6.30.2012 ~ Destination: Pacheco Ranch Winery, California

*Wedding by Bailey*

Emily’s wedding planning journey began last fall when I was spending Thanksgiving with her family in Corvallis. This was the first time I met both Emily and her then fiancé, Tola. Because the family was together for the holiday from all parts of the west coast, Emily and her mother Diane had planned a day to go wedding dress shopping. I was excited to be invited along (much more excited than they even knew), because of course I love everything to do with weddings! After spending the majority of the day at one bridal shop, Emily was pretty sure she had found the right dress but we decided to stop at just one more place for fun. We found a store in downtown Salem called Simply Grand Bridal. We were looking around but many of the gowns were too fancy for Emily’s style. One of the ladies working in the shop gave us a small piece of advice that turned into a grand idea! She suggested that if we weren’t finding any of the bridal gowns to be the right pick, to check out the bridesmaids dresses for comparison. We browsed the dresses intended for bridesmaids, but found a dress that was almost exactly what Emily had imagined. Emily tried the dress on and we both knew that we had found the dress! It was perfect, the only thing that needed to be changed was the color, at the time Emily was wearing an ORANGE dress!

And so began the wedding planning journey. Emily and Tola were married June 30, 2012 at Pacheco Ranch Winery in Novato, California. Deb Rowland, who both lives at and runs Pacheco Ranch with her husband Herb, is the most wonderful, caring, and easy-going person to work with. She made hosting a wedding at Pacheco not only easy, but so much fun. Deb allowed us to starting preparing for the Saturday event a week in advance, letting us stop by to plan layouts, store beverages in the barn, and even cut extra grape vines to make decorations out of. 

Emily and Tola chose to get married in Novato, California so that Emily’s grandparents, who live there, would be able to attend the celebration - making it a destination wedding for all the other guests. Actually, wherever Emily and Tola would have chosen would have been turned into a destination because they had guests invited from 9 different countries! Tola was born and raised in Sweden, and met Emily while they were both studying abroad in Korea. The couple now lives in San Diego, but had guests from Sweden, China, France, Canada, and England all attend their California destination wedding. Since their guests had traveled such long distances, Emily and Tola really tried to make their wedding a giant celebration for everyone to enjoy.

Not only does Pacheco Ranch have a beautiful outdoor space where both the ceremony and reception were held, but Deb and Herb also open up their gorgeous Victorian home for the wedding party to spend the morning getting ready. The girls take over an upstairs bedroom and bathroom that is beautifully decorated with antique furniture, while the guys take the downstairs sunroom and patio where they can hang out on deck chairs and relax in the shade. While the bridal party was spending the morning getting ready, a group of Emily’s family helped transform the ranch into an elegant outdoor wedding. Emily’s Aunt Priscilla put together all of the flowers for the day including centerpieces, aisle decorations, boutonnieres, and bouquets. Forks and Fingers Catering were also tremendously helpful in setting up all the tables and chairs and making sure everything went smoothly (not to mention their food was amazing later in the night). We rented sound equipment from Corporate Media Systems for both the ceremony and reception and their staff made it so simple for me (not a techy) to use the equipment and they also were so accommodating letting us return the equipment the next day rather than pick it up at wee hours of the morning (a request of the groom).

Emily and Tola kept it traditional by waiting to see each other until Emily was walking down the aisle. We had to load Emily and her bridesmaids in a car and drive them behind a tree to be sure that Tola and the groomsmen would not see them. The ceremony included a special thanks to both families which made it heartfelt and unique. Following the ceremony, Forks and Fingers served delicious appetizers and poured glasses of Pacheco Ranch wine for the guests while Emily and Tola took pictures around the ranch with photographer David Woodfin, a local up-and-coming photography student. Tola’s best man and brother, Nil, made a speech to be remembered (or forgotten after some drinks) by having the guests cheers in all of the different forms of countries represented at the wedding. All of the guests were invited to make toasts so that everyone was included in the celebration. One of my very favorite parts of the entire wedding was a surprise flash dance for Emily. Her mom Diane planned the whole thing in advance by emailing all of the guests and sending them an instructional video to learn a line dance. We all surprised Emily with the dance, and she was truly surprised to see all of her guests break out in a synchronized dance! Tola joked with me before the wedding about how much Europeans love to drink wine and dance, but he wasn’t kidding! Bottles of Pacheco Ranch wine were served at every table but before the night was through Deb opened up the wine cellar to bring out more of her famous wine. The dancing began early in the evening and ran late into the night. Deb was so happy with the party that she let it continue until everyone’s dancing shoes were worn out for the night.

I know I could go on and on and on about this wonderful day...Emily and Tola make an amazing couple and I’m so happy I was a part of their big day. Thank you to Emily and Tola for sharing the day with me and thank you to Pacheco Ranch Winery for providing such an amazing venue!

6.9.2012 ~ Cone Chapel Couple

*Wedding by Ashley and Bailey*

Carie and Brandon got married a few months back in June at Cone Chapel in Salem.  Carie and I had emailed back and forth for a few months, and I was SO thrilled when she decided to hire us!  She is super sweet, and it was such a pleasure helping her plan and coordinate their intimate wedding.  The ladies got ready at Cone Chapel, with Carie being pampered by Face Body Beauty (Jennifer Walker did the bride's hair and makeup).  I always love sending our brides to Jennifer and her team!  They always do an amazing job and they're so fun to hang out with!  Denice from Distinctive Designs dropped off the flowers, and they were perfect (as always). She never ceases to amaze me at how she can take our clients ideas and turn them into such beautiful works of art.  Carie got her dress from a local shop in Salem called the Cat's Meow that sells stunning dresses on consignment - and they have lots of other goodies too.  I remember seeing Carie for the first time - she looked GORGEOUS and that dress was breathtaking!

Carie and Brandon kept it traditional and didn't see each other until the ceremony.  After the ceremony they took some couples pictures and bridal party pictures around Cone Chapel at Willamette University (which has some amazing locations for pictures), while the guests headed to Carie's Dad's home for the reception.  He had just bought a gorgeous property in Aumsville - and it was the perfect setting for dinner, dancing, and drinks.  It was their own private mini-resort with impeccable landscaping, water features, mature trees, and pathways.  They had a family friend provide the large selection of dinner entrees and sides and Haute Cakes and Confections provided the stunning 4-tiered cake. 

 Carie had put a lot of time and detail into the decor - she made ALL of the twine wrapped bottles, sprayed all of the flower containers, and the list goes on an on!  The favors for their guests were these really cute potted plants that also served as table decor, which went along with the setting of reception at her dad's house.  Michelle and her husband of MJ's Photography was there at every turn to capture the moments and all of the details.  Having the wedding at her dad's house, we had the opportunity to use a lot of personal, fun items like their solid wood dining table for the head table, a really unique wicker basket to hold the cards, and her family had a LOT of amazing things to use! 

I didn't meet Brandon until the day of the wedding, but it was so apparent how much he loved Carie and couldn't wait to join their families together.  One of my favorite memories from the day was when Brandon's Mom gave a speech about how much she loved Carie, and how blessed she was to have her as a daughter-in-law.  It was so sincere and genuine that it brought tears to my eyes.  I love seeing so much love when two people join families!  Brandon's kids were beyond adorable and sure kept busy on the dance floor!  Thank you Carie and Brandon for allowing us to become a part of your lives!  It was an honor working with you!

I want to give a HUGE thank you to the Stargazer Weddings Team for all of your work this day! Natalie interned with us this summer and will be starting up her own wedding coordinating company in Chicago soon (stay tuned for details about the launch of her business). As we had another wedding the day before, Natalie ran the rehearsal and the ceremony for Carie and Brandon's wedding, and it went so smoothly! Carie and her family were sure to tell me how much they loved Natalie! Bailey was in charge of setting up the reception, and she did a phenomenal job. She was given loose flowers and made amazing arrangements out of them for the centerpieces, and added all of the other decor so it all fit perfectly! She was so creative, efficient, and I'm SO thankful to have her on my team! She is booking clients, so contact her soon before she's booked! Thank you ladies for all of your hard work!

Love Story ~ Brittany & Shane

Shane and I met June 1, 2008 through mutual friends. Both of us had the desire to gain a long lasting friendship from one another. Who knew that the sparks would fly and we would fall head over heels for each other after only a couple weeks. All it took was God's timing and three and a half years later he asks me to be his wife!

The Proposal

On February 22nd, 2012, Shane called me on the phone being very nosy and asking me where I was and what I was doing. Not knowing at that time he had just secretly arrived at my parent’s house to sit down with them and ask their permission to marry me. He was so nervous and wanted to make sure I was not going to show up while he was there and ruin his surprise.

I had just gotten home from the cycling class at the gym which I did every Wednesday night at the same time and wondered why this week he had forgotten where I was. This raised questions in my mind immediately. He is not normally like this on the phone, all nosy and such...I am the one who generally asks all the questions so I wondered what was going on tonight. I had just gotten home and started making a salad and Shane phones again and says, "I'll be there at your house in ten minutes and were going to dinner so get ready." I was shocked - he was allowing me only ten minutes to get ready? This man should know by now! It takes me way longer than that just to choose what I am going to wear, let alone shower and do my hair and makeup. Well, I threw on some jeans and a shirt and shocked him and was ready to go when he showed up. We went out had a nice dinner and had great conversation. I was a little questionable about why tonight was different from any other night we went to dinner. Normally from working all day, Shane is exhausted and somewhat a little grouchy, only because he is so hungry. But tonight was not normal. He was in a great mood and very talkative.

 After dinner, Shane wanted to make a stop at his favorite park where he likes to play disc golf. I’ve gone with him many times before to walk our dog, Lola. The sun had finally gone down and the stars were out and we drove down to the parking lot at the park. Shane parked facing the parking lot, left the headlights of the pickup to shine over the park, and he took a deep look at me - I was thinking, oh great what does he want to talk about now. He looked at me and smiled, then asked me to get out of the truck with him. I hopped out so slowly and nervously waiting as to what he was about to do. He grabbed my hand and walked me to the front of the pickup, got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! By that time I was shaking with excitement but managed to get out the words, "YES!” Shane had formed a bread tie that he had gotten from my parents house just before dinner into the shape of a ring for me since he knew I wanted to pick out the ring together. It was perfect!

Photos by Kari Renee Photography

Love Story ~ Jami & Bryan

The First Date

Now, I've read through this great website enough to know that I'm a little out-numbered when it comes to men/women describing their wonderful love stories.  However, as a good 'ole country boy, waking up each morning to go haul freight and get dirty every day, I'm proud to tell this story about the best person to ever step into my life, and how the two of us ended up in the same pathway of each others lives.

   

Jami and I had plenty of years of living life to its fullest on our own before even knowing about each other.  Throughout good times, and real life hardships that we all face throughout the courses of our lives, is what makes our story so special to me.  Jami and I have always sat and laughed about it, because if it wasn't for our ambitious sisters...we'd have never met!

  
Needles to say, Jami and I were begged to meet each other (and trust me, I'm glad that we did)! We met for a drink and dinner on a Saturday afternoon, and all I can remember is how stunning Jami's eyes were, and how we both just started blabbing right away (perfect)! Our friendship began that instant, and as the night went on, it became better and better.....(and more interesting)! We left dinner to go over to her friends house later, but somehow ended up at a house that turned out not to be the right one!  Picture this - Jami and I were in the front yard of this house and I'm getting ready to sit in their jeep CJ5 parked in the driveway, while convincing Jami to ride their purple little girls bike in their front yard...when all of a sudden a man opened the front door and asked, "What are you guys doing?!?"  Jami and I simply stopped in our tracks and said "sorry, we're evidently at the wrong house sir.......sorry!" And we couldn't have walked away any faster!  We shortly thereafter found the right house thankfully!

While standing by a fire pit in the backyard at our friends house later that night, I couldn't help but to think about how funny our mishap earlier was, and how beautiful Jami was.  Absolutely the most interesting and gorgeous woman I've ever known. Again, the bliss was shortly thereafter interrupted when all of a sudden we were surrounded by the Eugene Police department SWAT TEAM! It turned out some neighbors had complained about fireworks being set off at the backyard party "which were cool," and they simply left after the owners of the house explained the cause of the noise.  Regardless, all of this action still didn't distract from the fun and the best first date that Jami and I have ever had!Our first date was priceless to us, and always will be. We both had a good feeling that night would be the first of a lifetime of laughter, growth,and moments to remember....

That first night was many moons ago, and earlier this year Jami and I took a trip to Lake Havasu, Arizona (one of Jami's favorite places) with her mother and father for a perfect warm winter getaway.  Towards the end of our week in Havasu, I went to lunch with Bruce (Jami's Dad) and asked for his permission to take Jami's hand in marriage, and Bruce gladly accepted my plea.  I proposed to my beautiful wife later that evening at one of her favorite restaurants (The Naked Turtle).  Her mom and dad, Bruce and Sue, were sitting at the same table with us while fireworks were blasting and glowing in the skies outside! I will never forget that amazing night, and now looking back, it will always be a perfect description of our love and friendship...I will never forget slipping Jami's ring onto her finger, and sharing the most important and special kiss of our lives knowing that we will have each other to confide in, trust, and rely on for the rest of our days......"bliss"....and it all started with a wrong address and a swat team!

Photos by TwentyTwo7 Photography

6.8.2012 ~ Deep Love at Historic Deepwood Estate

*Wedding by Ashley, Natalie, & Tristin*

This past June, Lisa and Andrew got married at the Historic Deepwood Estate in Salem.  This isn't too far from our loft...and I drive by this venue ALL the time.  I was thrilled when Lisa contacted me about helping with their wedding!  Such a gorgeous venue and so many options for ceremony and reception locations.  Plus they have lots of vintage, antique, and architectural items (which I love)!

The day started off with Lisa and her ladies getting ready at the loft with the talented team of Face Body Beauty.  We LOVE working with this amazing group of professional hair stylists and makeup artists.  They are phenomenal!

While the ladies were getting ready, our team was setting up and decorating the tent.  It happened to rain this day, so we went to "Plan B" under the tent.  SO thankful for venues with a Plan B option!  What I loved though was that this didn't phase Lisa or Andrew at all.  Lisa was so calm and collected throughout the day...and Andrew was overflowing with excitement.  I love to see a groom so excited on their wedding day! 

The bouquets and boutonnieres were delivered by a local flower shop, Heath Florist, and the colors were perfect!  The centerpiece flowers were actually arranged by a few friends of hers (some who were her host family from another country) and they did a fantastic job.  The rental items were delivered by A to Z Party Rentals, and that stunning cake was delivered by Cake Creations by Kirsten.  Now we were all set and ready for the guests! 

They had made fabric roses with each guest's name so they could reserve their seat, and they also had custom etched glass vases as wedding favors.  I hadn't seen these as a gift before, and I loved them.  There were tons of different sizes, shapes, heights, and the guests had fun picking out which one they wanted.  There was also a vase for guests to put some love notes in.

The ceremony was conducted by Anthony "The Wedding Judge," who always does a great job.  The ceremony was very sincere and heartfelt...and got me teary eyed.  Hearing the love proclaimed from each of them for the other was so moving.  I also loved their unique hand-washing ceremony.  Once it was official, Andrew gave a big "yahoo" gesture.  He was SO excited!  My other favorite part was when they stopped half way down the aisle and called out to their dog, JuJu, who came running up to meet them and walk out with them as a little family.

The guests enjoyed appetizers and drinks (including a bunch of mini-"mocktails") from Sassy Onion, who also provided dinner later on.  Their staff was so easy to work with!  There was LOTS and lots of dancing, with Kevin from NW Mobile DJ Service  keeping the party going throughout the night.  During the speeches, Lisa and Andrew were presented with some very sentimental gifts from their loved ones.  Her mom's toast brought me to tears (there was SO much deep love on this day). 

From the beginning of the day, there were two vendors that were present to capture all of the memories - Emily from Emily Hall Photography and Ryan from Focal Point Digital Media.  Talk about a dream team!  They worked SO well together (which was no surprise to me because they are some of my favorite people)...but on top of that their quality is top-notch.

I know I always have lots of favorite parts to each wedding that I do, but the horse-drawn carriage getaway was the best!  Andrew had been working on the perfect getaway for months before the wedding, and I'm so happy that he chose Horsepower Carriages.  They were prompt, on time, and their horses were stunning.  I mean, look at them!  Watching them ride off into the evening was so romantic...

Lisa and Andrew - thank you SO much for having us be a part of your day! It was such a pleasure getting to know you, your families, and your special guests!  Tell JuJu the Stargazer team says hello! 

Levi and Christine's Review ~ 8.14.2011

Stargazer Weddings provided day of planning and coordination. Although I planned the wedding, Stargazer provided valuable wedding planning input in the weeks before the wedding. The week before, when I needed a new plan for a cake, Stargazer was right there and saved me and my dessert debacle. The day of, they were in the forefront making sure each detail was how I wanted it so I could relax, be a bride, and enjoy my day! I would advise anyone to use Stargazer Weddings!

Photo by Steady State Studios

Jace and Lacey's Review ~ 7.23.2011

Ashley was super helpful when we were planning our wedding, even though I live in Wisconsin. She and I had emailed one another back and forth plenty of times sharing ideas, and we also had conversations over the phone. When it came time to actually meeting, two days before our wedding, she helped with everything I needed help with. She ran to the stores buying some last minute decorations for us, helped me with decorating, and also gave me advice for our wedding planning. Her ideas and advice became so comforting to me. When it came to the day-of, she became our life saver! She did everything for such as lacing my dress, driving me to my husband to get pictures taken, and even getting all the guys ready for the ceremony. I honestly don't know what I would have done without Ashley, especially on the day-of. I know I couldn't have done this alone. I would recommend Ashley to anyone!

Photo by James Stokes Photography

Ryan and Ruby's Review ~ 7.20.2011

Ashley of Stargazer Weddings was a true gem! Us brides and husbands-to-be spend so much time, money, and energy into planning the details we want, why not have Ashley deal with the things we don't want to deal with right? We kept hearing couples tell us they regret not hiring two types of vendors: a videographer and a rehearsal/wedding day-of coordinator. We did both! We are so grateful we did, no regrets! What I'm most grateful for is that we hired the right person, Ashley! I interviewed her and another team. I knew Ashley had the job after she spoke to me for about 5 minutes. She is detail oriented, responsive, organized, caring, and energetic! What I love most about Ashley is that she is reliable and not even close to burnt out. Her enthusiasm inspires me! Not only is she affordable, she offers top quality service!

 

Photo by Ambient Sky