Monday, February 22, 2010

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Colby Wedgeworth!

Simple elegance and absolute romance! With a specific vision in mind, Margaret & Colby had their day planned out right down to the smallest detail and we were happy to make it all a reality for them!As their day drew near, we discussed a few different seating arrangements for their intimate party of sixty. They knew they wanted banquet tables as opposed to round tables and after some revisions we were able to set up a layout that was both romantic and efficient. One of the concerns we always have is making sure our staff can effectively serve our guests with ease and efficiency. This particular layout (as shown in the photo's below) was not only very comfortable for Margaret & Colby's intimate group but it was also very efficient for our staff.

Overall it was beautiful; with crystal garland strung in the window, classic taupe colored table runners, adorable ivory colored lanterns set intermittently on the tables, and elegant flower arrangements (done by our in-house floral designers). Then to tie in the romance, each place card was shaped like little birds and perched atop the corresponding champagne flute for each guest.

Long before their wedding day, Margaret & Colby came in and met with Kelly to design their simple and elegant wedding cake! It was a true reflection of the classic and modern styles that embrassed both Margaret & Colby.

Margaret & Colby brought in a whimsical "W" monogram, which adorned an entry door into the main hall as their guests arrived. Adjacent to their monogram was a striking black & white photo of the two of them in this beautiful antique style black frame. As guests mingled during hors d'ouvres and cocktails, there was an engaging picture slideshow playing in the dining room for all to see!

As dinner wrapped up and cake was exchanged, everyone was ready for dancing. So our staff quickly jumped into action and prepared the room for some fun. Where the bride and groom took the floor for their first dance as husband and wife!


As their guests departed they could pick up a little flag that read "Happy Honeymoon & Best Wishes", a small bottle of bubbles adorned with sparkly butterflies and a jar of of homemade jelly.



We'd like to wish Mr. & Mrs. Colby Wedgeworth a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and well wishes! Thank you for allowing us to take part in your amazing day!
- Monte Verde Inn

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Open House... RE-LIVED!

Remember back-to-school night? That one time a year where you could share with your family all the wonderful things you created. Well, the Monte Verde Inn does a very similar day/evening once a year for all our booked couples.

It's a time for us to share the delicious cuisine, yummy beverages, decadent cakes, amazing floral designs, as well as provide a helpful guide to keep our couples on track and organized. Each couple is able to explore different cuisine from each menu and discuss a multitude of service options available from each of our amazing preferred vendors.

Yesterday was simply wonderful, everyone was excited to find out what the Open House entailed. We always give each couple as they book information about our annual Open House, but we typically won't share all the details. Simply said, somethings are better experienced than spoken.

So with that, we had a fun time with each of our groups. As our couples found their seats, we kicked off the days event with a little game hosted by Joe Kalamaras of SJ's Disc Jockey. It's a fun way to break the ice and help everyone feeling a little more relaxed. The winners of our first and second group each won a wonderful gift from Joe for being such good sports. Now that everyone was ready for more, Kelly introduced each of our preferred vendors and a few of our staff members. Annette had a brief discussion about our Social Media efforts and Kelly held a little impromptu workshop, addressing some of the most common questions surrounding weddings (more specifically a wedding at MVI). Once that all wrapped up our couples were able to really dig into the cuisine and see what pleased their palate the best. Upon filling their tummies, each couple was served with a platter of cake choices to sample. Always a delectable moment in the event! By the end of the evening, each couple was not only very full but had so much more information to kick off their decision making process.

It was an amazing day and we would like to thank each of our couples for taking time to join us and help facilitate the items you like and need on your wedding day. We'd also like to thank each of our amazing preferred vendors for being with us and as always exuding such professionalism! Special note: all images displayed here are courtesy of Ford Family Photography!

We hope to see many more couples book their amazing union with us in the coming weeks and months. If you're interested in a Sierra Foothills wedding at a gorgeous private estate... look no further... Monte Verde Inn just may be your dream come true!

Till our next event...
Happy Planning!
Kelly & Annette

Sunday, January 31, 2010

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

Thursday, January 14, 2010

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

Monday, January 11, 2010

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

Sunday, December 20, 2009

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!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

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