Growing up at the Jersey Shore I wanted to be the Beach Boys’ Surfer Girl. In the winter I was California Dreamin’ with the Mamas and the Pappas. I wanted to drive the Ventura Highway with America and wondered if I did know the way to San Jose with Dionne Warwick.
As winter rapidly approaches here on the East coast I am not dreaming of a white Christmas. I’m dreaming of the sunshine and warm breezes of southern California and the valleys and bays of northern California. Thinking of how to use this inspiration for event design I turned to the Fairmont Hotels in locations from San Francisco to San Diego. Beautiful, elegant, classic – words our brides use to describe the feel of their wedding day – that’s how you feel at a Fairmont Hotel. Herewith photos from each Fairmont Hotel in California with my own inspiration key words and photos from ATB events to match…….
Fairmont Heritage Place at Ghirardelli Square & Fairmont San Francisco INSPIRATION KEY WORDS: Chocolate, Cable Cars, Sophisticated EleganceChocolate roses lined the aisle at this historic Catholic church in Cape May. Photo courtesy of Foschi PhotographyRoad worthy trolley transported the bridal party to the Monmouth County park where Kristin and Adam said their vows in a barn and partied under a tent. Photo courtesy of Tony Yang Photography.Kristiann and Nick’s elegant head table featured letterpress menus, Mercury glass candle sticks of varying heights interspersed with lush floral arrangements on cake stands to give them just enough height. Photo courtesy of Jeff Tisman Photography.Claremont Club & Spa a Fairmont Hotel in Berkeley, CA INSPIRATION KEY WORDS: Smart, Organic, HistoricHeather wanted all sustainable, recyclable materials for her wedding to Tim at his parents’ estate in Colts Neck. Their wedding arbor was made with trees and vines from the property. The sand was from their favorite NJ and CA beaches. Photo courtesy of ADC Photography.Floral designer used local organic roses and peonies to create the custom sweetheart table under a canopy of muslin on a raised platform. Photo courtesy of The Studio Photographers.Julie and Mike were married at the historic Allaire State Park where the buildings date back to the 1800s. Photo courtesy of The Artist Group.Fairmont San Jose INSPIRATION KEY WORDS: Trend Setting, Tech Centered, Diversity, Sparkle & ShineAlison and Austen used the most up to date lighting and video technologies for their New Year’s Eve wedding turning a hotel ballroom into an upscale nightclub to party on well after midnight. Photo courtesy of John Arcara PhotographyDana and Cyril’s wedding highlighted the diversity of their backgrounds. Cyril set the trend with this pocket square boutonniere. Photo courtesy of The Artist GroupBrooke wanted sparkle and shine everywhere when she married Chris. Sequined linens from CA linen company La Tavola helped set the mood. Photo courtesy of John Arcara Photography.Farimont Newport Beach INSPIRATION KEY WORDS: Bringing the outside inThe event designer transformed the farm tables used for the head table into an outdoor garden that looks as if it is part of the landscape just beyond the windows. Photo courtesy of Images by Berit.The fountain in the outdoor garden reception area was enhanced with a head full of flowers. Photo courtesy of clients.CA girl Morgan brought the outside in to the ceremony barn by using potted trees and fall colors to highlight her October wedding to NJ boy Craig. Photo courtesy of Images by Berit.Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica INSPIRATION KEY WORDS: Athletic, Fun, SunshineCaitlyn and Patrick and their bridal party rode bicycles from their wedding on the beach to their boathouse reception venue on the bay. Photo courtesy of clients.Matt gave up getting a kayak in order to buy Johanna an engagement ring. Johanna paid tribute to him with this custom groom’s cake. Photo courtesy of John Arcara PhotographyIt stopped raining long enough on Jen and Paulo’s wedding day to fulfill their wish of getting married “feet in the sand” even if the sand was on the bay and not the ocean as originally planned. Photo courtesy of Jeff Tisman Photography.Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego INSPIRATION KEY WORDS: Rustic, Colorful, Geographically DiverseMarissa and Aric were married across the street from the ocean in Cape May. Bright yellow flowers on the huppah and in the girls bouquets were a focal point. Photo courtesy of John Decker PhotographyCut logs and burlap enhance the rustic feel of Kristin and Adam’s wedding reception. Photo courtesy of Tony Yang PhotographyChristina and Louis’s oceanfront wedding under a white tent featured pops of color from bright monochromatic flower arrangements. Photo courtesy of Jenifer Rutherford Photography
