Wine and Roses Hotel | Justin and Alissa One Year Later

Wine, Rose Petals and Musical Love Notes

Written by Allison Hopkins for Très Fabu Event Planning and Design 

As Justin and Alissa Creel approach their one-year anniversary, the couple is excited to retell the events that made their wedding so priceless. The evening of April 17, 2010 was a magical night for them. At Wine and Roses in Lodi, California, the couple celebrated their love and unity among 160 friends and family.

The design of this beautiful spring wedding (by Très Fabu) consisted of pinks, browns, and creams throughout the flowers, linens, programs, and apparel. Alissa wore a strapless, classis A-line dress that was simple and elegant, with a bubble hem on the bottom that “made her look like she was floating.” Justin was stunning in a single button tuxedo with a white vest and a white tie. Bridesmaids were in pink; groomsmen in brown vests and ties.

The couple chose to have a modern, non-denominational Protestant ceremony that lasted about 20 minutes. Pastor Jon Holmes married them in a ceremony that included live music sung by a close friend of the bride.

After the ceremony, Justin and Alissa went with Debra Hiebèrt, owner of Très Fabu, for the “private reveal” of the reception hall and a romantic dance together.

 “We never would have realized the importance of this if Debra hadn’t scheduled it in,” says Justin. “But now we realize that your wedding day flies by in a flash and having some private time to enjoy the beauty and atmosphere that Debra had created in the reception hall was very important to us.”

As the evening advanced into a fabulous reception with dinner and dancing, Matt Brys from Extreme Productions kept the mood going with excellent mc skills and a variety of music requested by the bride and groom.

Dinner was prepared by Wine and Roses and included a piece of grilled chicken and a piece of filet mignon on each plate. According to the couple and many of their guests, it was “to die for!”

“It was one of the best meals I have ever had, hands down,” says Justin. “We received multiple compliments on how good the food was, even from friends of ours that are chefs.”

Along with a delicious meal, each of the vendors played an important role in creating the look and feel that the couple wanted for their special evening.

“Not only is Debra’s creativity unmatched, but her contacts—florists, photographers, DJs, linen companies, etc.—made planning and executing the wedding substantially easier, allowing us more time to enjoy the process,” says Alissa. “We never had to worry that our vendors wouldn’t show or wouldn’t come through.”

Shelly McArdle provided amazing florals and according to the bride, “they were beyond perfect!!” CinZo Photography was “wonderful to work with” and “did a fabulous job of capturing the wedding.”

The couple topped the celebration off by honeymooning on a beautiful cruise ship through Rome, Naples, Sicily, Athens, Rhodes, Ephesus, and Alexandria…a perfect tour of the Mediterranean.

One year later, they report back that there are “no babies yet” but plenty to keep them occupied. They continue to work full-time and grow with their careers.

One last thought from the couple in regards to hiring a wedding planner. “You don’t know, what you don’t know.” The essence of his statement is that it’s impossible to know everything that will impact your wedding day.

“One of the most important aspects of working with Debra was knowing that she would be able to take care of any unexpected situations that might arise during or after the wedding,” says Alissa. “Being as prepared as we were allowed us both to enjoy and appreciate the day, making it a priceless memory.”

Wedding Design, Planning and Production: Très Fabu Event Planning and Design, www.tresfabuevents.com

Floral Design: Shelly McArdle, www.floralartistrybyshelley.com

Photography: CinZo Celebration Photography, www.CinZoPhoto.com

Entertainment/Lighting: Matt Brys of Extreme Productions, www.extremeprodjs.com

Wedding Cake: Divine Desserts, www.divinedessertbyaguirre.com

All Linens:  Mimi & Co., www.mimiandcompany.com

All Event Paperie:  Our lovely bride, Allissa Creel.