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

 

 

 

Tres Fabu Event Planning and Design | New Website Launch

Written by Allison Hopkins for Tres Fabu Event Planning and Design

Debra Michelle Hiebèrt and the staff at Très Fabu Event Planning and Design invite you to check out the company’s new website   —   just launched!    http://www.tresfabuevents.com/.

Stay up-to-date on the designs of the latest weddings and special events through the Très Fabu Events Blog, Facebook, and Twitter postings. Debra Michelle Hiebèrt is proud to be celebrating 14 years of planning and executing fabulous events throughout northern and southern California, the Wine Country, and the beautiful Monterey Peninsula.  She and her fabulous team looks forward to planning and designing your next celebration!

Please share the news of their new website!!!!  xoxo

Debra

Viaggio Estate and Winery | Congratulations to Brent and Jillian Meinyer on their First Anniversary!

Written by Allison Hopkins for Très Fabu Event Planning and Design

A woman named Anna Akhmatova once said, “Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life.”

At Viaggio Winery in Lodi, California, miles and miles from the small towns of Italy, a couple’s dream of an Italian/Versaille inspired wedding came to life. For Brent and Jillian Meinyer, this type of wedding was a vision they shared—but the couple had no idea how perfect and real it could become on the breezy summer evening of June 19.

“Every minute and detail was crisply carried out to our benefit by Debra and her whole ‘Dream Team,’” says Jillian. “They can take your lives and pick out so many moments that they know will mean the world to you later.”

The private estate, surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and the Mokelumne River, set the romantic feel for the evening…while Très Fabu and the amazing vendors that were selected for this day each played an important part in executing the fabulous event.

“We based the entire wedding off of Jillian’s original color palate of champagnes, ivories, soft apricots and a dash of petal pink,” says Debra Hiebèrt, owner of Très Fabu. “Then when she found the gown of her dreams—that’s when I went into overdrive design—and launched off of Shelley’s florals as well.”

Shelley McArdle from Floral Artistry started her design based on a single photo that Jillian had selected. From there, she created elegant and vintage arrangements…roses and hydrangeas were used abundantly, and shiny ribbons and sparkly rhinestones added a perfect touch to the flowers. Each flower girl and junior bridesmaid carried her own purse made purely of flowers!

“Shelly is such an amazing person,” says Jillian. “She really stretched every dollar to make the most outstanding floral arrangements that we have ever seen. She made us feel like we were the most special people on earth.”

Brent’s black Armani tuxedo was complemented by a calla lily boutonniere with rhinestones. And then came the bride, who according to her new husband, “…absolutely knocked everyone out with how stunningly beautiful she looked!”

In a strapless, ivory gown that truly captured the romance of the evening, Jillian held a bouquet of light pink and cream roses, and cream calla lilies, and made her way down an aisle covered in pink and cream rose petals arranged in a swirl design.

“When she first saw her bouquet, she [Jillian] was in aw…she kept saying ‘this is just so beautiful,’” says McArdle.

Pastor Kevin Brown from Lodi met the beautiful Bride and Groom at the altar. Beforehand, he asked the couple to come up with five reasons to marry each other, and planned on including them in the ceremony. To their amusement, he repeated the reasons almost word for word—keeping the ceremony fun, meaningful, and most of all, memorable.

After the pronouncement of husband and wife, Jillian and Brent had a fun surprise for the crowd. “At the end of our ceremony—Brent has always been a long time Indiana Jones fan—so we played the theme music as we made our way down the aisle together on our new adventure as newlyweds,” says Jillian.

Everyone was shocked when an aerial confetti streamer launched as well! “They were crying and laughing…it was the perfect touch by Matt at Extreme Productions,” says Jillian.

Extreme Productions created a customized entertainment and production company for the entire event…each song was hand selected, personalized bridal party introductions were created, and the soundtrack for each scene had an energy and feel that was reflective of the moment. There was even a 3D moon projection on the wall near the cake (Jillian’s request)!

“As soon as we secured services with Brent and Jillian, we went right to work on getting to know their personality, their story, their interests, style, and taste,” says Matt Brys from Extreme Productions. “From there, we were able to build out the ‘experience’ of the day (the music, energy, MC work, lighting, production, announcements, etc… and we added in extra flair with lighting and confetti cannons for that WOW factor!”

An indoor reception followed the ceremony, with beautiful candlelit tables, gold plates, and gold chairs. Guests enjoyed catering provided by Viaggio Winery, which included several appetizers, filet mignon, shrimp, portobello mushroom, and lamb. The fabulous meal was followed by Divine Desserts’ scrumptious three-tiered ivory cake, with details of ivory roses around each layer.

Brent and Jillian started the dancing for the night with “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. With the moon projected in the background, and the lighting dark and intimate, the couple was truly “Dancin’ in the dark, middle of the night, takin’ your heart and holdin’ it tight…”

Capturing all the special moments, from the private glances between the newly married couple to the fun and glory of the night, was Cinzo Photography. “We could not believe the amount of detail and thought that was put into taking each shot,” says Brent. “They went above and beyond for us!”

As the day is now a precious memory for the couple (and also was captured in detail by Thomas Hughes Video) Brent and Jillian are both very pleased with their decision to hire a wedding planner. “It was most important for us, as the Bride and Groom, to truly enjoy our day, our love, our way… and it was worth the extra amount of money to have someone else carry the burden of the minor details,” says Brent.

If there was just one word to describe how they felt that day? Overjoyed…that they had a tremendous amount of family and friends to share in their enjoyment and love, and overjoyed with one another as absolute soul mates.

Matt Brys agrees that this day was perfect in everyway. “Très Fabu spent countless hours ensuring she [Debra] knew the vibe and feel of the client and designed a masterpiece that made Brent and Jillian speechless,” says Brys.

According to Brent and Jillian, “You’re not getting married if you’re not ‘Très Fabu’”!!

For more information about the venue and vendors, please visit:

www.viaggiowinery.com

www.floralartistrybyshelley.com

www.extremeprodjs.com

www.divinedessertsbyaguirre.com

www.cinzophoto.com

www.thomashughesvideo.com

www.mimiandcompany.com 

www.classicpartyrentals.com

www.stephaniejdesigns.com

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.

Oak Farm Vineyards | Rustic Meets Romance at Oak Farm Vineyards

Written by Allison Hopkins for Très Fabu Event Planning and Design

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. ~ George Eliot
Cara Wademan had a very clear vision for her fall wedding. She imagined casual yet chic with a rustic flair; a relaxing ceremony surrounded by friends and family; a place where her guests would be free to roam the grounds; and an abundance of comfort food.

When Debra Michelle Hiebèrt of Très Fabu Event Planning and Design introduced the idea of Oak Farm Vineyards in Lodi, California, Cara was immediately sold.

“Debra found Oak Farm Vineyards, a gorgeous vineyard complete with a barn (my one request) and a touch of southern charm with a large, white plantation house,” says Wademan. “The barn reminded me a lot of the old hay barns I see at my Grandma’s house. I am also in love with white running fences, and Oak Farm has loads of them!”

Sunday, October 3, 2010 proved to be a perfect autumn day — sunny and mild with a bit of a breeze. The ceremony began at two o’clock in the afternoon and 150 people attended. Debra and Cara incorporated a variety of fall colors that complemented the natural beauty of the land. Patina green was brought out in the bridesmaids’ dresses. Oranges, greens, and ivories were shown in a variety of pumpkins of different shades (Luminas, Full Moons, Young Beauties, Autumn Golds, Marina Di Chioggias, Fairytales, Cinderellas, mini Jack o’ Lanterns, and Baby Boos). The table linens were carefully chosen — underlays of chocolate and burnt tangerine, and burlap overlays that were woven with a swirl design.

The floral and decorative arrangements provided by Shelley McArdle of Floral Artistry incorporated a variety of wheat and leaves, roses in red and apricot tones, cream and orange chrysanthemums, sunflowers, and other yellow hues.

“Shelley listened to my requests and she executed them 1,000 times better than I could have imagined,” says Wademan. “It really touched me that she went to the trouble of searching antique stores for a broach for my bridal bouquet. She went above and beyond.”

The wedding was performed by Pastor Kevin Brown of Lodi. He successfully created a relaxing atmosphere (the couple’s request) while they exchanged vows in a short ceremony. Six bridesmaids and three groomsmen supported the happy couple at the altar. The groom (Mike) was dressed in a classic black and white tuxedo, and the bride…

“I wanted a gown that was fun and flirty and that’s exactly what I got!” says Wademan. “It was a couture gown that has lots of vertical ruffles down the skirt. I loved it. I think I now know what a princess at Disneyland feels like with everyone wanting to take their picture with you.”

Dinner was displayed beautifully—a rustic buffet with burlap runners, wine boxes, and an antique drying rack that housed the wrapped utensils. Randy Peters Catering created a wonderful meal that consisted of wild rice stuffed butternut squash; corn on the cob (roasted in the husk) with a chili butter sauce and topped with parmesan cheese; garlic sirloin roast; freshly baked artisan rolls; cornbread stuffing; and a chilled green salad.

“People can’t stop talking about the food at the wedding,” says Wademan. “I couldn’t have imagined a meal that better fit the season. They really put a lot of thought and effort into planning it.”

For dessert, Cara wanted every guest to have a mini cake! Cupcakes were baked by Icing on the Cupcake in five autumn flavors: vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, snicker doodle, and maple nut. They were displayed beautifully on dark copper three-tiered cupcake stands.

CinZo Photography captured all the afternoon bliss (including lawn games for the guests) and the special moments of the evening as the couple danced to live bluegrass music and mingled with their families and friends.

When the night came to an end, each guest was sent home with a special gift that was baked and packaged by the bride — a fabulous little jar of peanut brittle in honor of Cara’s grandfather who passed away a few years ago. Cara has many fond memories of making the holiday treat with her Gradfather Jack and included the special story on a tag attached to each jar.

Newlyweds Cara and Mike are extremely thankful for Debra, the Très Fabu team, and for their perfect autumnal wonderland.

“The moment I realized having a wedding planner was well worth the money was during an appointment with my caterer,” says Wademan. “They were asking questions, and all I could say was ‘I don’t know, but Debra will.’ I didn’t know if there was electricity where the dinner would be served, or where the best place for them to set up a field kitchen would be so that it would be out of view from the guests, or if there was accessible running water, etc. Debra to the rescue!”

For Debra, the event was a fun challenge. “Autumn is my absolute favorite moment of the year in northern California,” says Hiebèrt. “I just knew I could encompass her vision and pull out the best that Mother Nature has to offer, and design an autumn filled wedding that Cara would just absolutely adore!”

For more information about the vendors, please visit:

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

Flowers/Leaves/Wheat: Floral Artistry: www.floralartistrybyshelley.com

Photography: CinZo Celebration Photography: www.cinzophoto.com

Custom Designed Seating Chart ~ Table Names ~ Bar & Wedding Menu ~ Robyn Lyn Steward of Philosophia: www.laphilosophia.com

Cupcakes: Icing on the Cupcake: www.icingonthecupcake.com

Venue: Oak Farm Vineyards, www.oakfarmvineyards.com

Catering: Randy Peters, www.randypeterscatering.com

Video: Sheffield Media: www.sheffieldmultimedia.com

Rentals: Celebrations Elegant Party Rentals: www.CelebrationsPartyRentals.com

Linens: Mimi & Co.: www.mimiandco.com

Wedding Favor table Linen: Wildflower Linens www.wildflowerlinens.com

Wedding Hair Styling:  Renee Marquez: www.stylesbyrenee.com

Wedding Make-up Styling:  Leilani Bryan: www.makeupbyleilani.com

Wedding Favors: Cara Johnson-Wademan ~ Our fabulous bride

Oak Farm Vineyards | Note of Gratitude from Cara & Mike for their Autumnal Celebration on 10.3.10

Hello everyone!!

Mike and I are heading out on our honeymoon soon, but I just need to tell you all something. From the bottom of my heart thank you. I know why Debra recommended each and every one of you.  Our wedding yesterday was beyond breathtaking and above what I could even imagine. I wish I had more time to e-mail you individually, but this will have to do:

Shelley – You incorporated everything I asked for into the floral decorations and bouquets.  The bridesmaids and I could not stop talking about how gorgeous they were.  The fact that you went to such depths to create my autumn vision ~ shows how dedicated you are to your craft. The wheat bunches were also a highlight, and looked better than the ones I showed you in the magazine.

Cindi and Lorenzo – I wish more than anything that the sun would have been out longer so we could have spent the whole evening taking pictures! You two have an amazing talent, and work so well together, which in turn makes your subjects comfortable and relaxed.  I can not wait to see the pictures. I know they’ll be great because you did such a fabulous job with the engagement ones.

Pastor Kevin – At dinner, Mike introduced me to his 8th grade science teacher, Mrs. Parker. She is now 85 years old and said she has been to more weddings than she can count. Your service yesterday was the best she has ever heard.  Your voice was warm, you were funny, light hearted, and not pretentious. I couldn’t agree more.  Thank you for capturing our spirit in your ceremony.

Renee and Leilani – In the events leading up to the wedding I have had my hair and makeup done multiple times. None of them compared to what you did yesterday. After the ceremony Mike leaned in and told me that I looked absolutely beautiful and whoever did my hair and makeup really knew what they were doing. My bridesmaids were thrilled. Each and everyone. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of girls!

Mimi & Gaby – Thank you for being one of the few vendors who actually stocks burlap, and fancy burlap at that!!! The linens were absolutely gorgeous, and really helped to tie the whole event together!

Randy and Lisa – Not one complaint about the food. NOT ONE!!! You and your crew were professional and very attentive to the guests. This was no ordinary buffet food, let me assure you!!!  Not only did everything taste delicious, but you really took the time to pick menu options that were unique and autumn appropriate. Our guests were amazed.

Sarah – Talk about an amazing venue!  Thank you for being such a great host.  Our guests loved the grounds, and I caught glimpses of several of them wandering around the premises taking peeks and pictures. GORGEOUS!

And of course, my lovely Debra: I don’t have words to express my gratitude for making our day so special and unique. I saw you hustling around working your butt off – all for our occasion and to make our day so special. You are an amazing and caring person.  You have a talent unsurpassed by others in your profession for taking a theme and running with it.  Your vision for our autumnal celebration was spot on! And your staff!  I can not believe that one of them (Danielle?) gave me her flip flops to wear. Such a sweetheart. You picked fine helpers! Also, please please, please tell the stationer/printer (Philosophia Custom Paperie) that I have NEVER seen such amazing work in my life. I CANNOT get over how amazing the seating chart is.  SERIOUSLY. Wow!!! I’m still gitty about it!!!!!!

Thank you all again!!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Cara Wademan 🙂

Cara & Mike’s Dream Team consisted of:

www.CinZoPhoto.com ~ CinZo Celebration Photograpy ~ Cindi Kinney & Lorenzo Bartone
www.FloralArtistrybyShelley.com ~ Floral Artistry ~ Shelley McArdle
www.RandyPetersCatering.com ~ Randy Peters Catering ~ Lisa Peters & Team
www.MimiandCompany.com ~ Mimi &Co. ~ Mimi and Gaby
www.OakFarmVineyards.com ~ Oak Farm Vineyards ~ Sara Vigil Jones
www.weddingmakeup.blogspot.com/ ~ Make-up by Leilani ~ Lelani Bryan
www.stylesbyrenee.com/ ~ Styles by Renee ~ Renee Marquez
www.LaPhilosophia.com ~ Philosophia Custom Paperie ~ Robyn Lyn Steward
www.SheffieldMultimedia.com ~ Sheffield Multimedia ~ Jim Foust
www.CelebrationsPartyRentals.com ~ Celebrations Elegant Party Rentals ~ Lacey Wright
Pastor Kevin Brown ~ Officiant

Viaggio Estate and Winery | Romance and Bliss with an Italian/Versaille Kiss

Written by Allison Hopkins for Très Fabu Event Planning and Design

A woman named Anna Akhmatova once said, “Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life.”

At Viaggio Winery in Lodi, California, miles and miles from the small towns of Italy, a couple’s dream of an Italian/Versaille inspired wedding came to life. For Brent and Jillian Meinyer, this type of wedding was a vision they shared—but the couple had no idea how perfect and real it could become on the breezy summer evening of June 19.

“Every minute and detail was crisply carried out to our benefit by Debra and her whole ‘Dream Team,’” says Jillian. “They can take your lives and pick out so many moments that they know will mean the world to you later.”

The private estate, surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and the Mokelumne River, set the romantic feel for the evening…while Très Fabu and the amazing vendors that were selected for this day each played an important part in executing the fabulous event.

“We based the entire wedding off of Jillian’s original color palate of champagnes, ivories, soft apricots and a dash of petal pink,” says Debra Hiebèrt, owner of Très Fabu. “Then when she found the gown of her dreams—that’s when I went into overdrive design—and launched off of Shelley’s florals as well.”

Shelley McArdle from Floral Artistry started her design based on a single photo that Jillian had selected. From there, she created elegant and vintage arrangements…roses and hydrangeas were used abundantly, and shiny ribbons and sparkly rhinestones added a perfect touch to the flowers. Each flower girl and junior bridesmaid carried her own purse made purely of flowers!

“Shelly is such an amazing person,” says Jillian. “She really stretched every dollar to make the most outstanding floral arrangements that we have ever seen. She made us feel like we were the most special people on earth.”

Brent’s black Armani tuxedo was complemented by a calla lily boutonniere with rhinestones. And then came the bride, who according to her new husband, “…absolutely knocked everyone out with how stunningly beautiful she looked!”

In a strapless, ivory gown that truly captured the romance of the evening, Jillian held a bouquet of light pink and cream roses, and cream calla lilies, and made her way down an aisle covered in pink and cream rose petals arranged in a swirl design.

“When she first saw her bouquet, she [Jillian] was in aw…she kept saying ‘this is just so beautiful,’” says McArdle.

Pastor Kevin Brown from Lodi met the beautiful Bride and Groom at the altar. Beforehand, he asked the couple to come up with five reasons to marry each other, and planned on including them in the ceremony. To their amusement, he repeated the reasons almost word for word—keeping the ceremony fun, meaningful, and most of all, memorable.

After the pronouncement of husband and wife, Jillian and Brent had a fun surprise for the crowd. “At the end of our ceremony—Brent has always been a long time Indiana Jones fan—so we played the theme music as we made our way down the aisle together on our new adventure as newlyweds,” says Jillian.

Everyone was shocked when an aerial confetti streamer launched as well! “They were crying and laughing…it was the perfect touch by Matt at Extreme Productions,” says Jillian.

Extreme Productions created a customized entertainment and production company for the entire event…each song was hand selected, personalized bridal party introductions were created, and the soundtrack for each scene had an energy and feel that was reflective of the moment. There was even a 3D moon projection on the wall near the cake (Jillian’s request)!

“As soon as we secured services with Brent and Jillian, we went right to work on getting to know their personality, their story, their interests, style, and taste,” says Matt Brys from Extreme Productions. “From there, we were able to build out the ‘experience’ of the day (the music, energy, MC work, lighting, production, announcements, etc… and we added in extra flair with lighting and confetti cannons for that WOW factor!”

An indoor reception followed the ceremony, with beautiful candlelit tables, gold plates, and gold chairs. Guests enjoyed catering provided by Viaggio Winery, which included several appetizers, filet mignon, shrimp, portobello mushroom, and lamb. The fabulous meal was followed by Divine Desserts’ scrumptious three-tiered ivory cake, with details of ivory roses around each layer.

Brent and Jillian started the dancing for the night with “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. With the moon projected in the background, and the lighting dark and intimate, the couple was truly “Dancin’ in the dark, middle of the night, takin’ your heart and holdin’ it tight…”

Capturing all the special moments, from the private glances between the newly married couple to the fun and glory of the night, was Cinzo Photography. “We could not believe the amount of detail and thought that was put into taking each shot,” says Brent. “They went above and beyond for us!”

As the day is now a precious memory for the couple (and also was captured in detail by Thomas Hughes Video) Brent and Jillian are both very pleased with their decision to hire a wedding planner. “It was most important for us, as the Bride and Groom, to truly enjoy our day, our love, our way… and it was worth the extra amount of money to have someone else carry the burden of the minor details,” says Brent.

If there was just one word to describe how they felt that day? Overjoyed…that they had a tremendous amount of family and friends to share in their enjoyment and love, and overjoyed with one another as absolute soul mates.

Matt Brys agrees that this day was perfect in everyway. “Très Fabu spent countless hours ensuring she [Debra] knew the vibe and feel of the client and designed a masterpiece that made Brent and Jillian speechless,” says Brys.

According to Brent and Jillian, “You’re not getting married if you’re not ‘Très Fabu’”!!

For more information about the venue and vendors, please visit:

www.viaggiowinery.com

www.floralartistrybyshelley.com

www.extremeprodjs.com

www.divinedessertsbyaguirre.com

www.cinzophoto.com

www.thomashughesvideo.com

www.mimiandcompany.com 

www.classicpartyrentals.com

www.stephaniejdesigns.com