sparkling ring!

April 2010: The Wedding At Catta Verdera Country Club

Lincoln, California | April 24, 2012

Guests: 127

The Theme: Casual but Elegant

Colors: Sangria Purple & Natural Green

When Phill and Megan began planning their wedding, they had a pretty clear vision of what they wanted. Phill had been filming weddings for ten years and the couple was able to share many ideas from years of inspirations. They hired Debra Hiebèrt of Très Fabu Event Planning and Design to make it all happen!

“We came to Debra with our initial vision and the vendors we had planned on using, and she took that to the next level and helped arrange the dizzying array of details that we hadn’t even thought of,” says Phill. “She helped take our visions and big picture ideas and implement a cohesive theme throughout the entire wedding.”

The couple was married outside, overlooking the 18th green on the beautiful Catta Verdera golf course. They each had four attendants; ladies dressed in black dresses with sangria purple shoes and men wore black tuxedos accompanies by sangria purple ties. The bride wore an ivory strapless dress with a side drape, with beaded detail on the bodice, drape, and skirt. It had a chapel length train and a very elaborate bustle that took four people to figure out! “I felt like I belonged in that dress,” says Megan. “It made me feel beautiful, confident, and relaxed.”

Phill’s favorite memory of the day was seeing Megan walk down the aisle. “We had timed the long walk down the hillside from the top at about three minutes and it was a remarkable three minutes—it really felt complete at that one moment,” says Phill. “The tears flowed heavily and unexpectedly and it’s a moment I will never forget. The first time in my life where one single moment blew by and also lasted forever.”

Megan and Phill wrote their ceremony, which was performed by Megan’s uncle. It included a reading of “Union” by Robert Fulghum, which truly reflected the journey that they took from the moment they met to their wedding day. A special and unique part of their ceremony was the “wine box.” The couple wrote letters to each other and placed them in the box accompanied by a bottle of wine. They vowed to add a new letter and enjoy the bottle of wine each year on their anniversary!

Guests enjoyed an outside cocktail hour following the ceremony. Mike Anderson from Creative Memories Entertainment provided a “rat pack” feel with fun tunes. As the evening proceeded, Megan and Phill were ecstatic to join the party in the fabulously decorated reception room…

“The decor inside the reception was beautiful,” says Phill. “Debra created a mantle celebration that took our breath away. The mantle was lit with hundreds of clear vases with floating candles in them. Each end was flanked with a large flower and branch arrangement and some of the pomanders from the ceremony site. The head table was decorated with green pintuck linens from Mimi & Co. and lots more candles. The guest tables had white linens with sangria purple napkins that were folded to hold the wedding favors—a lottery ticket and a hand written thank you note for each attendee.”

Dinner consisted of a gourmet, four course meal of soup; sorbet; salad; and chicken, steak, or vegetarian risotto. The ivory wedding cake was prepared by Shelton’s Wedding Cake Designs and was three tiers with carrot cake/chocolate chip/carrot cake layers. The groom’s cake was red velvet with a very significant cake topper…two plastic replicas of the couple’s favorite Nintendo Wii avatar character!

“Our reception was a blast!” says Megan. “It went by so quickly, but the toasts were awesome and the food was amazing. It was the best night because how often do you get to be surrounded by all of your family and friends who love and support you and wish you nothing but the best!”

Following the wedding, Phill and Megan set off to Vegas for a mini-moon filled with delicious meals and a few Cirque de Soleil shows. Their official honeymoon took place in December—a week long Caribbean cruise!

In the last two years, the Sheffield’s lives have changed quite a bit! They welcomed Zoe Corrine to the family on November 20, 2011. Lola (the family dog) continues to be a loving big sister. And since then, their days have been filled with “baby toys, diapers, bottles, and giggles!”
Professional Event Vendor Team:

Event Design; Planning & Production: Debra Michelle Hiebèrt & Très Fabu Event Planning and Design
Wedding Reception Venue: Catta Verdera Country Club
Specialty Linens: Mimi & Company
Floral Design: Botanica Floral Design
Lighting: Creative Memories Entertainment/Mike Anderson
Entertainment/DJ/MOC: Creative Memories Entertainment/Mike Anderson
Photography: Dream Imagery
Videography: Phillip Alan Films
Event Paperie: DIY Bride Project
Debra