Relax — it’s just the day you’ve been waiting for your entire life. Get real with advice from blogger-turned-author Meg Keene’s A Practical Wedding, which guides brides through the trenches of planning hell. Brilliant tips (That Color-Coded Spreadsheet Is Actually Worth It, Letting Go: the “F*ck It” Moment) abound.
Local party dress specialists Kirribilla are hearing wedding bells, too, with their latest collection of short, sassy bridal frocks (just in time for warm-weather nuptials) called I Do. Take dainty Tinsley to a vintage soiree, sleek Lauren to an urban bash, or sweet Polina to city hall.
Pin your prince with something lively in lieu of a staid bud with a tillandsia boutonniere from Paxton Gate’s DIY station. (Tip: Pair it with a succulent and a pretty bloom.)
Put it in writing with Lana Frankel’s illustrated paper goods. The former Vogue designer infuses feminine delight into custom invitations and sweet wedding cards to request the presence of your bridal party.
As an eternally wise pop star once said, “Music makes the people come together.” Veteran DJs Josh Dukes and David Carvalho’s legion of music mixologists, Boutique Wedding DJs, has graced the turntables of Christina Aguilera and spun at more than 1,000 weddings combined.
Not all all-in-one venues trigger your gag reflex. North Block Hotel (formerly Hotel Luca), Yountville’s redesigned space, has contemporary interiors by local phenom Erin Martin, twenty rooms to handle your peeps, in-room (wine) bottle service, and a resto reception option at adjacent Redd Wood.
Don’t go chasing … well you know the rest. Head to Tahoe’s West Shore Cafe & Inn. The recently renovated space has premium newlywed accommodations and rustic cuisine by chef Rusty Johns (not a joke — nor are his baked oysters) for a picturesque lakeside ceremony.
Makeup artist and hairstylist Katie Nash helps California girls look their beautiful selves — just slightly better. The Bay Area native’s calm demeanor, skilled pedigree, and less-is-more aesthetic let natural beauty flourish, from engagement photos to the whole shebang on the big day.
Cool it, pervy — we’re talking registry giftables. Knack Registry is your source for the locally made nuggets that make your new abode an SF love nest. Sign up for Bi-Rite gift cards, Knife & Saw bike shelves, even a boozy evening by Tonic Beverage Catering.
Put the party into drive with stellar food from Le Truc. The gourmet kitchen on wheels is equals parts badass food bus and elegant catering operation, serving gourmet street food (for an upscale burger bar) or custom menus (farm-to-table in wine country or fried cactus for a Southwest soiree).
We’re on fire. For Li’l Puffs’s artisan marshmallows, with fruit-infused flavors, vegan options, and a mobile s’mores bar for interactive sweets (the new sticky icky).
Cool down with mass amounts of vino via Green Barrel. Handsome barrels transport sustainably sourced boutique wines straight to your bar top.
Let your guests do the time warp (again) with transformative setups by Archive Vintage Rentals. The Orange County-based outfit’s new Napa county studio specializes in event consulting, including rustic farm tables, Victorian sofas, plus vintage china and silverware.
Central California’s bucolic Alisal Guest Ranch is your go-to getaway. Cowgirl Bootcamp promises bridal parties practical skills for impending companionship (cattle roundup, archery); corral guests with the new Wranglers’ Wedding package, an all-inclusive weekend with daily horseback rides, rodeo instruction, and a lakeside dinner; or take the mister to BBQ Bootcamp for a foodie honeymoon, complete with a spice-blending class and grilling tutorials.
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