Debora & Terry's Wedding. Sausalito.

Ceremony and reception at Campbell Hall and Garden in Sausalito.

Sorry, I’m way behind on blogging... This was my final wedding of 2011! Debora and Terry are a happy and carefree couple. Mother Nature provided them perfect NorCal weather with bright sunshine, blue skies, and moderate temperatures.

Debora grew up in the the East Bay; Terry is originally from Cerritos near LA. Loving the San Francisco area they chose Sausalito to be "The Location". On the morning of the wedding people assembled at the landmark Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa. Surrounded by her family and bridesmaids, Debora dressed in a room with a view of the inner courtyard. As Vivi was putting the finishing touches on Debora’s hair and makeup, Terry and the guys returned from breakfast and went straight to their room to get changed. Terry chose a traditional tuxedo and Debora slipped into a beautifully simple J.Crew sheath dress with button detailing along the side completing the ensemble with purple heels :)

Before the ceremony Debora and Terry chose to enjoy their first meeting privately (always recommended). We selected a nice spot in the Madrona courtyard and Terry waited as Debora made her way down a flight of stone stairs from an upper level. Love quiet moments like these, away from the often hectic wedding rush!

Sausalito has an active private marina and being right across the street from the hotel, we took everyone there for some fun bridal party pictures. We walked among the many magnificent yachts stopping in front of white-washed lockers that line the piers. Loved photographing here! Then, it was up the hill for the ceremony and reception.

We were running a bit behind but Satra from Nicole Lisanne Weddings had us ready to go. Guests filled every single seat in the Campbell Hall Garden courtyard when Deborah walked down the aisle with her father as Terry played guitar. It was a 16 minute ceremony but we grabbed so many great pictures you’d swear it lasted longer. Temperatures dropped and daylight waned taking the celebration indoors. Finally getting a look around the room, check out the incredible purple flower on the cake flanked by a variety of delicious treats! Look closely at the dessert table, can you figure out what Debora’s profession is? Neat right? After dinner Debora changed into a chipao and the couple wound around the room greeting their guests. Cake, dances, slideshow, and bouquet and garter followed closely afterwards rounding out the evening.

A great end to 2011!


Event Coordination: Nicole Lisanne Weddings and Events by Design
Cinematographer: Shakewell Studios
Floral Design: Precious and Blooming Floral Design
Hotel: Casa Madrone Hotel and Spa
Catering: Cater Marin
Cake: Sweet Tooth Confections
Hair and Makeup: Makeup and Hair by Vivi
Lighting: North American Theatre Technology

Erin & Tanner's Wedding. La Selva Beach

Ceremony and reception at Villa Viscaya, a private estate in La Selva Beach.

Erin and Tanner are from Minnesota. They were originally planning a destination wedding in the Caribbean but happened upon Villa Viscaya here in the Bay Area during their venue search and fell in love with the location. Being oceanfront and on U.S. soil was an added bonus! The incomparable Nicole Lisanne was handling all the arrangements so living in Minnesota wasn’t going to be an issue when it came to planning.

Fast forward to the wedding day who would have guessed it would rain all day? I was watching weather radar all week and driving over the “hill” had me growing more apprehensive. There was no chance this rain was going to let up in time for an outdoor ceremony. Contingency plans were on when we drove up to the estate. Amy Frugoli from Nicole Lisanne Weddings and Events and crew were busy rearranging the main room for the ceremony. Tanner and Erin were in good spirits all smiling and laughing - nothing fazed them. Erin even came prepared with galoshes and a matching umbrella. Awesome!

There were many wonderful details at this wedding. Tanner had originally wanted a miniature pineapple on his boutonniere but unfortunately there were none to be had so Rachael Myers of Sweet Tooth Confections created one to adorn their cake. All the linens were picked out months ago and chosen to match the ocean and autumn inspired color scheme. They had beautifully printed programs and menus, delicious food, yummy desserts, and a surprise Porsche cake.

The rain stopped long enough for a change of pace and we took advantage by going outside for some picture taking. Villa Viscaya is a remarkable estate set on a hill high above the Pacific, a perfect setting for an intimate wedding with 22 of your closest friends and family. We photographed on the lawn, in the halls, in the driveway, next to the fountain, at the massive front doors. This place is really nice! We even made it out to the nearby beach which was completely deserted.

What a great day!

Event Coordination: Nicole Lisanne Weddings and Events by Design
Floral Design: Precious and Blooming Floral Design
Catering: Thomas John Events
Cake: Sweet Tooth Confections
Decor: Classic Party Rentals