Almost... Open House Time!

Annually we host one amazing day for our booked brides and grooms or perhaps their closest confidants (if the B & G are unable to attend). It is a day to remember, literally, the objective behind this day is to kick-off the planning for their big day at the Monte Verde Inn. We are so excited for our fun filled day and it is virtually right around the corner.

For our booked couples, you will soon find out how yummy and fun this day will be.

For everyone else... stay tuned for details about the fabulous day! Perhaps we will see you at next year's event.

Happy Planning!
Kelly & Annette

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Rudy!

Welcome to the new year and a new wedding season!

We are rejuvenated and ready for the amazing celebrations and unions we have scheduled for the 2010 season. In fact, we had our first wedding of the season on Saturday, January 9th. Margaret and Seth are both amazing people and we wish them the very best in the future! They were so excited, creative and well prepared. It was so much fun! Together they contribute to the academics at NYU and had some very traditional yet style appropriate quotes to toast!

Their family was wonderful and their guests were delightful. Before the ceremony started our couple took some time to discuss and sign the Ketubah. Once the ceremony started, specific family members were designated to participate in the holding of the Chuppah. Both Margaret and Seth shared some heartfelt and truly memorable characteristics about one another, symbolizing why they had chosen to start their life journey together as husband and wife! There were tissues a plenty. As the ceremony wrapped up and the kiddush took place, the groom sited the traditional "Mazal tof" and Rabi Petuchowski announced them.

As the reception celebration started, all the guests took notice of the wonderful efforts that Margaret and Seth went to ensuring their guests would remember their day. Some of the wonderful creations that they shared with their guest included:

• Unique oragami flowers made from pages of miscellaneous books which were sprinkled throughout the tables in the reception area.


• Practical favors and beautiful centerpiece designs (using books and the Monte Verde designed floral arrangements as their centerpieces)

They announced during the reception that the books also served as their favors, encouraging each guest to take one home as a momento of their day and a way to enlighten their spirit.

The book titles ranged from such titles as Moby Dick by Herman Melville to Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. Simply brilliant!

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Rudy, we wish you decades of love, friendship and understanding! With love - Monte Verde Inn

With engagement season in full swing, we continue to book weddings regularly and we are so excited to celebrate with our upcoming couples!

Till our next celebration...
- Happy Planning -
Kelly and Annette

Bridal Expo 2010 @ Cal Expo | Sacramento, CA

What a wonderful, fun filled, crazy busy day! That is about the best way to describe all the hustle and bustle that was going on around Cal Expo on Sunday, January 10, 2010. There were so many amazing brides, grooms, family & friends who attended, it was sensational. We met with many of you and want to thank you for visiting with us, we can't wait to show you our elegant and private estate.

There was lots of interest surrounding our beautiful floral arrangement, which was created by one of our amazing staff members. Several pictures were snapped via camera's or cell phones accompanied by many ooooh's and aaaaah's. Although this arrangement is not representative of one of our table centerpieces due to the sheer size, it certainly is a better fit as a large arrangement.

Kelly Dalisa (Inn Owner and Cake Maker Extrodinaire) made one of her signature design cakes. She does amazing work no matter the cake you desire... so don't forget to bring in those inspiration photos. Kelly can help fulfil the cake of your wedding dreams!

Overall, the day was a nonstop frenzy, but simply fantastic! We had a lot of fun, met some amazing couples and got to spend time with some wonderful friends! Thanks to each of you who stopped to get information or simply to visit. We hope to see you soon at the Monte Verde Inn!

- Happy Planning -

Kelly & Annette

Season wrap-up...

We would like to extend a gracious thank you and heartfelt congratulations to all of our 2009 brides and grooms! You have made our year amazing in so many ways; filling our hearts with memories and moments we will never forget!

The year zipped by with a nimble quickness and before we knew it, another season has passed! As 2009 bows and bids us 'adeu', a new year is beginning... filled with hopes, dreams and of course... many excited couples anxiously waiting to exchange their vows! We can't wait for the new celebrations!

As we reflect on the year passed and prepare for the upcoming season, we would like to take a moment to thank our fabulous staff for everything they do to help facilitate each event as smoothly and flawless as possible! Thank you!

Now onto the new season... Our staff is in preparation mode for the upcoming Bridal Showcase in Sacramento. It is on January 10 at Cal Expo, with show hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is California's largest bridal show, so don't miss it! Stop by and visit with us, we'd love to share some information with you about our gracious and elegant private estate.

Stayed tuned to our blog, we will be posting some fantastic images and keeping you up-to-date as the season heats up!

Persian Inspired

This Persian inspired wedding was a delight to plan. Scarlet being from a multicultural family, tried to keep some elements from each culture. In keeping with the Persian tradition she Incorporated the Persian wedding display spread which was set up on a table. On the table these items were displayed and the meaning of the items:

• Mirror and two candle holders (representing the bride and groom and brightness in their future)
• A tray of seven multi-colored herbs and spices to guard the couple; poppy seeds, wild rice, angelica, salt, nigella seeds, black tea, Frankincense
• A specially baked and decorated flatbread with blessing written on it.
• A basket of decorated eggs and a basket of decorated almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts in the shell to symbolize fertility.
• A basket of pomegranates and/or apples for a joyous future.
• A cup of rose water extracted from special Persian roses to perfume the air.
• A bowl made out of crystallized sugar to sweeten life for the newly wed.
• Wild rue incense (to keep the evil eye away and bring on plenty of health).
• A bowl of gold coins representing wealth and prosperity.
• A scarf or shawl made out of silk or any other fine fabric.
• A cup of honey to sweeten life
• Immediately after the couple is married they each should dip one pinky finger in the cup of honey and feed it to the other one.
• A needle and seven strands of colored thread to figuratively sew up the mother-in-law's lips from speaking unpleasant words to the bride!
• A copy of the couple's Holy Book and prayer kit
• An assortment of specialty Persian store bought sweets

Jessica from Stout Photography http://www.stoutphoto.com/ sent us over these incredible photos that show off Scarlet's beautiful wedding. I made a square stacked cake with gumpaste orange mini-cala lilies that tied here orange table cloths together.


















The brides brought in her own vases & candles and we did the rest. Our floral designer created a simple but elegant arrangement with mini white calas, bear grass and small natural rocks.























Jessica captured some incredible vineyard shots. The vineyard has grown so tremendously, it was like the couple was in Napa. If you would like to see more photos of this wedding, you can visit Jessica's blog spot at http://www.blog.stoutphoto.com/

Thanks so much and Happy Planning!

Kelly

Love Birds!

We had the pleasure on June 14th of hosting an amazing wedding. Kathy Dusart from Colfax (530) 637-4141 http://www.dovesofwhite.com/ was hired to release 20 beautiful white doves from the garden area when the couple recessed after ceremony. The experience was simply amazing! The doves were released from a basket and flocked behind the couple. The flock then flowed into the air and circled twice then disappeared.
According to Kathy's website:
White Dove Releases are an ancient tradition symbolizing Love & Devotion, Peace & Unity. These Birds mate for life and when released Divine their way homeward and to their nest. These birds are specially bred for their pure white color and natural homing instinct. They are carefully conditioned for your special day to return home safely.

I also wanted to share some favorite photos of the day provided by: Rebecca from Ford Family Photography http://www.fordfamilyphotography.com/

Happy Planning!

Kelly

Anthropology!

What an exciting wedding on Saturday May 30th. This Monte Verde Inn Bride really showed off her style, Anthropology. The Bride’s choices of colors & styles truly shined in the garden on Saturday. The details of this event were well thought out down to the 1940’s style wedding cake topper. The bridesmaids dresses were even purchaced from a girl's favorite store, Anthropology. Tralee’s inspiration and love for the antique look came together for her wedding.

Her table settings were accented by Victorian Lilac Organza table cloths and Lilac Lamour napkins. The cute “birds in nest” favor was a unique touch that showed off the flowers and the rented table cloths. Attached to the Monte Verde Inn designed centerpiece was a small branch widdled to hold a table number. The centerpiece was a garden design in our “pottery urn”. It was so unique; the bride gave us the numbers and branches to use in other events!

Tralee also brought with her escort cards that were displayed attractively on top of flats of landscape cover that brought the whole garden theme together.

Thanks to Tralee & Mike! I hope you are having fun in Hawaii on your honeymoon

Happy Planning

Kelly