Travel professionals versus the on-line booking engine.

Travel professionals versus the on-line booking engine.

Why you should seek the professional

In this day and age of internet websites, you can find anything you want, at anytime - day or night.  Travel professionals are up against the on-line giants who claim they have the best prices and “hottest deals” anywhere to be found. But, do you really know what you’re purchasing? And are you sure you have a real person you can contact when your once-in-a-life-time trip isn’t at all what you had expected? The fact is, on-line booking engines won’t tell you if a property is in need of renovations, in the midst of construction, or any other inconveniences. What about locations, best time to visit, local events? What if you missed your flight? The list is endless.

 Travel professionals have the tools that are needed to ensure your Honeymoon is all you expect it to be. We know what is going on at your destination and the surrounding area. We Are The Experts. We go to seminars, have routine meetings with tour operators, and daily drills that cover the latest specials. We go on educational trips to experience the wonderful places we can recommend to our Brides and Grooms.  We know the destinations, and if we haven’t personally experienced a particular location we have tools and resources to contact the experts who have.  I personally send a message to the manager on property informing them of your arrival, and letting them know you’re celebrating your honeymoon. Our partners are happy to give our clients the VIP treatment and prepare ahead of time for your special occasion.

     When planning a vacation, please choose the professionals. We have been were you want to go!

Kathleen Schultz

Professional Travel Consultant
Visit Kathy and see travel options here!

CHOOSING AN OFFICIANT FOR YOUR WEDDING

CHOOSING AN OFFICIANT FOR YOUR WEDDING

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! This is undoubtedly an exciting time for you and your beloved as you plan the special event that marks the beginning of your life together as a married couple. 

At the heart of your wedding celebration is the ceremony that unites the two of you before your family and friends. The vows of love and commitment that you exchange on this day set the stage for your happy and successful marriage. Your wedding ceremony should be special, unique, and perfect for you. 

The most important consideration, when choosing a wedding officiant, is finding someone with whom you feel comfortable and who feels honored and delighted to be sharing your special day with you.

Here are some questions to consider as you make this important decision:

1. Is he or she available on your date? (If not, do they have a referral list?)

2. What is the officiant’s spiritual background, and would he or she be incorporating those beliefs in your ceremony? (If you prefer no spiritual references, would the officiant be comfortable with that?)

3. How much experience do they have performing weddings and do they have references available?

4. Can the bride and groom write their own vows, or any other part of the ceremony?  

5. If you have special needs, such as interfaith, family blending, cultural rituals, etc., do they have experience including those elements in a ceremony?

6. What is their fee, and what does it include?  Such items to be included could be: prepare and perform the ceremony, attend the rehearsal and filing the marriage license. Are there any extra fees, such as for travel or extra time? Will you be able to sign a contract with them?

7. Will you be able to review the ceremony before the wedding? If you wish to make changes, are you allowed to do so, and is there any extra cost for changes?

8. Approximately how long will the ceremony last?

9. Is the officiant available to attend / conduct the rehearsal?

10. Do they offer (or require) pre-marital counseling?

11. In case of emergency, do they have a backup person to perform the wedding?

12. Will he or she meet with you, at no cost or obligation to you, to see if you are “a good fit”?

May you find the perfect officiant for your wedding, and may you enjoy a long and happy marriage!

Kaitlin and Jason DuBray Wedding

Kaitlin & Jason DuBray

October 10, 2010

"Magical, Perfect, FUN!"

Ceremony Site: Grand Sierra Pointe, Forest House Lodge 







Officiant:  Judge Tom Cecil

"Judge Tom made us feel so comfortable and really customized the whole ceremony so that it was truly about the two of us and not just a cookie cutter ceremony. He even suggested a few pieces for the ceremony that we would never have thought of otherwise like presenting flowers to our mothers during the ceremony to thank them for raising us and teaching us about love." 

Ceremony Music:  Gary McAlister, First Class Entertainment, www.packeddancefloor.com 

Photographer:  Allison Lal, Pin Up Weddings, www.pinupweddings.com 

"We absolutely adore Allison from Pin Up Weddings, and recommend her to everyone – she made us feel so comfortable and created so many beautiful pictures."

Reception Site: Forest House Lodge 
Hair:  Bride’s Aunt
Make-up:  Bride

Bridal Attire:  David’s Bridal; ivory lace strapless gown with a pick up skirt & a champagne sash

Bridesmaid Attire: David’s Bridal; eggplant strapless with a knee length skirt & pockets

Bridesmaids gifts: Black pashminas, silver necklaces, purple flip flops
Groom's Attire:  Men’s Warehouse; black tux, white shirt, black vest, black bowtie, & ivory pocket square

How did the Groom differ from the Groomsmen?: Black vest & tie instead of brown
Groomsmen Attire:  Black tux, white shirt, brown vest, brown bowtie & ivory pocketsquare

Groomsmen Gifts: Engraved Magnum flashlights, engraved money clips
Bride's Jeweler: Zales

Groom's Jeweler:  Rogers

Save-the-dates: www.vistaprint.com – "we used magnetic business cards"
Invitations: Dear Violet Design (Etsy) -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DearVioletDesign?ref=shop_sugg
Place Cards:  "We used various shades of purple cardstock and a printable cootie catcher template.  The cootie catcher instructed people to do fun things during the reception (get a drink, hit the dance floor, etc.) and in the very center was a thank you for celebrating with us. They were fun and turned out amazing."

Thank You Cards:  'Plain and Simple' – "I think we got them from Target or Office Depot"

Ceremony site décor: Mother Nature

Flowers:  Cheryl Porter

"Cheryl created absolutely gorgeous bouquets for my bridesmaids and I, and our centerpieces were exactly what we had envisioned."

Favors:  Jordan almonds wrapped in purple tulle  
Table Linens: Ivory with brown napkins; provided by the Forest House    
Caterer: Forest House Lodge 

Cake: Forest House Lodge; Flavors: White Chocolate Raspberry and Triple Chocolate
"Monica’s cake was a masterpiece – even a year later, and we loved how our cake turned out. We saved our top and Jason’s mom preserved it (after a lot of research online).  When we ate it on our 1 year wedding anniversary it was still AMAZING."

DJ/Entertainment:  Gary McAlister, First Class Entertainment, www.packeddancefloor.com 

"Gary kept the dance floor fun and exciting which is hard to do at a small wedding with an open bar. He even stayed late for us since everyone was still dancing when he was scheduled to leave." 

First Dance Song:  'Soulmates' by Josh Turner
Father/Daughter Dance Song:  'Then They Do' by Trace Adkins
Mother/Son Dance Song:  'A Song for My Son' (Country Version)
Money Dance Song: 'If I Had a Million Dollars' by Barenaked Ladies
Cake Cutting Song: 'I Wanna Grow Old with You' by Adam Sandler
Bouquet Toss Song: 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun' by Cyndi Lauper
Garter Toss Song: 'Cherry Pie' by Warrant

Signature Drink: "We had over 30 people take a Purple Hooter shot at 10:10 pm since our wedding date was 10.10.10"

Colors: Eggplant & Dark Brown

Guest Book: "We used three photo mats and had people sign those, inside the mats was one baby picture of Kaitlin, one baby picture of Jason and the third mat had one of our engagement photos."

Honeymoon Location:  Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Dreams Resort

Quotes/Feedback about vendors or Forest House: " Kathryn was a lifesaver and we were so lucky to have her with us to help plan our day. We loved every minute of working with her."  

Advice to upcoming/planning for Brides and Grooms: "During all the craziness of planning, never forget why you are doing what you are doing – because you love each other.  Stop and take time to be a couple, go on dates and DON’T talk about the wedding.  It will be good for you."

Special Delivery...

CHAIRS, CHAIRS, CHAIRS!!!

You spoke and were heard; an upgrade from our current selection of folding banquet chair was purchased this week and delivered today! 

Constructed from hardwood, lacquered and then topped with a padded, vinyl upholstered seat, this classic and neutral colored chair will keep your guests comfortable and happy for hours!

Photography & The Importance of Running on Time

Tips for Running on Time During You Big Day!

For us photographers, it is so important to be on time on your wedding day. This will ensure that you are getting all of the photos before the ceremony that you dreamed of.  It will also ensure that you will not have to take duplicate family formals after the ceremony. The following consists of a few things that you can do to get ready before your photographer arrives: 

See some of Allison's work at the Forest House

• Firstly, have your hair and make-up completed or at least 95% done by the time your photographer is scheduled to arrive, unless you have arranged for your photographer to be there early. Make sure your stylist knows that you need to be ready by a certain time.

• Put out all of your details so they are ready to be photographed (shoes, jewelry, garter, etc)

• Make sure all of your bridesmaids, mother, and anyone helping you get into your dress, are already dressed in their wedding attire.

• Clean up any clutter in the area that you are planning on putting on your dress.  (A photo with an open suitcase with jeans coming out of it is not a pretty background!)

• Additionally, your florist should have all of the table arrangements done one hour before your ceremony starts and as well, any details at the Lodge.  We like to make sure all of your decorative details are photographed before the ceremony.

• For the sake of efficiency, have your bridal bouquets and corsages for mothers and family placed in the bridal salon. 

• Have Kathryn or her staff pin the boutonnieres on the Groom, groomsmen, fathers, grandfathers and ring bearers before their formal photos are started.

Lastly, I would suggest making a checklist of things that need to be done before your photographer arrives.  You can give it to your bridesmaids to make sure everything is done and ready to go. Need ideas on creative ways to make a list of to do things for your bridesmaids? We have some for you here!

You as a bride have one big job on your wedding day - to look beautiful. Oh, and remember to smile!

To see more of Allison's work or learn more about her and her love for photography click here!

Legacy Wedding

Lindsey & Eric 

August 26, 2011

The Story Behind the Couple: 

Eric and Lindsey met on a blind date in 2008. Both Eric and Lindsey were single parents. Eric to Maddux (age 2) and Lindsey to Olivia (age 1) They immediately had a connection and began dating. Shortly after they met, Eric and Lindsey decided to start their life together and added Parker James their youngest child to the family. Continuing with the "backwards" theme they decided to buy a house. After a short 6 months of searching for a house they found one, moved in and planned a house warming party. If you know Lindsey, you know she plans a party for EVERYTHING! Eric took this house warming party as a perfect time to purpose to Lindsey in front of her whole family and group of friends. A little over a year after they got engaged Eric and Lindsey tied the knot. If there was one thing that was important to the Bride and Groom it was including their kids in not only the special day but the planning of the special day. Their wedding was a true reflection of family unity, fun-loving and a joyous day.

Invitations:  Etsy.com


Added Detail: Lindsey added a vintage feel to the piano with an old luggage piece for guests to place their cards in upon arrival.

Place Cards:  Hand made vintage chalkboards

Thank You Cards:  Photo of Bride and Groom on a postcard printed from Costco.com. Lindsey chose to do a postcard style thank you because postage is cheaper and she could have everything pre-done and just add special notes to each guest prior to shipping. 

Ceremony Site: Forest House Lodge 

Aisle Decor: Framed pictures of Bride and Groom on alternating chairs was hanging floral decor

Ceremony Additions: Sand Ceremony with our kids

Officiant:  Youth Pastor from High School Group; Larry Dean

Ceremony Music:

Music as guest arrived- DJ choice

Bridal Party- You've Got a Friend

Bride and Father-Cannon D- Guitar Version 

Recession- Stuck On You by Sugarland

Photographer: Bella Lu Photography  Meet their Photographers Here 

Reception Site: Forest House Lodge 

Hair:  Maid of Honor

Make-up:  Rachel Elise Groves Meet Rachel Groves; Make Up Artist

Bridal Attire: Dress was bought at House of Fashion in Sacramento and Shoes were from DSW in Folsom. Garter was handmade from Etsy.com

Bridesmaid Attire:  Davids Bridal- See the dress here at Davids Bridal 

Flower Girl Attire:  Hand made Tu-Tu and Leotard with Sparkle shoes and wand

Groom's Attire:  Suits purchased from Men's Warehouse. Eric wore a cream color shirt to be different then his grooms men but still wore a Lapis colored tie so he "tied" in with the groomsmen. Eric wore a tie clip that had "T" on it that belong to his grandfather. 

Groomsmen Attire:  Men's WH suits. They wore Lapis colored shirts and ties. Their oldest son, Maddux, was a Jr. Groomsmen and wore a suit from Costco that was purchased on sale after Easter for $17. It was a lighter purple but they had their dads wear lighter shades of purple to tie it all in. Eric and Lindsey purchased dog tag necklaces for their boys that were monogrammed with their initials on the front an a verse from the bible on the back. During the ceremony Maddux stood with the best man.

Ring bearer Attire:  Eric and Lindsey's youngest son, Parker, was their Ring bearer and he wore an Easter special suit that was purchased Costco.

Bride's Jeweler:  Day of jewelery was Brighton and Wedding ring was from the Diamond exchange in San Francisco, CA.

Groom's Jeweler:  Grooms ring was from Windsor Diamonds in Folsom, CA

Flowers:  Kristi Landphere with The Posh Poesy did Lindsey's personal flowers, bridesmaids flowers, and ceremony flowers. She also created the Groom's boutonniere. Lindsey made handmade boutonnieres for the groomsmen.. (see below) See Kristi's work

Groomsmen Boutonnieres: Lindsey wanted the groomsmen boutonnieres to be a conversation starter. She created them based off of a "story" or memory that Eric had about each guy. They were very surprised on the day of when they got presented with these unique boutonnieres. Each one of them new exactly why theirs was what it was when they received them. 

Caterer: Forest House Lodge

Mashed Potato Bar

Cake: Forest House Lodge did a cake for Eric and Lindsey. However, with the Bride and Groom not being a big fan of cake they also did a dessert buffet. See more Forest House Cakes by Monica here

DJ/Entertainment:  Mike Regan with Mr. DJ Services  Meet the amazing Mike!

Father/Daughter Dance Song:  Steven Curtis Chapman, Cinderella

Mother/Son Dance Song:  Bette Midler, The Wind Beneath My Wings
Money Dance Song:  None
Cake Cutting Song:  How Sweet It is to Be Loved By You
Bouquet Toss Song: Ladies Night by Kool
Garter Toss Song:  Another One Bites the Dust

Favors:  Candy Bar. Lindsey says; "This is such a fun way to get people up and moving around while also saying, "Thank you for coming and celebrating with us." Eric and Lindsey also had a DIY photo booth and props. They set up their personal camera on a tripod and then posted to Facebook and emailed them to their guests. 

"How sweet it is to be loved by you.."

Table Linens:  Forest House Linens with Brown crinkle overlays from Celebrations Party Rentals in Roseville, CA

Honeymoon Location:  Carmel,CA.

Guest Book- Creative Memories Album Pages to be interested into our album; made by my mother

Colors: Ivory, Lapis, Natural tones

Signature Drinks- Sailor Jerry's and Diet Coke and Fresh Strawberry Margarita

Gifts for Groomsmen: Beer Cozies, Travel bags, Grooming kits

Gifts for the Bridesmaids: Travel Bags and Spa kits

Table Decor: There were four square tables that were decorated with handmade manzanita trees with a moss covered base and hanging candles. The table numbers were herb garden sticks with chalk written table numbers. On the circle tables Lindsey and Eric chose to decorate using vintage lanterns with Ivory candles inside, moss accents and tea lights surround. Table numbers were paper numbers being held by a wood stump. The napkins have a twig napkin holder that added dimension and depth to the table.

Memory Table: It was important to Eric and Lindsey to honor the beloved guests that were no longer with their family. Lindsey placed photos in old vintage books and dedicated an old poem, song or quote to them on the front inside cover of the book.