For those of you who are recently engaged and are just getting started with your wedding planning, here are a few of the many bridal shows in the Bay Area that you might want to check out:

Tip: If you do not know where to start, the following two shows might be your answer.  The smaller numbers lend themselves to a more intimate setting, making it easier to talk to the vendors and see what they are all about.

San Francisco Wedding Faire

Location: The Four Seasons, San Francisco

Date: January 6, 2011

This bridal faire is small,  bringing brides and vendors together in a more intimate setting.  The vendors are carefully chosen to allow for a nice variety, and the Four Seasons in downtown San Francisco lends itself to wedding inspiration.

Classic Wedding Fairs

These are boutique style wedding fairs offered by Brocade Weddings.  They are located throughout the entire Bay Area, and current dates range from August 29^th in Palo Alto to November 14 in Pleasanton.  These bridal fairs offer fashion shows, seminars, samples, and a multitude of vendors for brides to mingle with.

Tip: The following bridal fair is perfect for those multi-cultural and tech-savvy couples looking for a great way to easily meld cultures and ideas.

International Wedding Festival

Location: Westin St. Francis, San Francisco

Date: October 3, 2010

(Also in San Jose February 20, 2011)

This bridal show has a focus on bringing couples and their families together, by offering a unique set of vendors to support everyone’s interests and cultures. This includes a huge variety of caterers, along with new wedding innovations that help bring family together (similar to Marry Me Live’s live wedding streaming services).  In addition to meeting with vendors, brides will be treated to a fashion show, and raffle.

Tip: If you just want to get out there and meet as many vendors as possible, the following expo is what you are looking for.  Its trade show atmosphere means that you will see a lot of vendors throughout the day, but keep in mind it could make it harder to remember who you spoke with.

Great Bridal Expo

Location: Marriott in Burlingame

Date: November 20, 2010

(Also at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose November 21, 2010)

The Great Bridal Expo is massive, and similar to a trade show, allowing for brides and grooms to meet the greatest number of vendors possible.  You can think of it as a one-stop-shop for all things bridal!

I’m loving the new trend in wedding desserts where the bride and groom fills jars and platters full of their favorite sweets to share with their guests. This is also a great way to provide late night snack food. By having a planner, server, or dedicated person to replenish the dessert bar all night long, guests can munch away as they dance into the wee hours of the morning.

Amy Atlas Events

One idea I wanted to share for a little twist on the dessert bar which is equal to heaven – the ice cream sandwich bar. This is something you can create by working with your caterer on having different types of cookies and ice cream available for guests to create that perfect combination.

I did find an amazing vendor in the Bay Area who has a lovely little ice cream cookie cart that you can rent for weddings or other fun events. And let me tell you the cookies are so yummy, and the ice cream is so creamy – these are the best darn ice cream sandwiches I have EVER had.

Kicks Cookies and Ice Cream is based in the South Bay. Here is a teeny tiny photo – they really need to have more photos of their incredible product on their site! Seriously, you must go and taste them! They have an event calendar on their site so you can hit up some of the local festivals and fairs they will be serving at and give them a whirl. Believe me you will not be disappointed!

Planner tip – you knew it was coming didn’t you?! Make sure your caterer monitors the ice cream, especially if you’ve got a summer wedding and it is hot outside. You may need an extra freezer onsite to rotate flavors in and out. You may also want some extra catering staff to helps create and serve the sandwiches. They can get messy and if it is a DIY ice cream sando bar you will want lots of napkins and Shout wipes. Or if you are using a company like Kicks, make sure they have their nifty freezer cart. You may want to talk to them about how their staff could dress if your event was more on the formal side or how they could snazz up the cart to make it seamlessly integrate with your decor.

Are you having a dessert bar and what kid of fun sweet treats will you be serving?

By Erin Frank

Photo by Darren Bernaerdt

Riddle me this: After months of stressful planning, when a bride and groom are finally happily wed, why do so many couples choose to kick off their marriage by wasting an entire day in cars, airports and on planes to get to their honeymoon destination? Europe and Hawaii are terrific, but when you pledged your love in sickness and in health, I’m not sure air sickness and a 5-hour layover is quite what you had in mind. Still, the desire to get out of dodge is undeniable. After all that build-up to the ceremony and reception, couples often want to escape from the stress of it all and strike out for unfamiliar territory.

So what to do if you’re looking for a great escape, and preferably a new stamp in your passport, but don’t want to lose 24 hours to travel? Think Canada. With an easy 2-hour flight from San Francisco landing you in Vancouver, British Columbia, you can strike out for the Discovery Islands and head to Sonora Resort, a romantic waterfront retreat that’s designed to soothe your stress away.

Upon arrival, your getaway begins with a scenic 50-minute ride in a London Air helicopter.  You’ll get an aerial tour of the Discovery Islands, which dot Discovery Passage between Vancouver Island and mainland B.C.  Take in the mountainous, tree-covered islands, often topped with lakes, and churning waters carrying snaking chains of floating logs to sawmills. As you descend you’ll get a 360° view of the resort with its 11 individually-themed lodges, a spa, business center, 32 hot tubs scattered throughout the property and a fleet of boats lined up at the dock.  Upon landing, sip a glass of wine and nibble some cheese as you get a brief orientation.  Couples can expect luxe lodgings complete with a fireplace, huge raised tub, and a dual-head rain shower.

Sonora Resort is all-inclusive, which means whether you want a chilled bottle of bubbly delivered to the room, or plan to raid the mini-bar for the chocolate and salty snacks, the world is your oyster.  The dining room at Sonora Resort is one of the best restaurants B.C. has to offer. Breakfast might be homemade chorizo with eggs and polenta, or dungeness crab benedict with moist, meaty morsels of crab fresh from the live traps just off the dock. For lunch try a salad or more hearty fare, like a ground sparerib hamburger, or fresh lobster club. Dinner is culinary creativity come to life, with a different 6-course chef’s tasting menu presented each night. Dishes might include oysters, foie gras, squab, or filet mignon, with a few fresh greens to complement each course. You’ll savor every bite as you watch harbor seals play in the water outside the main lodge.

Sonora Resort offers couples a chance to experience the resort together or to enjoy activities separately.  The groom might try world-class salmon fishing in local waters with an expert guide—the staff will clean and pack your catch for you to enjoy at home—while the bride books an appointment (or a few) at the Island Currents Spa. There you’ll find relaxing massages, manicures and pedicures, and facials or simply enjoy the spa’s mineral pools and steam rooms. To combine your interests, first take  an Eco-Tour on the water, spotting bald eagles and whales in the surrounding channels, then book a couples massage at the spa. Finish the day with some fresh and creative cocktails mixed up at the bar.

Above all, what you’ll find at Sonora is peace and pleasure.  It’s the perfect place to decompress after all your wedding worry. If you’re anything like my husband and I, who just got back from an amazing stay at the resort, you’ll find yourself echoing our toast over dinner: “Here’s to another day in paradise.”

Sonora Resort

Sonora Island, British Columbia

Canada

604-233-0460

www.sonoraresort.com

By Lauren and Haney

We were fortunate enough to qualify for the Vincci Hotels complimentary honeymoon offer. Currently at the Garden Court Hotel in Palo Alto, CA, couples with over 100 guests in attendance at their reception receives a 6 day and 7 night complimentary honeymoon. Now in the middle of this great deal, we realize it keeps getting better. 

After arriving at our destination, we learned that our Vincci complimentary honeymoon includes an upgraded room; plus breakfast and dinner are free! This is even more of a steal deal, because we used airline miles to cover all of our flight costs. We are thrilled to enjoy our honeymoon, and what’s amazing is that it is virtually free!

If you use the Vincci offer, you can choose to stay at any of the Vincci Hotels that are available, and prime properties include Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Tunisia, and the Canary Islands. Also, this offer extends through your first year of marriage. Check out more details at the Garden Court Hotel Website at: http://www.gardencourt.com/en-us/MeetingWeddings/Weddings/Wedding_Special_Offers_

Make sure to check back next week for wedding highlights!

My lovely bridesmaids threw me an awesome mani-pedi bridal shower at The Lounge in Berkeley. The favors included a “beauty bar” and decorations included pom-poms and lush hydrangeas. The Lounge already has an upscale feel (black glass chandeliers and sheer drapes), so they didn’t have to do too much but bring the food and relax as they got pedicures and massages. We skipped on the cheesy bridal shower games but I did have to wear a “bride-to-be” sash. Can’t wait to read through the scrapbook my MOH is putting together of the love notes the gals left for me (inspired by Mika78, http://100layercake.com/blog/archives/1978).

By Elizabeth Zachry

What do you typically think of when you think wedding + baseball = ?

My mind usually goes to proposal + scoreboard. However, I have something so much better for you!

At a recent San Francisco Giants game I saw two different bachelorette’s.  As a baseball fan, I think this would make for a really fun bachelorette party.  I recommend picking a Saturday night game (usually 6:05pm) for your baseball bachelorette party.  The Saturday night games are perfect because you can still go out and enjoy the night after the game.  Or, you can arrange for an early dinner before the game if you do not like the food at the park.

Photo From SF Giants

One of the bachelorette’s I saw was “stealing second” and had the opportunity to get out on the field with the Giants grounds crew in the third inning.  She was supposed to pick up and “steal” second base.  (Did you notice I said “supposed to”??  Bachelorette’s – if you are going to be stealing second, please dress appropriately and do not wear a mini-skirt!!).  You get to keep the base, and the package includes a photo and having your name announced to the stadium.

The second bachelorette rode around the track with Lou Seal (the mascot) while he threw t-shirts into the stands.  This is called the Lou Seal-ebrity Ride of the Game and it looked like she was having a great time waving to the crowd.

Something every bachelorette must have while she is out on the field or riding along with Lou Seal… this great veiled baseball hat (found at Balloons Galore)!

After the game, you can head out on the town, making for a fantastic night!

What did you do for your bachelorette party?  We would love to share your bachelorette stories!  E-mail submissions@bayareabrideguide.com

A huge trend right now with engagement sessions is styled shoots. Brides and grooms are realizing how much fun they can have capturing themselves in love, while doing something they love. A fabulous series of engagement photos I found the other day over on Style Me Pretty, showed a couple madly in love while baking. This may sound odd, but the stunning photos by Elizabeth Messina show how much fun you and your man can have cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

Elizabeth Messina

Elizabeth Messina

Another fabulous session I found was this shoot by Millie Holloman with a sweet vintage theme. All of the fun background items really add a fun playful element to these photos.

Millie Holloman

Millie Holloman

Millie Holloman

A twist on the styled shoot idea is taking your theme to a whole new level and letting a movie inspire your shoot. The next two series, the first by Wildflowers Photography, and the second by Blushing Bride Studio, capture the essence of Disney Pixar’s Up and the wonderfully romantic The Notebook.

Up, up and away!

Wildflowers Photography

Wildflowers Photography

Wildflowers Photography

And some serious romance with The Notebook.

Blushing Bride Studio

Blushing Bride Studio

Blushing Bride Studio

So for all of you Bay Area Brides who are now feeling inspired to incorporate your hobbies and your inner Hollywood starlet into your engagement sessions, I of course, have a few tips for you.

Work with your photographer in advance and let them know the ideas you have for a styled shoot. Some photographers like to try and visualize shots in advance and if you are looking for a certain style or image – say for example the boat scene from The Notebook in the photo above – they will want to research what you are trying to re-create. Also, if you have a wedding planner who has event design as part of their services, check with them to see if they can help style the shoot or even lend you some props. Sometimes us planners have crazy fun things tucked away on our shelves. And if you are going all out, you may want to get your make-up professionally done so that you look absolutely fabulous in these photos.

I was trying to find other fun movie inspired shoots and I was shocked that I couldn’t seem to find a Twilight inspired engagement session. I must not have been looking hard enough! What is your favorite love story? And would you style your engagement shoot after it?

By Erin Frank

This little goody has everything I look for in a wedding favor: Locally made? Check. Practical or edible? Check. Embodies a bit of Bay Area style? Check. Added to that it’s addictively tasty.

I’m talking about San Franola, a name and crunch I’ve been running into all over town. San Franola is an SF-based health food company that’s hand-roasting batches of healthy (and yummy) granola using a family recipe that has been passed down for two generations. After roasting they bag their granola in some great Golden Gate-lovin’ packaging. San Franola is more deeply roasted than other granolas I’ve tasted, giving it an intense flavor. It’s fiber-packed, with wheat bran, flax seed, almonds, rolled oats and more. Caramelized molasses pulls it all together into crunchy clusters. The sweetness of raisins (you can get it without) and a hint of vanilla leave me wanting more. High in omegas and protein, low in sugar and sodium, it’s a full-flavored alternative to those played-out jordan almonds and it’s good for your guests to boot ($6 for a 7 oz. bag). Find it at www.sanfranolaco.com.

By Elizabeth Zachry

I usually set a pretty boring table, but sometimes it is nice to jazz things up a bit.  In restaurants, they frequently set the mood with candle light on the table,  so here is a way to create a little ambiance when having dinner with your fiancé at home, but in a more unique way…

All you need is a small lamp shade, a wine glass, and some tea lights!  I bought my lampshades from Lamps Plus on clearance, but they also had some at Bed Bath and Beyond, or online.

In addition to setting the mood for a night at home, these would look great the tables for a cocktail party bridal shower, or as part of a grander tablescape for a DIY wedding.

For a slightly different look you could get some of these wineglass shades from Nuptual Knick-Knacks:

Nuptial Knick-Knacks

I also love these small lanterns for a more casual or outdoor look…

Theme Wedding Boutique

Event Ceiling Decor

So you’re envisioning your wedding party walking the aisle – your best gals, all dressed to the nines – the flowers, the dresses, the shoes – and then you see this dainty little girl, a wreath of fresh flowers on her head, ribbons streaming down her back, an adorable poofy dress that she adores spinning in, she looks perfect! You hear the collective sigh of “Awwww” from your guests as she tosses petals in the air awaiting your arrival down the aisle…

There are so many fun ways to include flower girls and ring bearers as an important part of your wedding party. Here are some adorable photos and details to inspire.

Huge sashes and gold slippers…

Troadec Photography

To die for adorable with pink tutus and flower headbands…

Jonas Peterson Photography

Barefoot with magic wands of cherry blossoms…

Martha Stewart Weddings

Dainty daisies in curls…

Found via Hair.Lovetoknow.com

One of my most favorite things – fairy wings…

Almasy Photography

Sweet pink rosebuds…

Found via KylieJBridal.com.au

Ring bearers with happy flags…

Jessica Claire Photography

Super cute mini-suits and sneakers…

Gabriel Harber Photography

Some great places to find ensembles are Janie and Jack, J.Crew’s Crewcuts, The Briar Patch and Etsy. Here is a planning tip for you: when it comes to having these little ones perform on your big day, remember that age 4 and up is really the best age to be able to handle the flower girl and ring bearer duties. Also, if the little ones tend to be shy, they don’t do so well in the spotlight. It also helps if mom or dad is in the wedding party to coax them down the aisle if need be and again if they are on the young side – it works well if they head down the aisle, perform their duty, and then are guided to sit with mom, dad, or grandparents as standing up there with the wedding party can get tiring for those little legs.

Do you have any little ones included in your wedding? How many and what fun details will they be wearing?