Venue Spotlight, Falkirk Cultural Center

Looking for a venue with some history in the Bay Area? the Falkilk Cultural Center may just be your cup a tea. A 19th century country estate listed on the National Historic Register, and owned and operated by the City of San Rafael, this beautiful venue has served the community for more than 35 years in the areas of art, history and gardening.

The 17-room mansion features an outside verandah, rolling grounds, a wedding lawn, multiple gardens and a greenhouse. It sits on 11 acres and rentals include four downstairs rooms, two bathrooms, the verandah, the wedding lawn and gardens, a kitchen, a butler’s pantry and an upstairs dressing room. Bonus? The majority of the rooms are wheelchair accessible. The property fits up to 100 guests in the winter months and up to 125 in the spring and summer. There are tables and chairs for use, as well as a baby grand piano, and the stairway with stained glass windows and the entry stairway outside are favorite places for memorable photos.

When it comes to weddings, Cory Bytof, the Falkirk Culural Center Program Coordinator, tells us: “You’ll find us friendly, affordable and reasonable in accommodating your needs. Falkirk is a charming, elegant facility with small rooms ideal for weddings where a couple wants to have multiple environments for different aspects of the wedding. Our room layout affords guests to enjoy easy access to all areas of the house and gardens, with the ability to mingle in smaller groups closer to or further away from the music and entertainments.”


The Falkirk staff goes out of their way to make you feel comfortable and is equally at home responding to your needs or staying out of your way. And get this: While many of Marin’s finest caterers have worked at Falkirk, they have no restrictions on use of caterers. You can create your wedding as you see fit, using whichever caterer you choose at any level of food service. “It’s like having your wedding in your very own grand Victorian home,” Cory says. We think that sounds divine.

Visit today at http://www.falkirkculturalcenter.org/

Vendor Spotlight: Todd Parsons, Photographer

Todd Parsons tells us about getting his head start to becoming a photographer: “When I was a kid, my family moved around a lot. To make friends, I learned quickly to get a handle on any situation, read people and make them feel relaxed and comfortable. I've studied how to allow people to be themselves my whole life. It was the perfect apprenticeship on the way to becoming a photographer."

When we asked him ‘why weddings?’ he tells us, “I remember when the lightening bolt struck. I was at a friend's wedding, the ‘I want to do this’ moment. The energy, the family, the love. Weddings bring out so many emotions and they are a fascinating experience. I have been behind the camera many times with a tear streaking down; I can't help but sometimes getting wrapped up in it all.”

Todd tells us he looks at work from other photographers whom he respects and admires for inspiration. He loves the outdoors and is equally fascinated with urban landscape. He also stresses that constant education is critical explaining, “Technology is changing so fast, and photographers have to stay ahead of the curve. I attend several workshops a year, sometimes wedding related, but most of the time not. Yet I find applying knowledge learned from photographing landscapes or action sports leads to wonderful wedding images.”

Why Todd? “My clients can expect 100% satisfaction, professionalism and a good-natured human being. Style is important but so is a personal connection with each other. I let my brides know that, ‘Hey, I've got it covered. Of all the things you're going to worry about, photography isn't one of them.’ Grooms? Just buy them a beer and they're good.”
To view more of Todd’s beautiful work, visit:
http://www.toddparsons.net/

Venue Spotlight: Legion of Honor, San Francisco

Image credit: Flory Photo

Quintessential San Francisco, The Legion of Honor has everything you could possibly want in a venue for your Big Day, should you host a city wedding: romance, fine art and views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The Legion was built as a three-quarter representation of the Palais de la Légion d'Honneur in Paris. There is no other location in the world in which you can have a seated reception among Rodin Sculptures—we can just imagine! And should you choose to have your ceremony on the Balustrade Lawn, your guests will ooh-and-aah at the views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, and the Pacific Ocean.

For many years, the Legion of Honor did not allow private, social events such as weddings. But being such a huge part of San Francisco culture, they’re now honored to be able to host private events. Dani Lamas, Events Manager, loves to hear why couples choose the Legion. “Memories of viewing the exhibits with their family, where they met, where they got engaged, we truly become a part of their lives and they want to celebrate their love here with art and culture.” she tells us.

Image Credit Above Right: Anabelle Wedding- Liz Edlund

If you choose the Legion, expect to communicate with one person from beginning to end when it comes to making decisions about your wedding there. Dani will take your first phone call or email and will be present on the day of the wedding. “In the those planning months, we are happy to suggest vendors to fit each client’s wishes and vision of the day,” she explains, as they have built many quality relationships with local wedding vendors.

Image credit: Drew Alitzer for the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

Because the space is so beautiful and special, Dani tells us about some of the unique events they’ve hosted. “We have been honored to host events for dignitaries, royalty, celebrities and many others. As a nonprofit, our development team plans events to raise funds for our exhibitions and further our museum.” Though she doesn’t forget to mention, the most special of events are when a couple meets at the end of the aisle ready to embark are their new lives together. Now, that is special…!

Image credit: Got Light

Learn more at: http://www.famsf.org/

Vendor Spotlight: Andrew Weeks, Photographer

Photographer Andrew Weeks began, like many young photographers, as a photographer’s assistant, carrying sand bags and cleaning lenses. One day the photographer let him shoot a few snaps of a wedding and that was it: Andrew fell in love with the art form. After that, he worked for several wedding and editorial photographers who gave him the perfect foundation and support that he needed to launch a great career flying solo. And he hasn’t looked back!

Andrew believes he has the best job in the world, telling us, “I get to capture these amazing moments in people’s lives, and know that on their 50th wedding anniversary my photos will bring them back to how they felt on their wedding day. It is an amazing feeling, knowing that my art can do that for someone.” Swoon.

Among his creative inspirations, Andrew has a soft spot for painters: especially Matisse, Seurat, and Rembrandt. Andrew not only shoots about 25 weddings a year, but he also shoots editorial for magazines, children’s portraiture, and exhibits his travel photography in art galleries. A favorite recent assignment has been shooting fashion spreads for Our Wedding magazine.

In an area filled to the brim with wedding photographers, Andrew stands out because he shoots exclusively digital photography. But, since he was trained on film, his images have a unique look-and-feel to them. Fresh, modern, and classic are all words that come to mind when describing his work. Now go see for yourself why we think Andrew is truly worth looking in to for your big day. View his work at:

http://www.andrewweeksphotographyweddings.com/
http://www.weeksphotography.com/blog

Julia's Fashion File: Bubble Gum, Be Gone

Having been a Maid Of Honor myself, I know that shopping for bridesmaids’ dresses can be a bit tricky. Lucky for me, the bride chose an elegant, affordable dress that I still like to this day. However, ‘tis not the case for many maids and matrons out there adorning bubble gum pink mermaid dresses or who-knows-what-else down the aisle.

I have three rules when it comes to bridesmaid dress shopping:

• It should be affordable by today’s standards. Not everyone has the money or the desire to drop upwards of $300 on a dress that they'll more than likely only wear once.

• It should be a style that will flatter all of your bridesmaids’ body types. Consider allowing your bridesmaids to pick their own style of your chosen designer and color.
  
• It is always a plus when your bridesmaids can use the dress again. It’s a long shot, but there are so many fashionable bridesmaid dresses out there these days.

After doing a little site searching, I came across this fantastic site for dresses: http://www.bridesmaids.com/. One (affordable!) designer in particular, Bari Jay, really caught my eye. I prefer a sassy short-length bridesmaid dress, and if I had to choose between some of the designs from this site, I would be a happy woman. The charmeuse, strapless bubble dress with a front twist bodice in green is my favorite style, but I also love-love-love the petal-detailed strapless dress, because it's so different from the stuff I've seen and it's completely wearable outside of a wedding.

There were also a few floor length designs that caught my eye. My favorite is the gown with the overlap bust and brown band but for longer lengths (on top), I found myself actually liking most of her stuff.














These designs are proof that there are definitely endless options to have classy, modern, beautiful bridesmaids… without stealing your thunder.

XOXO Jules

Vendor Spotlight: Dorothy Hatchel, Photographer

View her work and musings at:

http://www.dorothyhatchel.com/
http://www.dorothyhatchel.com/blog/

We at Bridebound are proud to say that we have been photographed by Dorothy. And we can tell you, she is professional and almost magical: you barely know she’s there. But she just seemed to be able capture the evening perfectly.

Dorothy’s background is truly unique. She worked in special effects for film and, impressively, at Industrial Light & Magic studio. Inspired by her own wedding, she decided to pursue her passion for wedding photography. Her photography is truly refined. She loves using natural light and her distinct perspective is evident. And her rates begin at $3000, which in the Bay Area is pretty fabulous considering what you get: perfection!

Julia's Fashion File: Make or Break, Headband or Tiara !

We all know accessories can make or break an outfit and when you're walking down the isle, this is an especially important thing to keep in mind. The last thing you want is to look like a gaudy mess. Your guests should be transfixed on your beauty and elegance, your husband and the gorgeous gown you've chosen. I've always been one to step outside of the box a little when it comes to jewelry but as a bride, I would stick to a few elegant pieces that I adore.

With today's post I'd like to focus on headbands. They can often be overlooked or misused. You can go very (VERY) wrong when choosing a headband (e.g. tacky rhinestones, too much embellishment, huge princess tiara...eeeeek!) and that could be why some brides steer clear. However, I have seen some gorgeous selections that have topped off the dress, hair, and jewelry beautifully.

When I embarked on my search for a couple perfect headbands I came across this gorgeous Swarovski crystals and Freshwater Pearls tiara (I don't like the term tiara but that's technically what this is classified as) on http://www.bridalfashionmall.com/. I had to sift through a lot of the aforementioned fashion no-no's but this one really stood out to me. It's delicate, sweet and with the right dress, will only embellish your style.

A great alternative to the more traditional style headband is wearing one from ribbon. For example, this one is made from sheer ribbon, is delicate and ornamented gorgeously. Wearing a ribbon option could also help with those pesky headaches that we so often get from wearing a metal or plastic headband.
If and when you decide to choose a headband, my advice to you gorgeous brides is to stay true to your authentic style while keeping in mind that you don't want it to overpower all the other things you've worked so hard at putting together.

xoxo

Jules

Vendor Spotlight: Torryne Choate, Floral Designer

Torryne Choate, Floral Designer
www.birchsf.com

For Torryne Choate, weddings just never get old. “I tear up each and every time,” she sees the bride in her dress and her reaction to her bouquet. Torryne takes great pleasure in working with each client individually to create a one-of-a-kind look for their big day.

A florist for 19 years, Torryne began as an apprentice and quickly became a staff designer at a small florist in Los Altos, California. She told herself that as long as she enjoyed working with flowers, she would continue. To this day she loves her profession and now has her own company, Birch SF. Her storefront in Hayes Valley is beautiful and modern; design magazines stack the walls, as do unique plants and flowers and gifts. And her adorable Jack Russell terrier may even greet you with a ball if you’re lucky – he’s a ham.

In addition to her daughter, music, fashion, and her friends, what inspires Torryne: “I start each day at the flower market, selecting my product for the day. I liken this daily experience to choosing my paint colors for my work.” She’s a true artist – and you can tell by the way she describes the experience.

One of the most unique jobs she’s ever done happened for a bride that had an upscale farm stand. Torryne created fresh soil mounds running down the center line, adorned with farm-stand fruits, vegetables and rustic flowers. Aaah, the fruits of labor. Check out Torryne’s website for her most original creations.